Two Flutes Playing: A Spiritual Journeybook for Gay Men

by Andrew Ramer

"We had many saints, many heroes, both female and male, but I want to speak here of the saints and heroes of the gay tribes. For this is a period of human history that has been lost through time, whose return is vitally needed. For you know the heroes of the other tribes. But of this small, sacred tribe, whose history has been obscured, you remember nothing." So tells acclaimed author Andrew Ramer in Two Flutes Playing . Within these pages can be found insight and wisdom. Ramer serves as a mythologist for gay men, providing evidence to the harmony of gender, love and sex. A new introduction by the author reveals why this book--a Lambda Literary Award finalist--has a timeless message.

Genres: Spirituality

164 pages, Paperback

First published February 15, 1997

Reviews

[Andrew Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although we like to think of traditions going back into the mists of time, they are often created by a gifted story teller. (For example a lot of what is seen as Scottish culture today comes from Sir Walter Scott.) Ramer describes himself as a Maggid - a sacred story teller - and he has created a whole mythology for men who love men which spans back into prehistory (ie: ice age) which he has received (a term he prefers to channeling). I know this sounds strange and probably twelve months ago I would have thrown this book against the wall in disgust. How can you prove that! However, I've become more open and thank goodness. As well as laying out an important role for men who love men in our wider culture, he has exercises for increasing intimacy and talks about midwives for the dying - who keep people on their death beds company, listen to their confessions and fears and help them forgive themselves for their failures. It is a book which need a life time to unpack. I will probably be returning and reading it again.


March 2024. I did return and read it again. And I loved the channeled parts the most - especially of the time (before the ice age) where gay men lived in tribes.

[Julene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two Flutes Playing is an alternative history and reality for gay men written by my good friend Andrew Ramer. It is extremely moving and was adapted for an opera for a Heartland Men's Chorus in St. Louis. It had men sobbing in the audience, Andrew was there opening night. It is a beautiful CD, and I would have liked to be there in person. I've given the book to gay men for their wedding gift.

I read whatever Andrew writes because it is always exceptional and otherworldly.

[Julene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful spiritual exploration of gay men's history in a altered reality that has deep roots. Andrew channeled the book. The Heartland Men's Chorus in Kansas City adapted it to music in 2002, and it is available through them on CD.
It has since been republished, I like this original cover better.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

good book for a gay men's spiritual group.

[Leon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit dry but very informative and very interesting.