Virtually Normal: An Argument about Homosexuality

by Andrew Sullivan

Overview

No subject has divided contemporary America more bitterly than homosexuality.  Addressing the full range of the debate in this pathbreaking book, Andrew Sullivan, the former editor of The New Republic, restores both reason and humanity to the discussion over how a predominantly heterosexual society should deal with its homosexual citizens.

Sympathetically yet relentlessly, Sullivan assesses the prevailing public positions on homosexuality—from prohibitionist to liberationist and from conservative to liberal.  In their place, he calls for a politics of homosexuality that would guarantee the rights of gays and lesbians without imposing tolerance.  At once deeply personal and impeccably reasoned, written with elegance and wit, Virtually Normal will challenge readers of every persuasion; no book is more likely to transform out sexual politics in the coming decades.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780679746140
Publisher:	Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
Publication date:	09/17/1996
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	240
Sales rank:	1,100,100
Product dimensions:	5.14(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.51(d)

About the Author

Andrew Sullivan was editor of The New Republic from 1991 to 1996.  He holds a B. A. in modern history and modern languages from Oxford University and a Ph. D. in political science from Harvard University.  He lives in Washington, D. C.

Editorial Reviews

Former New Republic editor Sullivan calls for an end to all forms of discrimination against homosexuals. (Nov.)

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

From the first page, one gets the impression that something important is happening here: this is a level-headed, clearly argued discussion of gay rights, the homosexual, and society. The author, editor of The New Republic, describes the major arguments in the continuing debate between the gay rights and special rights camps. He delineates the philosophical, religious, and social foundations and implications of each position, from the misplaced moral outrage of the far right to the victim politics of the left, and forecasts their respective political futures in the light of their logical conclusions and new political realities. Sullivan finds all these arguments lacking any hope of clear victory, and he glumly foresees a continuing political muddle unless an alternative is found. His own solution, a new politics of civility, is at once old-fashioned and highly original. He argues that the government should outlaw all public discrimination of gays and lesbians while at the same time allowing private individuals to discriminate as they wish. Sullivan's approach satisfies the concerns of conservatives and liberals alike, although his old-fashioned definition of laissez-faire liberalism will rile most liberals, and his most radical suggestion, legal recognition of gay marriages, will certainly flutter conservatives' tail feathers. Highly recommended.Jeffery Ingram, Newport P.L., Ore.

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