NCJ Number
121380
Date Published
1988
Length
357 pages
Annotation
Social taboos on discussing sexuality, and more specifically gay sexuality, have left a void in society's understanding of homosexuality.
Abstract
There are fourteen essays which are organized into six groups to inform the general audience about gay experience; the recurring theme is that gay rights are good for everyone. The first group discusses introductory basics on current social status of gays and current social attitudes about gays, giving the reader basic information, analyzing and assessing stereotypes, and discussing and rejecting some of the most common and deeply held criticisms of gays. The second group of essays addresses the banning of gay sex acts and the need for liberalization of these laws, gay rights to privacy, and protection of all voluntary agreements. Part three addresses the most persistent gay social issues of the times. These issues include civil protections against discrimination in private sector employment, housing, and public accommodations as have been afforded other groups traditionally subject to discrimination in these areas. The AIDS crisis is examined in the fourth group of essays and a liberal's viewpoint is portrayed in the fifth group. The last section deals with gay dignity and what is to be done when persuasion makes no progress and justice fails.