The myth of the modern homosexual Book

I have a mixed feeling about this one. In some respects it's very good, in others, not quite. For example, the author is absolutely correct to dismiss social constructionist arguments on homosexuality the way he does. I wholly agree with him, and he exhibits a very healthy mind on that. He argues forcefully that homosexuality has existed throughout ages and human history, and that it's not something that was invented by some development in our modern times.

However, he can become repetitive toward the second half of the book, and doesn't quite retain coherent focus on what he's writing. I also don't sympathize with his apparent enthusiasm for the camp culture and the wish to revive it. I think that, though some things are part of an aspect of gay culture in history, it does not mean they should be held on to for that alone. We evolve and move on, and some things are better left behind. The camp and the drag shows being two of them.

I also passionately disagree with his bias for using the word 'queer' to denote a homosexual man (or, equally, his spelled aversion for the term 'homosexual). It's never felt right for me, and it does not go a long way to render the text sympathetic.

What started out with a lot of promise and every indication of being a tour de force on the topic, disintegrated down the path for me. It's not a bad work. It's worth a read, and it definitely has its merits, especially when it comes to overthrowing social constructionist viewpoints. I do recommend it for gay readers. But it could have been a lot better.