Doing the Work of Love: Men and Commitment in Same-Sex Couples

Library Journal

Clark, the author of a number of books on gay ethics and theology (e.g., Defying the Darkness; An Unbroken Circle), postulates that gay male ghettoes, seemingly liberating safe spaces, are in fact restrictive; that they help to perpetuate stereotypes of urban, white, middle-class, physically perfect gay men; and that their "sexual-delivery-system" culture of bars and promiscuous sex dehumanizes and objectifies relationships. As an antidote, Clark suggests that gay men eschew promiscuity and establish loving relationships grounded in sexual ethics, accountability, and monogamy. The author adopts a multidisciplinary approach, drawing from human sexuality studies, men's studies, liberation theology, ethics, and his own experiences--which, while enriching the text, also occasionally obscure some of the finer points he is trying to make. Careful to assert that his monogamous sexual ethic represents only one way of structuring sexual relationships, he manages to find only thoroughly bleak alternatives to this preference. But his ideas are convincingly presented and deserving of attention. Recommended for academic libraries, special gay studies collections, and large public libraries.--Richard Violette, Special Libraries Cataloging, Victoria, BC Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.