PAGE 20 HIGH GEAR

Anthology explores gay male culture

by George Brown

GAY MEN: the Sociology of Male Homosexuality. Edited by Martin P. Levine. Harper & Row. 346 pages. $14.95.

An amazingly full picture of gay men and the many facets of their world is presented in the tweny-one articles that comprise "Gay Men: the Sociology of Male Homosexuality" edited by Martin P. Levine, who also wrote a lucid introduction. This comprehen-

sive anthology, written sometimes in academic style and sometimes in journalistic style, blasts the long time stereotypes of gay men, emphasizing that men are homosexual in a variety of ways. It spells out the problems of gay men, which still rise in large part from homophobia, and helps to form a base for creating a better world for gays through understanding, both by heterosexuals and by gays themselves.

The first article presents the results of a study made by the National Institute of Mental Health, which verifies the rank homophobia of the American people. This homophobia, alas, is in no way a myth, nor does it belong merely to a vocal minority. Gays themselves surely create some of their individual and collective problems, but until this homophobia is alleviated, we labor under an awesome burden. We may say that we already

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know some of the situations and conditions presented, but it is interesting to see the statistics and the results of studies and observations which verify them. What are some of these things, both positive and negative?

One of the things that impressed me is the fact that according to exact sociological standards there are definite gay ghettos in the United States, although probably only three homosexual areas fit all requirements of the definition: Castro Village in San Francisco: Boy's Town in Los Angeles, and West Village in New York City.

It is significant that there is a definite gay culture in the United States and that, as one article points out, it is no longer a subculture but a satellite culture since there are a number of definite cultures within the gay world: "lesbian feminists, gay academics, suburban couples, street hustlers, drag queens, and gay bikers." Again, the stereotype is shattered.

But is a new stereotype emerging, one that can cause problems later? Is this the "macho" gay man? Research shows that ninety-five percent of gays do not fit the old stereotypes, but what of this new "macho" image which can become a damaging stereotype? We see it all over the gay scene now: the mustached gay dressed as cowboy, lumberjack, construction worker (there are more and more hardhats about), and truck driver.

While it is quite clear that we need a new image to replace the false image of the effete limpwristed lavender boy-man and the nelly queen, Jack Nicholas. for one, takes expection to it. In "Butcher Than Thou: Beyond Machismo" he points out that masculinization of the gay world has strengthened the male gender role, which can trap us, reinforcing an ancient concept damaging to both homosexuals and heterosexuals: segregating the "men" on one side and the "women" on the other--with nothing between except a high and wide barrier. This is something, of course, which women's liberation and the lesspublicized men's liberation is trying to eradicate. Perhaps this "macho" trend is a phase we must go through in order to achieve an integrated identity. "Gay men are discovering their manhood," a bartender is quoted as saying. "Or each other's manhood," he added somewhat humorously.

Gay men in general are highly sexually active and tend to have more casual sexual partners than any other segment of the population, it is revealed. Male gender role is the primary cause, the coming together of a group socialized in the same manner. For gays have been socialized the same as heterosexual men. It is the socialization of women which restricts the sexual activities of heterosexual men--and of gay women.

The article on couplehood shows how male gender role can be responsible for difficulty in a close relationship between two men. Another factor that can cause damage in such a reiation-

ship is the stereotyped thinking that gay men are supposed to have sex with many different people. Here again, stereotypes get in the way: one from the heterosexual world and one from the homosexual world combining to produce dire conflict in a monogamous gay relationship.

Most certainly neither the book nor this review intends to indict masculinity. But after reading the book the thinking person surely is ready to indict stereotypes and rigid role expectations.

Gay bars, it is stated, mainly satisfy a social need, the craving to be with one's own kind. Fine. But, "Not unlike the straight world's swinging singles bar, the urban gay scene puts a high premium on youth, good looks, and in men, masculinity. Those who don't measure up seem to get the message and stay away." Wayne Sage is referring primarily to collegiate dance bars, but how much of this is true of gay bars in general? I hope that such observations wil: emphasize to gay people that as a minority we still are not doing enough for each other--that within our satellite culture there is much discrimination. The gay movements, to which this book devotes an entire section, are admirable; but are enough of us doing enough on a one-to-one basis for our gay brothers? As sociological literature Gay Men" does not directly advocate a gay brotherhood, but from it the perceptive reader will recognize the need and perhapsform a self-plan for such a brotherhood.

There is a revealing chapter on gay baths and the impersonal sexual activity that permeates them. From a traditional sociological viewpoint this activity is negative, and some gays regard the gay bath as a cesspool. But it is significant that some of the participants "may interpret the impersonal experience as fun, enjoyable, or satisfactory." Thus to some gays this fortress of impersonal and instant sex, and where in exception to the rule meaningful and lasting relationships can be spawned. is a pleasure dome. With the swift rise of the gay bath across the land during the past dozen years it is graphically apparent that it meets an acute gay need. Perhaps the thing we must ask, though, is if we can find a better way of meeting this need, of emerging from the groping dark into a secure illumination.

Some of the other incisive articles in this volume discuss camp, which is at once a language and a style, and a way of coping with homophobia; lifestyles of gay fathers, of which there are predominantly four; the aging male homosexual, who does not fit the stereotype of the lonely derelict but does have specific problems; what it means to be black and gay; and the engaging history of gay politics.

Some of the writers are prominent members of the gay community and others are: recognized authorities on male homosexuality, or perhaps they are both; the reader doesn't always quite know.