Sissyphobia: Gay Men and Effeminate Behavior

By Tim Bergling

Book Overview

Cultural Writing. Gay/Lesbian Studies. New to SPD. Here is a revealing look into male effeminacy: why some gay men are swishy, why other gay men are more masculine, and why effeminate men arouse... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1560239905
• ISBN13: 9781560239901
• Release Date: January 2001
• Publisher: Southern Tier Editions
• Length: 153 Pages
• Weight: 0.58 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

an important book

This is a truly important book. There have been mixed reviews for it so far, but I believe those who think it's not worth being written are clearly not reading it with an open mind. The topics of effeminate gay men and the preconcieved notions we all have about them to some degree are discussed in depth and points and arguments are brought up that most of us have never considered. This is an enlightening and relevant book for anyone concerned with feminism, gay and lesbian rights, or transgender rights. Reading it gave me a better understanding of how all those groups are tied together and how we all fight the same enemy, and how we are quite often our own enemies in the political and social arenas by not supporting one another.

This Is An Important Book

I have long been fascinated with the way in which gay men "buy into" straight thinking; to wit, that anything less than "masculine" is not to be desired. I mean, how many personal ads do you see where the guy is looking for a "fem" guy? Bergling has taken the whole discussion of preconceived gender roles and given it a personal face with the reporting of what real people think. I found the book very helpful in that regard and can only hope it stirs the thinking of those who think that anything "fem" is to be avoided at best and derided at worst. Read this book!The only reason I didn't give it five stars is because I wanted more; it ended too soon.

Goood Stuff!

this book may be a little on the short side but it is nicely written and above all you can identify with it, whether you are staight, gay, or bi. there is a little hidden wisdom in it for everybody if you just look hard enough with an open enough mind. i myself am not the most ruffneck, gymboi, denim and leather kinda guy, but the book opened my eyes to a harsh truth about the gay world. and i am not going to disclose that truth here cause then what would the point be of reading the book yourself. it portrays all the stereotypes of gay men with harsh honesty about "straight-acting" and "femmie boi" traits, with surprising compassion to both side of the spectrum.

Wow.

It's pretty rare that I've read a book that I would call 'important'. This one is. He addresses a subject matter that I have debated endlessly with friends, family and partners and does so in a balanced and fascinating manner. The book is splendid and the topic fascinating. I'm grateful to him for writing a book and shedding some sensitive and impassioned light on a very explosive subject. You will be changed by having read it.