The Regulation of Desire

Book excerpt: "Sexuality, as we live it, is primarily a social creation and therefore it changes historically; sexual definition which we accept as "natural" - such as lesbian, gay, or heterosexual - emerge only through a specific social process linked to broader changes in class, gender, and State formation. This pioneering analysis uncovers the history of the Canadian lesbian and gay communities, and, by extension, the history of sexuality in general. Kinsman offers insights into the social forces that have organized and maintained gay oppression and pinpoints some potential allies of sexual liberation. He suggest moving towards very different criteria for organizing and regulating sexuality, desire, and pleasure. The Regulation of Desire concludes with suggestions as to how sexual politics and help transform progressive politics and contribute to broad social change."--Page [4] of cover.