Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2348212 in Books
• Published on: 1999-06
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 312 pages

From the Author
A groundbreaking book on intersections of race & sexuality
Dear Readers, Many have pointed out the parallels between the lynching of James Byrd, Jr. in Texas and the murder of Matthew Shepard in Wyoming. The erosion of affirmative action in last November’s election seems to have gone hand-in-hand with the defeat of equal rights initiatives for lesbians and gays in states across the country. In Dangerous Liaisons, the leading minds of both communities discuss their similarities and their differences. I received very enthusiastic responses when I first brought the attention of this book to publishers. One editor said he read through it with "unalloyed interest." Another claimed she was sure it would "change the current debate" and would be "a real contribution to the literature." As much as the idea was admired, however, all claimed that with the current corporate climate of downsizing, mergers and profit margins, they couldn’t take the risk of publishing a book about two minorities. All, that is, except The New Press, a non-profit publishing house which prides itself on operating in the public interest. The contributors have worked very hard to write about a difficult and sensitive topic. The essays and interviews are well written, accessible, and on everything from history and politics, to the church and grassroots organizations, to novels, poetry and motion pictures. Whether you order a copy, or not, I hope you will talk to your friends about this issue and help us further the discussion and understanding between African Americans and the lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgendered community. Many thanks, Eric Brandt

Customer Reviews

Well-written and insightful
With the Christian right actively working to drum up support among black ministers, this book is extremely important. Brandt and his contributors want to bridge the gap between blacks and gays. They also make it obvious that the two groups are not mutually exclusive, that black gays and lesbians have an especially difficult row to hoe in this country.