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Straight Expectations
From picket line to picket fence - what does it mean to be gay in the era of same-sex marriage and equal rights? More than four decades after the start of the gay liberation movement, lesbians and gay men can legally marry, adopt children, and enjoy the same rights and respect as heterosexuals...or can they?
In Straight Expectations, Julie Bindel, an out lesbian since 1977, tracks the changes in the gay community in the last forty years and asks whether fighting for the right to marry has achieved genuine progress, or whether the new legal rights have neutered a once-radical social movement. Drawing on extensive original research into changing attitudes towards sexuality, as well as interviews with scientists examining the 'gay gene', gay liberation pioneers, religious figures and key players of all political persuasions, Straight Expectations asks: Is sexual orientation learned or latent?; Do lesbians and gay men have anything in common?; and Have we now reached a stage where the 'only gay in the village' mentality no longer has any place in society?
In this stimulating, thought-provoking book, Julie Bindel gets to the heart of the values, politics, hopes and dreams of a minority group that still inspires fear, loathing and fascination for many.
In Straight Expectations, Julie Bindel, an out lesbian since 1977, tracks the changes in the gay community in the last forty years and asks whether fighting for the right to marry has achieved genuine progress, or whether the new legal rights have neutered a once-radical social movement. Drawing on extensive original research into changing attitudes towards sexuality, as well as interviews with scientists examining the 'gay gene', gay liberation pioneers, religious figures and key players of all political persuasions, Straight Expectations asks: Is sexual orientation learned or latent?; Do lesbians and gay men have anything in common?; and Have we now reached a stage where the 'only gay in the village' mentality no longer has any place in society?
In this stimulating, thought-provoking book, Julie Bindel gets to the heart of the values, politics, hopes and dreams of a minority group that still inspires fear, loathing and fascination for many.
224 pages, Paperback
First published June 24, 2014
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210 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 9, 2017
I wish I could give this book more than 2 1/2 stars, but I can't. The author's tone (which she likes to call radical, but sounds more like a call to anarchy to me) comes in too strong. On the basis of scientific research (one survey divided between heterosexual and "others"), this is basically an opinion piece.
Let's start with her nature vs nurture convinction. Bindel is convinced that sexual orientation in a choice, based on the simple fact that there is no evidence of a gay gene. To simplify biology down to genes is such a huge mistake! Where I do understand where she comes from, you do not choose your sexual orientation, you choose whether to act on it or not. Not only that, but her explanation of nurture with "environment" is simply wrong. There have been scientific research with twins raised in different environments where both identified as gay, just as siblings everywhere raised in the same environment don't automatically identify with the same sexual orientation.
Her constant use of "lesbian and gay men" frustrates me. Where do genderfluid and trans people identify in this? And what about queer people? Or women who prefer the term gay to lesbian? Bindel refuses to acknowledge most of the LGBT community on the grounds that anyone who is not a lesbian (or gay man, to an extend) does not get treated the same. Newsflash, of course we don't get treated the same, because you completely erase us!
Which brings me to my next point: her efforts to invalidate bisexuality. According to Bindel, bisexuality is mostly for women who are not ready to identify as lesbian. Apart from some well placed name-dropping, the whole concept of bisexuality is forgotten by Bindel. Does remind me of society (both straight and LGBT+) in general... Not even that, but she goes as far, in her Conclusion, to say that "Jessie J is supposedly bisexual, but the rumours and suspicion point towards the idea she is simply a lesbian marketed in a way so as not to alienate straight men". Congratulation Bindel, you just managed to do what the patriarchal society you condemn so strongly does on a daily basis: refuse to acknowledge Jessie J's right to identify as she likes.
It is quite sad that her opinions comes through so strongly, because she does make some fair points throughout the book. But by mixing LGBT+ rights with women's rights (except for reproductive rights, because everyone knows women automatically stop ovulating when they identify as lesbian - and therefore do not need access to the pill or to tampons and pads...) and patriarchy with capitalism, most of her "radicalism" comes out as a cry for anarchy instead of change.
Not to mention that, in the current political atmosphere, this book - written only 2 years ago - seems to be quite outdated, when you see the international human rights movement coming together in answer to the rise of the "alternative-right".
Let's start with her nature vs nurture convinction. Bindel is convinced that sexual orientation in a choice, based on the simple fact that there is no evidence of a gay gene. To simplify biology down to genes is such a huge mistake! Where I do understand where she comes from, you do not choose your sexual orientation, you choose whether to act on it or not. Not only that, but her explanation of nurture with "environment" is simply wrong. There have been scientific research with twins raised in different environments where both identified as gay, just as siblings everywhere raised in the same environment don't automatically identify with the same sexual orientation.
Her constant use of "lesbian and gay men" frustrates me. Where do genderfluid and trans people identify in this? And what about queer people? Or women who prefer the term gay to lesbian? Bindel refuses to acknowledge most of the LGBT community on the grounds that anyone who is not a lesbian (or gay man, to an extend) does not get treated the same. Newsflash, of course we don't get treated the same, because you completely erase us!
Which brings me to my next point: her efforts to invalidate bisexuality. According to Bindel, bisexuality is mostly for women who are not ready to identify as lesbian. Apart from some well placed name-dropping, the whole concept of bisexuality is forgotten by Bindel. Does remind me of society (both straight and LGBT+) in general... Not even that, but she goes as far, in her Conclusion, to say that "Jessie J is supposedly bisexual, but the rumours and suspicion point towards the idea she is simply a lesbian marketed in a way so as not to alienate straight men". Congratulation Bindel, you just managed to do what the patriarchal society you condemn so strongly does on a daily basis: refuse to acknowledge Jessie J's right to identify as she likes.
It is quite sad that her opinions comes through so strongly, because she does make some fair points throughout the book. But by mixing LGBT+ rights with women's rights (except for reproductive rights, because everyone knows women automatically stop ovulating when they identify as lesbian - and therefore do not need access to the pill or to tampons and pads...) and patriarchy with capitalism, most of her "radicalism" comes out as a cry for anarchy instead of change.
Not to mention that, in the current political atmosphere, this book - written only 2 years ago - seems to be quite outdated, when you see the international human rights movement coming together in answer to the rise of the "alternative-right".
December 23, 2019
Writing from a radical lesbian feminist point of view, Bindel sheds light on some interesting opinions regarding some of the current issues facing the gay and lesbian communities. I enjoyed her discussions of the differences between lesbian and gay men, the worrying pre-occupation with equal marriage among the gay community, and the 'pink pound'. I agreed with her view that equality doesn't necessarily mean sameness, ie becoming part of/replicating the patriarchal institutions that straight people continue to adhere to. It made me question my own views and thoughts on what gay identity means today which can only be a good thing. Her very definite standpoint did hinder the the discussion at times, meaning that she comes across as someone with a very set agenda for the gay/lesbian community which may have passed us by and is not necessarily relevant now. I would have liked to have heard her views on the diversity of the gay community and got a bit more insight on the inner prejudices within the gay community relating to race/ethnicity/class etc. Overall, some very interesting insights on some very current issues facing not just the gay community...
August 17, 2022
genel olarak itirazım yok, düşündürttükleri için de minnettarım ama uzattığını, sürekli tekrara düştüğünü düşünüyorum bindel'in. ingiltere'de ne olmuş ne bitmiş orada durum neymiş okumaktan da bunaldım bu arada. bu derdim sırf bu kitaba özgü değil gerçi.
November 30, 2020
Julie Bindel is one of the leading radical feminist experts on surrogacy and the politicisation of the modern gay lifestyle. Accordingly, I was quite excited to embark on this read. Ms Bindel and I are vastly different in that she believes homosexuality to be a choice, whereas I have never been able to relate to that opinion. Nevertheless, I am always looking to broaden my horizons. Bindel delivers a striking criticism of the institution of marriage, of modern homophobia, the history of the lesbian and gay movements in the UK, and a battle cry against blending into heteronormativity by mimicking a hetero lifestyle for the sake of acceptance.
I don't agree on all of Bindel's points, but I admire her ability to create flawless and convincing arguments. This read did feel somewhat repetitive, I'm afraid, as it does not cover too many topics. In the end I did find myself skipping entire paragraphs.
I don't agree on all of Bindel's points, but I admire her ability to create flawless and convincing arguments. This read did feel somewhat repetitive, I'm afraid, as it does not cover too many topics. In the end I did find myself skipping entire paragraphs.
September 3, 2014
Interesting view point on how gay men and lesbians have lost their politics and have become part of a conservative patriarchal society that reinforces prejudice
July 25, 2015
I agree with much that Julie Bindel has to say.
But this is an extended article and not a book.
But this is an extended article and not a book.
April 12, 2015
Wow. Like time travel to the 1970s. Not at all in a good way.
November 30, 2021
Had a couple of good points I hadn't considered, mainly how lesbians experience anti-gay oppression as well as misogyny (obvious when you think about it), and how people promoting different lifestyles outside of the mainstream (I.e. gay/lesbian) also had the opportunity to dismantle other systems (e.g. capitalism, nuclear family unit as the only acceptable way to live) and how assimilation has veered away from this. Some mention of respectability politics which is valuable.
However, it's difficult to know what Bindel is fighting for. She appears to be anti everything that isn't radical lesbian feminists who don't want children and seems to value subversiveness for its own sake. There is a fairly strong anti-male and anti-sraight sentiment which to me frames her as anti-inclusivity like the bigots she protests against.
Also there is nothing explicit to suggest it, but this book has serious TERF vibes. Wouldn't recommend
However, it's difficult to know what Bindel is fighting for. She appears to be anti everything that isn't radical lesbian feminists who don't want children and seems to value subversiveness for its own sake. There is a fairly strong anti-male and anti-sraight sentiment which to me frames her as anti-inclusivity like the bigots she protests against.
Also there is nothing explicit to suggest it, but this book has serious TERF vibes. Wouldn't recommend
August 4, 2021
I don't usually do this but I had to dnf this book half way through. It was just starting to annoy me. Unscientific, repetitive and exclusionary of other identies (eg, bisexual, trans...). This was just an outdated ramble.
I have to agree with Jenny's review also.
However I do believe you can learn at least 1 thing from every book. So I must say Bindel criticisms of marriage and compulsory heterosexuality got me thinking.
Ps...
I really wish you could understand a bit more about how things are now. You could be such a great advocate for the current lgbtq community!
Also there isn't a better type of activism the people who donate and just are willing to debate their opinion are just as equal as people who are willing to do strike and more militant things, for example.
I have to agree with Jenny's review also.
However I do believe you can learn at least 1 thing from every book. So I must say Bindel criticisms of marriage and compulsory heterosexuality got me thinking.
Ps...
I really wish you could understand a bit more about how things are now. You could be such a great advocate for the current lgbtq community!
Also there isn't a better type of activism the people who donate and just are willing to debate their opinion are just as equal as people who are willing to do strike and more militant things, for example.
October 24, 2016
Good reminder of the difference between liberation and equality and how, collectively, the 'gay' has been assimilated and hetro-normalised - i would agree with the writer this has been of limited benefit.
I like Bindel. Has made an important contribution to the various debates but here she is wholly and equivocally wrong on the science. She just does not have a clue what she is talking about. That is immediately obvious in the text. She should have skipped this part it is just dumb.
I like Bindel. Has made an important contribution to the various debates but here she is wholly and equivocally wrong on the science. She just does not have a clue what she is talking about. That is immediately obvious in the text. She should have skipped this part it is just dumb.
June 24, 2018
The author brings up many important points and issues. However, she does so in a manner that smacks of preaching from a radical lesbian feminist high horse in a tone that frequently comes across as condescending and judgmental and which really rubs me the wrong way. Also, I strongly disagree with several of her views.
April 28, 2018
Christian dogma coming from someone who feels beyond reproach "because I am too". Unpleasant and preachy.
April 10, 2024
I’m glad I read it, lots of useful facts & figures and Julie Bindel’s point of view is a thought provoking one
However terribly structured…
However terribly structured…
Read
November 16, 2014Unapologetic and most likely somewhat controversial. I'm not sure if I agree with her on every point, but it's an interesting insight into gay liberation and the de-politicisation of the movement.
As the subtitle suggests, Bindel focuses the vast majority of her book on homosexual issues and does not discuss other sexual and/or romantic orientations. There was one particulary troubling remark on bisexuality that concerned me a little, but mostly other sexualities were simply not discussed, and if they were they were mentioned more in passing. Which makes sense, as Bindel herself is a lesbian; her own sexual oritentation is bound to be the one that she understands the most. It is rather cissexist. Despite her early assertations that both gender and sexuality are social constructs, she still talks about the lack of a penis when it comes to lesbian relationships. Although in places it was unclear if that was cissexism or whether she was categorising how the bigots of this world see lesbian relationships (sexist, homophobic, transphobic bigots are unlikely to know that gender has nought to do with one's body or genitalia).
Perhaps the subheading should instead read "What does it mean to be a white, cisgender, gay today?" rather than "What does it mean to be gay today?".
Still, it was an interesting book that opened my eyes to some different ways of thinking and her straightforward way of putting forward her views and arguments was refreshing in this context.
As the subtitle suggests, Bindel focuses the vast majority of her book on homosexual issues and does not discuss other sexual and/or romantic orientations. There was one particulary troubling remark on bisexuality that concerned me a little, but mostly other sexualities were simply not discussed, and if they were they were mentioned more in passing. Which makes sense, as Bindel herself is a lesbian; her own sexual oritentation is bound to be the one that she understands the most. It is rather cissexist. Despite her early assertations that both gender and sexuality are social constructs, she still talks about the lack of a penis when it comes to lesbian relationships. Although in places it was unclear if that was cissexism or whether she was categorising how the bigots of this world see lesbian relationships (sexist, homophobic, transphobic bigots are unlikely to know that gender has nought to do with one's body or genitalia).
Perhaps the subheading should instead read "What does it mean to be a white, cisgender, gay today?" rather than "What does it mean to be gay today?".
Still, it was an interesting book that opened my eyes to some different ways of thinking and her straightforward way of putting forward her views and arguments was refreshing in this context.
July 30, 2014
I like the fumes and fires in some debates. I do not like the repetitions. Overall I have to say it was a good read. Some topic and viewpoint (especially points against marriage) was out of my comfort zone. Some explanation (especially how capitalism cope with pink pounds) opened up my sight. Personally I hate the expression of "think outside of the box" but reading this book forced me to do so and I not regret it! Thanks for that.
November 14, 2014
Interesting but a bit too long and repetitive. Her good points got a bit lost, perhaps she needed a good editor to trim the book down and tighten the writing up. Didn't completely convince me that sexual orientation is a choice, my feeling that like a lot of human traits there is a whole range from homo to hetro and that we have a predisposition to some point on that range which we can firm up or change by choice.
June 15, 2015
I was expecting a book with a more balanced view of the current situation for homosexual people. This book argues from the standpoint of radical feminist. An interesting read but it does acknowledge the importance of the fight for equality for gay and lesbian people.
July 5, 2015
Survey of the current state of the lesbian and gay movement in the UK from the lesbian-feminist perspective of Julie Bindel. Interesting, but could've stood better editing.
June 21, 2016
Brilliant!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews