Review by Choice Review
Ward (women's studies, Univ. of California, Riverside) presents a critical piece missing from GBLTQ studies: the examination of white homoerotic activity within heterosexuality. Her book provides insight into the heteronormative social narrative and the sexual practices of those who call themselves "not gay" and yet perform ultimately "queer" acts, from jailhouse sex to fraternity hazing and "bro" ads on craigslist. Ward exposes the cultural construct of heterosexuality as it applies to men and women, illuminating the patriarchal and gendered roles assigned to gay and not-gay men and women. Where women are permitted fluidity, men subscribe to a binary and must assert their not-gay status in their same-sex practices. Using queer theory, Ward discusses heteroflexibility as it applies to men, particularly white men--those who have claimed and molded the patriarchy and binary system. A valuable study for those interested in gender and GBLTQ studies. Summing Up: Essential. Upper-division undergraduates and above. --Michelle Martinez, Sam Houston State University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
