ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the key concepts discussed in the preceding chapter. The book discusses the intersections between difficult histories and contemporary identities that are at best marginalized and at worst the subjects of tremendous violence. It argues that lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender youth and adults navigate dangerous terrain every day of their lives, experiences rooted not only in their contemporary marginalized identities, but intensified by the absence of their very existence within the historical narratives of every society. The book demonstrates the significance of nationality as a singular and extremely important concept of identity that influences young people’s perspectives on the past. For Schmidt, the connection between the identities of the young people she interviewed and the national histories they constructed were uncomplicated and relatively untroubled. The implications of Peck’s inquiry for teaching and learning difficult histories beg questions that are ripe for research.
