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Acknowledgments Writing a book takes years, and I have depended on the support and gen- erosity of so many. I want to thank my editor at Praeger, James Ciment, for approaching me to write this book to begin with. In many ways it fl owed naturally from my previous work, and as the culture wars sharp- ened following the election of 2016 the subject became more and more relevant. I hope this narrative proves useful to readers as we continue to navigate deep cultural and political divisions. I am thankful to the edito- rial and production teams at Praeger. And I also wish to acknowledge the Summer Fellowship I received from Rider University, which made the completion of this project possible. I count myself lucky to be a part of several generous and engaged com- munities. I am grateful to the friends, fellow historians, and colleagues who read chapter drafts along the way. This includes the Women’s and Gender History Writing Group, Brooke Hunter, Anne Osborne, Tanya Moakler, and Sarah Graizbord. I must thank the many funny and kind academics in the #GraftonLine writing group, who helped keep me accountable on a daily basis. Colleagues in the History Department and the Gender and Sex- uality Studies Program at Rider offer much-appreciated camaraderie and encouragement day in and day out. And I am also so thankful for my stu- dents, who continually remind me that history is important, that it matters, and that it brings great meaning to our lives, especially in times of uncertainty. I spent many hours writing and editing at the dining room table, but my family and friends made sure that was not all I did. The women I grew up with and will grow old with, my dear college roommate, and my wise and funny friends here in my new hometown provided levity and reas- surance whenever I needed it. I have laughed, a lot, and I am loved. I am thankful for them.