The Sexual Spectrum: Exploring Human Diversity

by Olive Skene Johnson

Questions of sexuality and gender are in the forefront of public discourse. Every day there are stories in the newspaper about same-sex marriage, gay and lesbian parenting, and queer rights. In this fascinating book, Olive Skene Johnson explores the myriad influences and elements that shape human gender and sexuality. Drawing on the scientific findings of experts past and present and on a wide range of personal experiences from everyday people, Johnson explores questions such Is sexual diversity new? Why do men and women think differently? Apart from their sexuality, are homosexuals and heterosexuals different? How do genes, hormones, and society affect our sexuality? Answering these and related questions in an informed and entertaining way, Johnson provides a wealth of information in this lively, commonsense look at sexual diversity, blending science with personal stories.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Sexuality, Gender, Psychology, Gender and Sexuality

278 pages, Paperback

First published February 11, 2005

Reviews

[Rayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was in a bookstore with my friend and he just had to read the book title out loud to me. I was curious and being ashamed on my own sexual orientation - I instantly felt a surge of embarrassment after reading the back cover or synopsis of the book.

I knew homosexual is normal, but I've always treated it as something abnormal because of stereotypes. I wished I was different and just straight, but I knew I couldn't get myself to love another girl. So before reading this book, I can say I'm not proud to be gay. My best friend knows I'm gay and when he saw me trying to hide my own identity in front of others, he asked me the reason I'm afraid to disclose being gay. Silence was in charge after.
I am afraid, still am.

So, after purchasing and reading this book, as a gay man I am, it's surprising to know so much things unknown to me! The book is packed with numerous reports and stories about the minor sexuality that it's OKAY to be homosexual. I've been in denial for SO long, thinking that homosexual is just wrong. Reading this just enlightened me, I can't be more thankful to everyone who've contributed in the research.

If you're a person who's afraid to disclose your sexual orientation.
It's okay, take it really slowly. Somewhere in our life, we HAVE to do that. I'm scared, but I'll give it a try.
As the author've written: ...as research has repeatedly shown that the strongest predictor of tolerance toward homosexuality is knowing a gay person, coming out of the closet is not only a personal step but also an important political act. In addition, it's a significant health benefit...

Have fun discovering yourself / the minor sexuality.

[Olivia Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating informative read, although it was a technical read it still was easy to read and I enjoyed reading it.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is quite interesting, however read it critically as I did. As it was published in 2004, it does not use the same language that we see now in regards to sex and gender, but it does sometimes subscribe to the new belief system around gender, particularly in regards to sexed brains. Lots of great information and discussion around different types of sexualities (even touching on some paraphilias though very briefly) and how a man could be more feminine and a woman more masculine from exposure to different hormones in the womb. It also discusses biological and environment factors in regards in human sexuality. It does differentiate between transvestites and transsexuals and categorizes transvestites as being mostly heterosexual men (which it probably wouldn't do if it was published today). It discusses intersexuals and how doctors have only recently in the last century "assigned" them a gender (with surgery) at birth. It does not discuss things such as pornography and its influence on human sexual behaviour and seemed to focus more on non heterosexual sexualities, ending with a list of how homosexuals have been discriminated against in recent years. It mentions John Money and Alfred Kinsey, but fails to mention the questionable sexual experiments on minors that both conducted. It seems to contradict itself in the second to last chapter by stating "Apart from transsexuals, men cannot become women, nor women men, regardless of their environment." This obviously subscribes to gender being determined by identity and feeling and in that regard I felt that this book helped to sow the seeds for gender ideology.

[Maddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

good explainer of spectrums of sexuality. was confused at first when the author kept referencing the inequity in marriage rights and adoption until i realized that this was written around 2003.... I keep thinking what are they talking about- marriage equity is at a federal level; however given the current political climate of certain states in my country (USA) this may not be that far off should certain actors have there way (looking at the re-elected gov of FL in 2022). what a scary and sad future that would be should that actually happen and progress be reversed :/

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really found this book informative and interesting. I think I enjoyed the second half more than the first so it was worth it to keep reading.

The chapter titles give you a good idea of what's in the book:

Maleness and Femaleness
Sexing the Brain
Multiple Sexualities - The Majors
Multiple Sexualities - The Minors
Different Brains for Different Sexualities
Biology and Sexual Orientation
Nature and Nurture - The Dance Goes On
If It's Normal, Why All The Fuss?

I think the chapter on Nature and Nurture was my favourite - it makes you realize how complex the idea of who we are and how we got that way really is!

[Melinda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although coming from good intentions, this book is highly flawed, full of ridiculous claims and too many examples of pseudo-science. The sections on sexual orientation are the worst, but the information on intersexuality and transgenderism is quite good. However, the author does have a tendency to pathologize anything and everything that's isn't heterosexuality, and it's frustrating.

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Research has consistently shown that people with limited education and people harboring authoritarian attitudes and traditional ideas about proper roles for men and women are those most prone to hostility toward gays and lesbians. So too are people who are religiously conservative. But the most important factor of all is never having known a gay man or woman."

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A broad overview of many studies and their implications. She could focus more on methodology and the studies themselves, but it is well-written, even-handed, thought-provoking, and probably a bunch more hyphenated adjetives.

[Broodingferret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though it contained very little that I didn't already know, this book was enjoyable. Well-written, approachable, and wide-ranging, I would highly recommend this book to any who are looking for an introductory text on the biology of human sexuality.

[Travis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many of the studies cited in this book are interesting and the overall book is interesting. However, I didn't feel that the book gave me much new information or thoughts. It's an interesting collection of information, but it failed to hit me as something important.

[LWM · Rating 4 out of 5]

It looks like a medical textbook and full disclosure -- I'm not finished with it yet but it's so damn interesting I think anyone interested in gender studies should check it out.

[Elle · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books ive ever read

[Karine Sarhadian · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best and most incisive books I have read rendering clear insight into humanity, gender, sexual orientation, etc...areas which continue to baffle the human mind. Well done!

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must-read, folks.
Utterly fascinating.

[Bryan · Rating 1 out of 5]

still reading