THE GAY MYSTIQUE: The Myth and Reality of Male Homosexuality

by Peter Fisher ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 24, 1971

Since there have been only too many sincerely self-justifying books of this nature, and since Mr. Fisher goes on and on in a circular fashion and sometimes an embarrassingly sentimental one (his first encounter -- ""a moment to hold and cherish""), one is not encouraged to loiter. The main points he makes are only too well known as well as taken: society is hostile toward the homosexual; psychiatry is not altogether blameless; and stereotypical thinking and labeling is to be avoided. Fisher believes and he is probably right that homosexuality is a genetic predisposition. He then cruises at some lengths in and out of habitats from city to ghetto, from tearoom (Schrafft's?) to health club, from the leather to the newer political scene. The most interesting part is his discussion of the stigmas homosexuals face in the eyes of the law, their employers (particularly teaching where they are twice as numerous) and their families. The idly curious may be more anxious to know about his own experiences and his current marriage to Marc -- ""the beautiful thing about lovers is that they really do love"" -- than seems likely considering all the talky generalizing which is also entailed.

Pub Date: Feb. 24, 1971

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Stein & Day

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1971

Categories: NONFICTION