Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly
Jay asserts in her introduction to this wide-ranging, distinctive anthology that ``very real differences'' exist between lesbians and nonlesbians. To that end, the 57 selections-nearly all of them written for this volume-emphasize the special concerns and dynamics of lesbian couples, families, rituals and life rhythms, the ways they do not simply duplicate heterosexual lives. Essays deal with coming out as a rite of passage; problems that lesbians face as primary caretakers of elderly parents, children, friends with AIDS and ailing lovers; challenges in the corporate workplace and blue-collar trades; legal, medical and social complications of raising children. There are practical discussions of relationship contracts; seeking legal protections against discrimination; the added burden of growing up lesbian in a homophobic society; ``safer sex'' practices; and health problems such as alcoholism and breast cancer, which seem to affect lesbians disproportionately. Contributors include anthropologist Kath Weston, syndicated columnist Victoria Brownworth, novelists Terri de la Pena and Jane Futcher, activist Del Martin, family court judge Paula Hepner, incest expert Sandra Butler. Jay, Pace University professor of English and director of women's studies, co-edited Out of the Closets. (Nov.)
Library Journal
In this collection of essays and observations from 62 contributors, the women-young and old, singles and couples, white and nonwhite, working class and professional, chaste and adventurous-provide a lesbian perspective about self-identity, relationships, racism, motherhood, sexuality, gender roles, and more. Their chapters portray the similarities as well as the dissimilarities of lesbians, who are estimated to make up as much as ten percent of the population. Lesbians are not trying to emulate or imitate heterosexual models but rather to create new paradigms that reflect their unique character and circumstance. Many chapters offer "Further Reading" and/or "Resources" lists. This accessible and thoughtful analogy reflects the diversity of the American lesbian community today. Recommended for both public and academic libraries.-Jo McClamroch, Xavier Univ. Lib., Cincinatti, Ohio
Whitney Scott
Lesbians have arrived, say the media, but the majority of them remain ignored, editor Jay says in introducing this anthology intended "to counteract the trend of books by and about lesbians that address only fragments of our communities." The contents are grouped into topical sections entitled "Relating to Others," "Relating to Each Other," "Sex and Gender Identity," "The Public World," and "The Lesbian Body." Outstanding contributions include Terri de la Pena on the homophobia that begins at home; Lauren Crux on lesbian midlife; Tee A. Corinne on breaking up; JoAnn Loulan on dismantling stereotypes; Lee Lynch on the stresses of fighting for basic civil liberties; Kitty Tsui's moving memorial for her best friend, dead at 39 from cancer; and Yemaya Kauri Alecto, Amanda Kovattana, and Slick Harris representing the cutting edge of sexual radicalism with writings on body piercing, lesbian vampirism, and dildos. Lists of further readings abound, making this overview of contemporary lesbian experience even more welcome.
