Diane Richardson – författare

`This book is unique in lesbian and gay studies. From politics to health, cyber-queers to queer families, the review essays in this volume cover all the important bases of GLB history and politics. The Introduction is a simple and accessible overview of the changing faces of theory and research over many decades. This book is bound to be an important resource in a burgeoning field' - Janice Irvine, Associate Professor of Sociology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst

`The Handbook of Gay and Lesbian Studies, assembled by two leading theorists of sexuality, makes available more than two dozen new cutting-edge essays in gay studies. Essential for social science scholars and students of gay/queer studies' - David F. Greenberg, Professor of Sociology, New York University

With this benchmark work, lesbian and gay studies comes of age. Drawing from a rich team of global contributors and carefully structured to elucidate the core issues in the field, it constitutes an unparalleled resource for teaching, research and debate. The volume is organized into 4 sections:

· History and Theory

This covers the roots of lesbian and gay studies, the institutionalization of the subject in the Academy, the 'naturalness' of heterosexuality, science and sexuality, the comparative sociology of homosexualities and the heterosexual/homosexual division.

· Identity and Community

This examines the formation of gay and lesbian identities communities and movements, 'cyber-queer' research, sexuality and space, generational issues in lesbian and gay lifecycles and the subject of bisexuality

· Institutions

This investigates questions of the governance of sexualities, lesbian and gay health, sexualities and education, religion and homosexuality, homosexuality and the law, gay and lesbian workers, homosexuality and the family, and lesbian, gay and queer encounters with the media and popular culture

· Politics

This explores the formation of the gay and lesbian movements, impact of globalization, antigay and lesbian violence, nationalism and transnationalism in lesbian and gay studies and sexual citizenship.

The result is an authoritative book that demarcates the field, stimulates critical discussion and provides lesbian and gay studies with an enriching focal reference point. It is, quite simply, a breakthrough work that will galvanize discussion and research for years to come.

First published in 1981 and now with a new preface by the renowned scholar Jeffrey Weeks, The Theory and Practice of Homosexuality discusses the way people who are homosexuals see themselves and are seen by others. It provides a conceptual framework to account for the development and maintenance of a homosexual identity in a politico-cultural context, with a minimizing of psychological and social pathology.

The book is divided into three sections. Part one considers the major theoretical models relating to homosexuality. Part two explores identities and lifestyles, and part three presents the practical problems confronting homosexuals. A comprehensive and bold study, this volume will be a valuable read for students and researchers of sociology and LGBTQ+ studies.

First published in 1981 and now with a new preface by the renowned scholar Jeffrey Weeks, The Theory and Practice of Homosexuality discusses the way people who are homosexuals see themselves and are seen by others. It provides a conceptual framework to account for the development and maintenance of a homosexual identity in a politico-cultural context, with a minimizing of psychological and social pathology.

The book is divided into three sections. Part one considers the major theoretical models relating to homosexuality. Part two explores identities and lifestyles, and part three presents the practical problems confronting homosexuals. A comprehensive and bold study, this volume will be a valuable read for students and researchers of sociology and LGBTQ+ studies.