Lesbian and Gay Studies: An Introductory, Interdisciplinary Approach

This timely and thoughtful book seeks to demonstrate the coherence of lesbian and gay studies. It introduces the reader to the principal inter-disciplinary approaches in the field and critically assesses their strengths and weaknesses whilst asking what is lesbian and gay studies? When did it emerge? And what are its achievements and research agenda? The Connections between the academic study of the subject and the lesbian and gay movement are also examined. Coming out has been one of the most significant social and cultural changes of the postwar period. The gay and lesbian movement has emerged as a major political and cultural force. It poses a series of far reaching questions about the organization of identity, the operation of power and the limits of tolerance. Lesbian and gay studies has emerged as a vital and enriching field. It offers challenges to more traditional disciplines and requires new forms of thought about the connections between academic work and personal politics. This book will generate much interest in academic departments of lesbian and gay studies, gender, sociology, cultural studies and political science.