Between Gay and Straight: Understanding Friendship Across Sexual Orientation

by Lisa M. Tillmann

It started as a class project-- a young, married, small-town white woman interviewing a gay acquaintance and his circle of friends. From this developed a three year exploration of the complexities of carrying on gay-straight friendships. This reflexive, thoughtful, and compellingly-written study moves from gay bars to softball leagues to visits with families and friends, both gay and straight. During its course, the author develops a growing understanding of the differences between the two communities, the difficulties of developing bonds across groups, and the inherent rewards of seeking (and being) the Other in contemporary society. She explores sexuality, marriage, lifestyles, and the meanings of friendship, culminating in a boisterous dissertation defense attended by her new community of friends. As a study of a gay community, a narrative of personal development and change, and an exploration of the use of friendship in conducting research that transforms both participants and researcher, Tillmann-Healy's work will be compelling reading for scholars, students, and the broader community.

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this for an Intercultural Communication course, and I must say that it was a very interesting subject. Often people don't delve much into what it means to be labeled something, especially when that label refers to one's sexuality. The LGBT community has a voice that is usually tuned out by the rest of the world...Lisa Tillmann gives that voice an audience. Very insightful, highly recommend it!

[Ryan Helton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Something gay to spice up the mix.