Addressing one of the most divisive issues confronting society today, the former editor of The New Republic presents a persuasive and elegantly reasoned argument for how and why a predominantly heterosexual society must accept its homosexual citizens. Sullivan reframes the debate into four competing political positions--prohibitionist, liberationist, conservative, and liberal--and assesses them one by one, first sympathetically detailing their strengths, then exposing their weaknesses. In their place, he proposes a politics of homosexuality that would guarantee the rights of gays and lesbians, and transform the way we as a nation approach the homosexual question and many other social issues as well. The most comprehensive, concise, and moving argument yet written on the subject, Virtually Normal is sure to become a modern classic of political and moral argument.
"This excellent book sets a standard for depth and subtlety of argument that has not been reached before on either side of the debate. Everyone concerned will want to read what he has to say."--Harvey Mansfield, Harvard University, The Wall Street Journal
"[A] very valuable book that raises the issue of homosexuality in a new way.... Mr. Sullivan presents a model of civil discourse. His voice is a voice of reason, tranquillity and analytical precision."--The New York Times
"Virtually Normal is a brilliant and revolutionary book that will transform gay studies."--Washington Post Book World
Addressing one of the most divisive issues confronting society today, the former editor of The New Republic presents a persuasive and elegantly reasoned argument for how and why a predominantly heterosexual society must accept its homosexual citizens. Sullivan reframes the debate into four competing political positions--prohibitionist, liberationist, conservative, and liberal--and assesses them one by one, first sympathetically detailing their strengths, then exposing their weaknesses. In their place, he proposes a politics of homosexuality that would guarantee the rights of gays and lesbians, and transform the way we as a nation approach the homosexual question and many other social issues as well. The most comprehensive, concise, and moving argument yet written on the subject, Virtually Normal is sure to become a modern classic of political and moral argument.
"This excellent book sets a standard for depth and subtlety of argument that has not been reached before on either side of the debate. Everyone concerned will want to read what he has to say."--Harvey Mansfield, Harvard University, The Wall Street Journal
"[A] very valuable book that raises the issue of homosexuality in a new way.... Mr. Sullivan presents a model of civil discourse. His voice is a voice of reason, tranquillity and analytical precision."--The New York Times
"Virtually Normal is a brilliant and revolutionary book that will transform gay studies."--Washington Post Book World
