Reviews (3)

Thoughtful introduction to radical political action
In this anthology of essays from her political career, Smith challenges America and the social science fields to recognize the multi-layered experience of queer women of color whose histories have been marginalized and erased in every single way imaginable. Better yet, she emphasizes that this struggle (through whatever means) is by nature hard, long and certainly not glamorus. Intriguing perspectives on race, sexuality, and art
Since the mid-1970s, Barbara Smith has been one of the United States' most productive and distinctive public intellectuals. As a critic, essayist, editor, and publisher, she has made available some incisive analyses and explorations of the paradoxes of American culture. And she has always written boldly and confidently from her own perspective as an African-American lesbian and feminist. Excellent read!
I encourage everyone to read this new collection by Barbara Smith.She is one of the greatest writers of our time, and this new book will not disappoint. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. African American authors    2. African American women    3. American literature    4. Civil rights    5. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - General    6. History and criticism    7. Lesbian Studies    8. Lesbian feminism    9. Lesbians    10. Minority Studies - Race Relations    11. Social Science    12. Sociology    13. U.S. - Political And Civil Rights Of Blacks    14. United States    15. Women's Studies - General    16. Anthropology    17. Black studies    18. Gay & Lesbian studies    19. Smith, Barbara    20. USA    21. Women's studies   

Reviews (1)

Finally...a book that actually makes sense!
This book is great and is something you've got to have to understand ways to protect yourself and your partner and kids if you have them.It is straightforward with lots of information.I thought it was very inclusive and practical.There's something in here for everyone - gay, bi, lesbian, TG, whatever. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Civil Rights    2. Constitutional    3. Gay Studies    4. Gay rights    5. Gender Studies    6. Homosexuality    7. Law and legislation    8. Lesbian Studies    9. Lesbians    10. Social Science    11. Sociology    12. United States    13. Social Science / Gay Studies   

Reviews (1)

A Voice for the New Millennium.
Marvin K. White is the voice for the new millennium. His words leap off the pages like Fire and Holy Ghosts. In this journey you'll find yourself stopping by the church house, the hospital, the park, the neighborhood, thestage, all to find that they've all been home to us at one point oranother. He tells his/our story in a way that makes the bitter seem betterand the better the best. I have been a long time admirer of this man's workand it's a pleasure to know that everyone has the chance to experience hisjourney, or to relive ours again through him. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American - African American    2. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - General    3. Gay    4. General    5. Poetry    6. American English    7. Literature of special Gay & Lesbian interest    8. Poetry & poets    9. USA    10. Works by individual poets: from c 1900 -   

Reviews (1)

fascinating
This is a fascinating book that combines brilliant legal scholarship with cultural studies and social theory. Rollins has done something wonderful here. His argument about the ironies and silences within legal discourse on AIDS is provocative and convincing. I highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. AIDS & HIV    2. Aids (Psychosocial Aspects)    3. Disability    4. Discrimination    5. General    6. Law    7. Love / Sex / Marriage    8. Public Law    9. Sexuality    10. Civil rights & citizenship    11. Cultural studies    12. Gay & Lesbian studies    13. Law / Discrimination    14. Public health & safety law   

Reviews (1)

very interesting and fun read
As this book is a compilation of Eric's columns, the sections come in short, easily digestible chunks.The range of topics is wide, the writing is concise, and his viewpoint is insightful. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Gay & Lesbian    2. Gay Studies    3. Literary Criticism    4. Political Freedom & Security - Civil Rights    5. Eric Hunter, gay, lesbian, columns, social commentary, pop culture, discrimination, stereotypes, personal essays, civil rights, gay studies, gay rights    6. Social Science / Gay Studies   

Subjects:  1. Christian Sexual Ethics    2. Christianity - Christian Life - Sexuality    3. Christianity - History - Social Issues    4. Gay Studies    5. Homosexuality    6. Religion    7. Religion - Contemporary Issues    8. Religion - Socialissues    9. Sexuality & Gender Studies    10. Sociology of Religion    11. Christian social thought & activity   

Reviews (1)

Ok book, but I disagree
The author starts out by labeling homocons as "heartless." He thus sets up a definition with no real standard, other than his own bias. Those who do not fit his artificial and arbitrary definition are then castigated. I happen to be gay and fairly conservative - in other words, I will not vote Democrat. I have many well thought out reasons for this. But I do not think I am heartless. If homocons are "heartless," are homolibs then "brainless"? I wouldn't have thought so, but his construction seems to beg such a rejoinder.Read more

Subjects:  1. Gay Studies    2. Gay conservatives    3. General    4. Homosexuality    5. Political Doctrines    6. Politics / Current Events    7. Social Science    8. Sociology    9. United States    10. Conservatism & right-of-centre democratic ideologies    11. Gay & Lesbian studies   

Reviews (3)

An excellent, non-hysterical look at the gay lifestyle.
Magnuson presents a non-hysterical, meticulous analysis of the gay community. Using their own publications and materials as his source of reference, he presents a perspective rarely given serious audience.In anage where balanced, honest debate is all but absent on this issue, Are GayRights Right? raises the issues succinctly, and doesn't distort conclusionsto satisfy the politically correct.I have checked many of the worksMagnuson cited and found his references to be accurate and undistorted. Gays have cited this work as a threat to them in that it is inarguable inits research and accurate in its findings.I can think of no other sourcethat presents a more descriptive, sobering snapshot of the gay community.This thoughtful and provocative work should be used in our classrooms.

Accurate, Timely, and Needed for Our Country!
After reading this book and meeting the author, I believe this bookfinally brings the truth to those who really want to shine light on a veryimportant issue. Facts are Facts, no matter how old they are. The fact thatGeorge Washington was our first president is never going to change. Nomatter how far we as a society have fallen from what's morally andethically proper, the truth may hurt a few, but really help a lot.

Out-dated, distorted, stereotypical re-hash of homosexuality
Although the cover says "updated edition", this book is anything but current.The author cites "present day studies" which are referenced from the 1960's.Another quote refering to "modern medicine" is from 1971.The author also presents his personal opinions referenced as fact.The book is basically fodder for those of the extreme religious right who believe that homosexuals are less than human, that AIDs is an exclusively gay disease, and all the other lies and distortions that they choose to believe, despite our current knowledge and understanding of homosexuality.The author feels that the "good homosexuals" are those that remain celebate and in the closet.The "evil homosexuals" are those who are visible and in partnerships with other homosexuals.The author also believes that jobs, homes, and access to public accomodation are special privileges that should be denied to homosexuals, i.e. gays rights are special rights.The author paints all homosexuals and homosexuality with a very broad brush; a brush coated with gross distortions and out-dated myths.A look at the facts negates practically all that is written in this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Applied Christian Sexual Ethics    2. Gay liberation movement    3. General    4. Homosexuality    5. Law and legislation    6. Moral and religious aspects    7. Politics - Current Events    8. Religious aspects    9. Sociology    10. Sociology - General    11. Sodomy    12. United States    13. Gay & Lesbian studies    14. Personal Christian testimony & popular inspirational works    15. Sex & sexuality   

Reviews (2)

Beautifully and powerfully written.
The author has an elegant yet straightforward style, as she recounts a "big" story set in a disarmingly charming small town. She interweaves the broad political story with very human and personal vignettes.The result is abook that is easy to read, hard to put down, and will linger in your thoughts long afterwards.

Straight but not Narrow
As a straight person with many gay friends, I could not help but to be touched by Quinn's passion for the civil rights issue going on in regards to gay marriage. She somehow managed to take a hot, controversial topic and turn it into a well-written story that anyone would enjoy. Her humorous style of writing coupled with the seriousness of the issue make this a delightful and exciting book. A must read! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Gay Studies    2. Lesbian Studies    3. Political Freedom & Security - Civil Rights    4. Political Science    5. Politics - Current Events    6. Politics / Current Events    7. Politics/International Relations   

Reviews (3)

Truly a captivating read.
This one is not just for the ivory tower. Topics discussed give a historical perspective on the issues we face today. I found concise useful information and thoroughly enjoyed the read.I give the authors a great deal of credit for giving me a greater insight into sexuality and religion, topics I thought I had rather a good grasp of. Interesting read
Though some of the reasoning behind the viewpoints seems weird the book is still good. It take an interesting look at the religious right and how they perceive sex, as well as homosexuality. A read for any uber religious fanatic who thinks that sex is good, as long as it's Christian sex.

Love the Book
In their co-written book, Jakobsen and Pellegrini have presented a compelling account of the enduring role of "sin" in contemporary political discourse, from the Clinton impeachment proceedings to the Christian Coalition's attack on homosexuals.Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Church And Society    3. Gay Studies    4. Gay rights    5. Gender Studies    6. Government policy    7. Homosexuality    8. Religious aspects    9. Social Science    10. Sociology    11. United States    12. Lesbian studies    13. Sex & sexuality    14. Social Science / Gay Studies   

Reviews (1)

An excellent and timely academic anthology
Most anything from University of Chicago Press is likely to be of high quality, and this anthology meets that standard.Gay and lesbian politics is an emerging and evolving discipline, and important milestones are occurring in real time.This volume, published in 2000, provides intelligent treatments of current issues but also plenty of context; while solid and scholarly, it mostly eschews the esoterica and pomo-homo preoccupations of many other works on the LGBT politics bookshelf.Chapters include treatments of history, policy, the Christian right, Congress, the Supreme Court, public opinion, and state and local politics.The editors and most of the contributors are well-known scholars and/or writers in political science or related fields (including Ken Wald, John D'Emilio, Craig Rimmerman, Keith Boykin, Didi Herman, Greg Lewis, James Button, Barbara Rienzo, Donald Haider-Markel, and Clyde Wilcox), and this is one of the book's strongest calling cards.Because it pulls together many topics addressed by some signature authorities in the field (many of whom have written book-length treatments of what appear here as chapters), "The Politics of Gay Rights" was, in my judgment, one of the first books in LGBT political science to be really useful as a core text for an undergraduate college course; I will be using it as such in a seminar on gay/lesbian politics in spring 2002 (please feel free to contact me for more information).But it's not a heavy-duty tome, so most anyone with serious interest in the subject should find it accessible and valuable. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Gay Studies    2. Gay rights    3. Gay/Lesbian Nonfiction    4. Gender Studies    5. Homosexuality    6. Political aspects    7. Religion and politics    8. United States    9. Central government policies    10. Gay & Lesbian studies    11. Human rights    12. Social Science / Gay Studies    13. USA   

Reviews (5)

A fascinating, thought-provoking study of small-town America
I had to read THE STRANGER NEXT DOOR for a Sociology class, and I must say that this is one of the more fascinating nonfiction books I've read yet. The author, Arlene Stein (who is a Sociology professor at Rutgers University, where I currently attend), spent some time in the mid-90s in an Oregon town she names Timbertown, and tries to understand what led this town to be torn apart by a divisive argument about gay rights when there was no apparent queer population in town to speak of (and if there were any gays, they usually kept a low profile). Basically the town is divided into two groups: those who support a particular measure to try to curb gay rights, and those who do not. It is a thought-provoking book, and also rather frightening to read: the actions some of these people take against the "other" border on hate violence, and lead some people to compare the actions of the pro-antigay-measure people to Nazis. It is always rather scary to see what happens when fear coupled with ignorance is allowed to run rampant in these kinds of small, closely-knit communities. And yet Stein thankfully never comes off as overly smug or judgmental (though she clearly has her liberal leanings---and she's a lesbian herself): she makes an admirable effort to try to understand both sides of the issue, and what kind of circumstances, whether economic or religious, might have led these ordinary folk to turn against homosexuals the way they did. The end result of her painstaking field research is a well-written, fascinating, compelling book that might astonish you with its insights about what leads ordinary people to suddenly turn against each other. This is no dull academic lecture in writing, trust me: you won't be bored by this at all. Highly recommended.

Could have been a novel!
Inherent in the Fundamenalist view is the assumption that ethical principles come together harmoniously and do not meaningfully conflict.Indeed, conflict is seen as a test of one's ability to adhere to these moral priniciples.Thus, Fundamentalism knows the answers and isn't particularly open to persuasion--or so it would seem.However, Stein's sympathetic interviews reveals a different story about the Fundamentalists who launched a charter amendment against 'special rights' for gays and lesbians in a small, Oregon town where there weren't many gays and lesbians to speak of.Here, we meet Christian Fundamentalist women who weren't particularly close minded; felt uncertain about their principles; regretted the conflict they engendered; and, in some sense, felt an unacknowledged sense of shame.For reasons which are probably not very far from view, they just couldn't accept pluralism--mostly because it didn't speak to their insecurities. Those seeking insight into the present turn in American and feminist politics would do well to read and take heed!

Anytown, USA
It tooks about four pages to suspect that TImbertown is the town in which I live -- and a couple of more references for me to confirm it. I picked up the book not so much because it was a dicourse on homosexuality and politics but because it addressed the grass roots philospohy and tactics of a conservative Christian political movement. Being neither gay or very conservative, I found the book to be a well written insight into community relations, politics, gay politics, gay non-politics, the devlopment of evagelicalism in the West, and the politics of the far right. I also had a great time trying to figure out who the pseudonyms were. This aside --the Timbertown situation is representative of a lot of small town in many states ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Gay Studies    2. Gender Studies    3. Lesbian Studies    4. Social Science    5. Sociology    6. Cultural studies    7. Non-Classifiable    8. Sociology, Social Studies   

Reviews (5)

More than the Title implies:
I found in reading this very expansive and well documented book, that I was very naive with regard to this whole topic.Dr. Fox gives a through study on the topic of not only homosexuality, but the larger issue of Pansexuality, which includes all the other perversions known to mankind.He looks at the broader spectrum of our nation and what has and is happening in the USA with regard to not only morality, but the whole educational system.He also tell of the difficulty in trying to minister to the homosexual lifestyle and how it is almost a catch 22 situation.He investigates the cultural, Biblical, medical, and psychological evidence for and against a pansexual lifestyle.Personally, having been involved in the Healing Ministry for over 35 years, at the end of reading this book, I ask myself three questions:1. Is God in favor of disease and suffering?2.Is God in favor of promoting death, and the spread of death?3.Is God in favor of this lifestyle?It is a book that takes a few days to "get over".Some parts are very graphic, and certainly Adult in content, but he does not fudge around the facts.It is an eye opener!

The importance to America of the Christian worldview
Homosexuality: Good and Right in the Eyes of God? The importance to America of the Christian worldview
This book is about much more than the title suggests.It is an illuminating, fascinating read, filled with the everyday commonsense truths that one may not even realize are connected to the Christian world view.Ultimately, its a book about the importance of America to the world as a nation founded on and governed by Judeo-Christian principles, including the redress of our wrongs.He shows how we started to depart from the Christian world view during the beginning of the sexual revolution and how we got to the point that we are now experiencing repression of Christian belief, and the suppression of our basic rights to free expression.Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Christianity - Theology - Ethics    3. Gay Studies    4. Gender Studies    5. Homosexuality    6. Religious aspects    7. Social Science    8. Sociology    9. Gay & Lesbian studies   

Editorial Review

Central to David Richards's elegant and provocative Read more

Reviews (1)

Brilliant Case for Gay Rights
Richards has advanced the constitutional argumentation for gay rights in a profound way.He has analogized the case for gay rights to arguments forracial, gender, and religious equality and concluded that attempts to finda genetic or "innate" basis for homosexuality are no more likelyto provide grounds for equality than to provide grounds for continuedinequality and discrimination.Read more

Subjects:  1. African Americans    2. Civil Rights    3. Discrimination    4. Discrimination & Racism    5. Gay Studies    6. Gay rights    7. Gay/Lesbian Nonfiction    8. Homosexuality    9. Law    10. Legal Reference / Law Profession    11. Social Law    12. United States    13. Women's rights    14. Gay & Lesbian studies    15. Human rights    16. International human rights law    17. Social Science / Discrimination & Race Relations   

Subjects:  1. Administrative Law & Regulatory Practice    2. Gay Studies    3. Gay couples    4. Gay rights    5. Law and legislation    6. Legal status, laws, etc.    7. Medical care    8. Social Science    9. Sociology    10. United States    11. English law: social    12. Gay & Lesbian studies   

Subjects:  1. Alternative Family    2. Democracy    3. Gay Studies    4. Gay rights    5. Gender Studies    6. History & Theory - General    7. Political Ideologies - Democracy    8. Political Science    9. Politics/International Relations    10. Same-sex marriage    11. Sociology    12. Sociology - Marriage & Family    13. United States    14. Gay & Lesbian studies    15. Marriage    16. Political Science / History & Theory    17. USA   

Reviews (2)

Interesting, informative and important.A must read book.
I loved this book.A very readable journey through the court case which arose out of Colorado's anti-gay initiative, supported by a clear and descriptive primer on the larger gay rights movement.The pacing wascrisp, the writing clear and the story told in a compelling fashion.Ihighly recommend this book.

Fascinating insights on a major constitutional case
Suzanne Goldberg, the Lambda Legal Defense Fund attorney who worked onRomer v. Evans, and Lisa Keen, the Washington Blade journalist who won anaward from the A.B.A. for her news coverage of the case, have collaboratedon a truly fascinating "inside baseball" account of thelitigation.Particulary useful: their detailed description of the experttestimony offered to the trial court on the issue of "suspectclassification" for sexual orientation discrimination analysis.Thisis a must read for lawyers and legal scholars interested in Romer and gayrights generally. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Civil Rights    2. Gay Studies    3. Gender Studies    4. General    5. Law    6. Political Freedom & Security - Civil Rights    7. Jurisprudence & General Issues    8. Social Science / Gender Studies   

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Gay Studies    3. Gay rights    4. Gays    5. Gender Studies    6. History    7. Identity    8. Interviews    9. Older gays    10. Social Science    11. Sociology    12. Sociology - General    13. United States    14. Gay & Lesbian studies    15. USA   

Reviews (7)

ABSOLUTELY MARVELOUS!!
I was hesitant to begin this book for fear of what I would learn.Once I began, I could not put it down.I finished it in ONE day !! It is definitely a positive conversation piece and an eye-opener to all closed eyes, or shall I say peekers into understanding homosexuality.Thank you Ben Setfrey for enlightening me and best wishes to you and your Mr. Right.

Thought provoking and humorous!!!
I had serious reservations about reading the book because I'm a heterosexual, Christian female. I was wondering how the author was going to set me straight. Needless to say, my curiosity got the best of me so I decided to read the book. I not only found it extremely interesting, but it had me laughing out loud. The author's sense of humor was outstanding (especially the "Sex Education chapter" which included Ms. Phattas and Ms. Knapps)! Furthermore, Benn Setfrey has a common sense approach to real life situations and he speaks from the heart. It is definitely a "Must Read" for all regardless of race, sex, class, age or sexual orientation.

Enlightening for Parents of Gay Offsprings
After reading Benn's book, I am much more aware of what young gay children are going through at the hands of our churches, the society at large, and (God forbids) at home!As an African American woman,I have endured oppression as long as I can remember by our society, our church, and our men.I have been too busy thinking about my own pain to give much thought to the pain of our young (and old) gay persons in our society. Many of us believe that homosexuals choose to be gay,but that race and gender is not a choice, so in effect, gay people bring their pain upon themselves.Benn straightens us all out here and gives us a lot to think about when he tells us, Living gay is a choice, but "Being gay" is not a choice. Benn you have opened my eyes, ears and heart with your very provocative book.This book is a "must read" for all of us, gay, straight, old and young alike, but more importantly, for parents who are ignorant as I was, to many of the challenges that young gay people are up against on a daily basis brought on by the forces in our society that we whole dear, i.e. church, family, community andour government. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. African American gay men    2. Coming out (Sexual orientation)    3. Gay men    4. Handbooks & Manuals    5. Personal Growth - Self-Esteem    6. Self-Help    7. Sexuality & Gender Studies    8. Social Science / Gay Studies    9. United States    10. African American gays    11. Civil rights    12. Prejudices    13. Relationships   

Reviews (3)

Very Informative/Useful Information
I think that this book is a must for anyone writing a paper on Homosexuality, Homophobia, or Gay Rights.The authors do an excellent job at debuking many stereotypes found it America.They are obviously extremely emotionally involved in the struggle for gay rights and theydisplay their emotion excessively in this book.Maybe even to a point ofindulgence, but it still is greatly helpful, so 4 Stars.

Outstanding Book
This is one of the most thought-provoking books on any "morality" subject that I have ever read.The authors are very clear in explaining the difference between 'special' vs. 'equal' rights. It is unfortunate that the audience for this book will be almostexclusively gay.It is one that EVERYONE should read. A must read
I am so happy to have found this book. The authors have done an outstanding job of presenting and explaining the issues of Gay rights versus special rights. This book does a great service to people who are interested in understanding why the U.S government and Fundamentalist right are so opposed to extending civil liberties to all citizens. Very concise and thought provoking. I loved it! Thanks to the authors for finally explaining the real issues behind gay equality. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Gay Studies    2. General    3. Politics - Current Events    4. Politics / Current Events    5. Social Science    6. Sociology    7. Sociology - General    8. Civil rights & citizenship    9. Gay & Lesbian studies    10. Social Science / Gay Studies    11. USA