Backdrop: The politics and personalities behind sexual orientation research

by Gayle E. Pitman

“There’s a story behind every research study.” In Backdrop, Gayle Pitman narrates the “story” behind the science of sexual orientation – a science that has been rife with contradictions and controversies. Pitman argues that, when it comes to sexual orientation research, we could potentially glean more powerful insights from the backdrop of politics and personalities behind the research than from the actual studies themselves. Beginning with a focus on the causes of sexual orientation, moving then to the politics of transgender and intersex identities, and culminating in the political controversies of reparative therapy, “don’t ask, don’t tell,” and same-sex marriage, Backdrop brings into focus the rich and textured landscape behind the scientific research findings. Filled with plot twists and developments, variegated characters (the scientists as well as the activists and reactionaries), and thorny political, moral, and philosophical questions, Backdrop brings the science to life, raising more complex questions while simultaneously providing us with a more nuanced understanding of gender and sexual orientation.

Genres: LGBT, Sexuality

298 pages, Paperback

First published August 10, 2011

About the author

Gayle E. Pitman, Ph.D. is a professor of psychology at Sacramento City College. Her writing, research, and teaching focuses on issues of gender and sexual orientation. She lives in Northern California.

Reviews

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been very fortunate that my life has been enriched since my childhood with close relationships with gay and lesbian people. As an adult I've been privileged to know people who are transsexual and transgendered. My parent's circle of friends was always a wide and diverse one - people of all kinds were in our lives and this was normal for me. I observed a lot of racism as a child, but it never occurred to me that people were discriminated against for being homosexual. I thought racism was weird, too. After all, all these people I knew were diverse and I always thought of them as just other flavors of people to my childhood eye - why would you be mean to someone because of something like race or sexual preference? Aren't people just people and don't all those differences make life more interesting?

When I was 14 I entered the Arts Magnet High School in Dallas, Texas - that's the first place that I learned that people with different sexual preferences were discriminated against. I learned this not because of the school - the school was liberal and weird and colorful. Rather, I learned it from a friend I met there. He was a truly talented ballet dancer - a true thing of beauty while dancing. He was also a really interesting, gentle, and sweet guy. We were both 14 and in our first year there. Over time I learned that his parents had kicked him out of the house when he came out to them the summer before high school. He was living in a studio apartment near school and trying to support himself. That alone was impressive, but I couldn't fathom why it was happening to him. How could you not be proud of someone so talented who was such a good person? I've seen lots more ugly ever since and I still find it disturbing and impossible to understand.

In college I studied biosocial anthropology and learned a lot about genetics and behavior and about other cultures and got a good look into all the ways that gender identity is fluid. In many cultures different gender identities have specific roles within the group. Reading history taught me that none of this was new and I found the whole thing fascinating. Americans like for things to be black and white - you're this or you're that and no shades of gray lie between.

Backdrop was written as a textbook for Dr. Pitman's class on "The Psychology of Sexual Orientation" taught at Sacramento City College, but it doesn't read like one. Perhaps the best thing about the book is its approach. I was taught in college and graduate school that all research is biased (yes, even the scientific stuff) - the choices people make in research topics, the things that they can and can't seen, the ways they explain what they see to themselves and others - all of these things are influenced by who the people are. Personal history, culture, religion, the times - all of these factors (and many more) influence research. Bias is okay, but it's important to know your own and to understand that of others.

Dr. Pitman's approach to writing an introductory text was to write not just about the research, but also the researchers and the context within which this research was conducted. It's the perfect approach for a book like this, teaching so much on so many different levels. Backdrop is a fascinating read and a well-written comprehensive introduction to sexual orientation research. Whether you're in school or not this book is worth the read. Highly recommended.

[Greg · Rating 1 out of 5]

Won this on the First Reads Giveways.

As Licensed Clinical Social Worker I was excited to read this book and experience a new voice or approach to untangling the issues of the LGBT community. I, however, was disappointed with the lack of a voice. The research reflected the sentinel events of same sex attraction but failed to expound on research in the past two decades (with few exceptions). I was also dismayed at the hypocricy exhibited in the use of pejorative language. The author takes great lengths to properly identify each subgroup in the LGBT community (as well she should) demonstrating the power and importance of language. Her foundation and objectivity take serious hits when she categorizes others that do not subscribe to her point of view as "anti gay activists". The argument is so much more complex and nuanced than that. The use of polarizing rhetoric such as "Fear and anger won out over tolerance and logic" does a disservice to the cause of creating equality. I was hoping to give this book to friends to expose them to objective, clinical, scientific, unbiased discussions of this complex social issue.

The most frustrating part was the author’s recognition that the lack of objectivity is the kiss of death to a researcher. That she does not heed her own council is such a frustrating development in the book that had me pulling my hair out as she systematically self destructs her positions.

Knowing that this book is targeted to college students who are forming their social and political views during this time, I find this biased pejorative laden book akin to propaganda. This is coming from a mental health professional that is already on the side of the LGBT community and believes in the equality of all people. I wish I had better things to say about the book because there is so much work to be done to achieve equality. This book does nothing to serve as a bridge, rather lengthens the divide.

[Prudence · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took her class and this book she wrote was a better companion in the class than the textbook that is assigned.

[Travis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met the author at a LBGT event at Sac city college many years ago, when I was still in college and that is where I bought this book. I value the information this has given me and would definitely recommend to others. It's been a few years since I have read this. I actually reviewed this because I read a book written by the same author titled: "This Day in June." I recognized the author's name and immediately realized the connection . I look forward to reading more of her work.