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.
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