We seek to answer two questions: first, why, as homosexuality has become more visible globally, have reactions to sexual and gender diversity become so polarized? [My answer: religion and opportunists] ... The book's second question is: what is to be done? [My answer: come out, encourage others to come out, and patience]
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'[Q]ueer rights' ... is more inclusive, but overly academic.
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In reality, the goal of campaigns for 'queer rights' is the universal application of human rights, irrespective of sexual orientation or gender identity, and many have argued that this is better pursued through building protection for the 'sexual freedom and rights' of all people. The very concept of 'sexual rights' was born from a feminist critique which rightly saw the subordination of women and the denial of the right to control their bodies as central to both social justice and genuine 'development'.
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[A]lmost all religious and cultural traditions impose strict rules around what is and is not appropriate behavior. The rules differ enormously; what seems also true is that hypocrisy is a common element of most sexual regimes.
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One of the few issues on which religious fundamentalists of all faiths can agree is opposition to homosexuality....
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Is speaking out strongly for gay rights ... helpful — or does it, in practice, help fuel, even create, more political homophobia?
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[A] gay identity and community are both a product of and a marker of a certain sort of modernity.
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[C]ultural shift must usually be the first step in any successful strategy to expand sexual freedom.
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"The contempt for homosexuality and homosexual men ... is part of the ideological package of hegemonic masculinity"
-- R.W. Connell
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[What is to be done?] There are no simple answers.... [L]asting social progress can ultimately only emerge from within societies. [emphasis added]
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