Faeries, Bears, and Leathermen: Men in Community Queering the Masculine
Sign in to keep track of books you’ve read and want to read.
Over time, male homosexuality and effeminacy have become indelibly associated, sometimes even synonymous. In Faeries, Bears, and Leathermen, Peter Hennen contends that this stigma of effeminacy exerts a powerful influence on gay subcultures. Through a comparative ethnographic analysis of three communities, Hennen explores the surprising ways that conventional masculinity is being collectively challenged, subverted, or perpetuated in contemporary gay male culture.
Read more
Hennen's colorful study focuses on a trio of groups: the Radical Faeries, who parody effeminacy by playfully embracing it, donning prom dresses and glitter; the Bears, who strive to appear like "regular guys" and celebrate their larger, hairier bodies; and the Leathermen, who emulate hypermasculine biker culture, simultaneously paying homage to and undermining notions of manliness. Along with a historical analysis of the association between effeminacy and homosexuality, Hennen examines how this connection affects the groups' sexual practices. Ultimately, he argues, while all three groups adopt innovative approaches to gender issues and sexual pleasure, masculine norms continue to constrain members of each community.
Liked Faeries, Bears, and Leathermen: Men in Community Queering the Masculine? Here’s where I’d start.
These suit anyone who liked Faeries, Bears, and Leathermen: Men in Community Queering the Masculine. Sign in and mark a few books for picks shaped around your own taste.
-
Why Are Faggots So Afraid of Faggots?: Flaming Challenges to Masculinity, Objectification, and the Desire to Conform Shares queer, nonfiction, LGBT -
A Queer Reader Shares queer, queer studies, nonfiction -
PoMoSexuals: Challenging Assumptions About Gender and Sexuality Shares queer, gender, nonfiction -
The Gay Canon: Great Books Every Gay Man Should Read Shares queer, queer studies, nonfiction
