Is It a Choice? Answers to the Most Frequently Asked Questions About Gay and Lesbian People.  By Eric Marcus.

First written in 1993, this was author Eric Marcus' response to all the endless reporter's questions that had absolutely nothing to do with the book they were supposed to be writing about (The Male Couples Guide).  This book contains the 300 most frequently asked questions about what it means to be Gay or Lesbian in America.

The book is divided into eighteen chapters, from The Basics (1) through Coming Out (3), Sex (7) Work and the Military (8), Religion (11), and aging (17) with Miscellaneous Questions making up the last chapter.  Each Chapter contains several Questions, with two to twelve paragraph answers.  The title question is #11 in chapter One.

The questions range from the seemingly ridiculous, (If you have a homosexual experience, does that make you gay?  If you have a heterosexual experience does that make you straight? Page 16) to the practical (Are ‘civil unions' and ‘domestic partnerships' the same as real marriage? Page 112) to the awkward (What should you tell a child who has a gay aunt or uncle?  How old do they have to be?  How do nieces and nephews react? Page 94.)  Many go under the heading of "I was curious, but didn't know who to ask," like (Is Bisexuality the same thing as ‘On the Down Low?' Page 7).

Mr. Marcus answers each with total sincerity.  There are no stupid question; each is handled to the best of his ability in plain, straightforward language.  Each has the feel of a wise old uncle sitting you down to explain things.  He is not condescending, intolerant, or espousing any radical agendas.  He is giving the reader the best answer he can to allow them to see the world from the Gay and Lesbian viewpoint.

He does this rather well, dispersing such myths as, (Is homosexuality a Mental Illness? Page 17) and (Are gay people more likely to molest children? Page 19).  He talks openly about what is like to be gay, both today, and historically.  And basically, he just answers all the questions about homosexuality you wanted to know, but were afraid to ask.

If I have any problem with this book it is that it is written by Eric Marcus, and reflects his opinions.  It does not cite the extensive body of research that exists to support his claims.  It is not scholarly.  As such, it renders the book less serviceable to a gay person looking for ammunition to defend themselves from the National Organization for Marriage, the American Family Council, and other Anti Gay Hate Groups.  What it does, and what it was intended to do, is put answers to the questions straight people have about Gays and Lesbians.  And I must say, it does that job very well.  This book would be an excellent first step for someone who suspects their child may be gay, who has new gay neighbors, or who is working to integrate their work place.  It discusses the topic openly, honestly, but tactfully.  The entire volume is "Safe For Work."  If you are curious about how the other tenth lives, I urge you to pick up this book, and let it enlighten you about the Civil Rights Struggle that is happening today.  With an increase in knowledge comes a decrease in fear.  And that is always a good thing.

The Lavender Quill
Gay Non-Fiction

Is It a Choice?
The Martian Child
What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality
Gay Tales of the Samurai


Gay Fiction.

Son of a Witch
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Raised by Wolves: Brethern
Raised by Wolves: Matelots
Raised by Wolves: Treasure
Raised by Wolves: Wolves
Master of Seacliff 
Ransom
Forbidden Colours
Lord John and the Private Matter
Lord John and the Hand of Devils
Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade

Comics and Graphic Novels

Side by Side
Fogtown
Black Wade: The Wild Side of Love
The Authority: Prime
Hellblazer: Highwater
Midnighter: Anthem
Midnighter: Killing Machine
Rawhide Kid: Slap Leather
Rawhide Kid: Slap Leather (part 2)

Recommended: Yes