Publisher: Chelsea House Publishers (August 1996)
From School Library Journal
Grade 12 Up. Sexual orientation is defined taxonomy, according to Clausen. She proposes that insistence on definitions of sexuality based on gender preferences is a recent Euro-American phenomenon that impose invalid restrictions on the fluid and somewhat elusive qualities of sexual desire. A first chapter states the problem as three fold: determining whether sexual preference is inborn, whether it changes over time, and whether other cultures define sexuality as we do in the West. Subsequent chapters deal with these issues in fascinating, well-researched, occasionally personal detail. In the presence of a homophobic intolerant society, Clausen's thesis cries for elucidation, but her presentation may be beyond the comprehension of unsophisticated readers. Therein lies the difficulty of recommending this book for YA audiences. A scholarly writer deserves a scholarly reader. The inclusion of graphic materials, both as illustrations and as examples from gay and lesbian literature, means that only the most mature teenagers can benefit. However, books of this nature should be included in high-school collections for those students who can gain from them. Norkeliunas Sue A., Arlington Senior High School, LaGrangeville, NY
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Synopsis
Argues that defining sexuality on gender preference is a Euro-American attitude which restrict sexual desire, and discusses issues regarding sexual orientation.
Grade 12 Up. Sexual orientation is defined taxonomy, according to Clausen. She proposes that insistence on definitions of sexuality based on gender preferences is a recent Euro-American phenomenon that impose invalid restrictions on the fluid and somewhat elusive qualities of sexual desire. A first chapter states the problem as three fold: determining whether sexual preference is inborn, whether it changes over time, and whether other cultures define sexuality as we do in the West. Subsequent chapters deal with these issues in fascinating, well-researched, occasionally personal detail. In the presence of a homophobic intolerant society, Clausen's thesis cries for elucidation, but her presentation may be beyond the comprehension of unsophisticated readers. Therein lies the difficulty of recommending this book for YA audiences. A scholarly writer deserves a scholarly reader. The inclusion of graphic materials, both as illustrations and as examples from gay and lesbian literature, means that only the most mature teenagers can benefit. However, books of this nature should be included in high-school collections for those students who can gain from them. Norkeliunas Sue A., Arlington Senior High School, LaGrangeville, NY
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Synopsis
Argues that defining sexuality on gender preference is a Euro-American attitude which restrict sexual desire, and discusses issues regarding sexual orientation.
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