Straight People, Gay People and Sexuality in the
U.S. Military
Lois Shawver
Book Review
"For anyone interested
in the issue of gays in the military, this book is must reading. Dr. Shawver
tackles this complex and emotional subject in an understandable manner
and makes a clear, persuasive, and scholarly case for lifting the ban in
the U.S. military."
(Lawrence J. Korb, Former Assistant Secretary
of Defense)
"This is essential reading for the military "brass,"
as well as others interested in this problem."
(Daniel W. Richards, Published Review, Readings:)
"Shawver's essay is a short, powerfully reasoned,
and a convincing analysis of both the cultural basis for the ban on gays
in the military and how it is harmful to gays, straights, and the society
as a whole."
(Lee Hanson, Published Review, Our Own)
"This is a first-rate account of the gays-in-the-military
issue...Extensive documentaiton makes clear that the author's arguments
have validity."
(Theodore R. Sarbin, Professor Emeritus Professor
of Criminology, Unviersity of Santa Cruz)
"Methodically strips away the myths surrounding homosexuality
in the military....When the underpinnings of each argument are disclosed,
irrational fear and ingrained military prejudice are all that remain."
(Colonel Margarethe Cammermeyer, United States
Army)
"This book is provocative...Its strengths lie in
its grounding in the real world of interpersonal interaction, its insightful
use of social and behavioral science knowledge, its clear and persuasive
logic, and its ability to speak directly to the issues that are at the
heart of homosexual and heterosexual fears, anxieties and biases....This
is the kind of book that, while written against the backdrop of the 'don't
ask, don't tell' policy of the U.S. forces, can be read and used to advantage
by the general public or by planners, educators, and others. As a careful,
well-researched, and pragmatic examination of the key issues involved in
homosexuality and military service, it provides an antidote to ideologically
based views on both sides of the issue."
