Missing Myth, The: New Vision Of Same-Sex Love, A

Description: If homosexual behaviour is an aberration from the standpoint of reproduction, why is it widespread among humans, primates, and a myriad of other animal species, and why has it been favoured by evolution? And if homosexuality is considered a moral problem based on religious beliefs, why were more homosexuals exterminated under the brief reigns of such secular regimes as the Communists and the Nazis than during the entire Christian Inquisition. Why is everything about homosexuality always a paradox? In this book Gilles Herrada tackles the many questions about the role and meaning of homosexuality in the evolution of our species and the development of civilisation: what evolutionary edge same-sex relationships have provided to the human species; what biological mechanisms generate the sexual diversity that we observe; why homosexual behaviour ended up being prohibited world-wide; why homophobia has persisted throughout history; why the homosexual community resurfaced after World War II; and others. In this heartfelt, beautifully written, and painstakingly researched text, the author sculpts a vision of homosexuality that integrates its biological, sociological, cultural, ethical, psychological, and spiritual dimensions. Stressing the connection between the social status of homosexuality and how same-sex love is depicted in the myths of a particular culture, the book advocates the creation of a new mythos -- not only informed by all the fields of knowledge, but also inclusive of the beauty, truth, and goodness of same-sex love.

Review: "More than a little lip-service is paid to interdisciplinary research within the ivory tower, but Herrada embraces this approach and in doing so takes on the Herculean task of addressing big picture topics like: What does it mean to be homosexual? The resulting perspectives will challenge scholars across many entrenched academic borders."
Paul Vasey, PhD, Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Lethbridge Editor of Homosexual Behaviour in Animals: An Evolutionary Perspective