Sisters, Sexperts, Queers: Beyond the Lesbian Nation

by Arlene Stein (Editor)

In this collection of provocative essays dealing with subjects ranging from sexual mores to self-image, the voices of both established and fledgling writers and activists are represented. By turns scathing, funny, seething, analytical, and impassioned, these works depict a lesbian culture of tremendous diversity that is reinventing itself for the '90s.

Genres: Queer, Nonfiction, LGBT, Lesbian, Essays, History, Queer Studies

304 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1993

Reviews

[Juniper Copley-Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like many other reviews, I found this collection of essays to be hit or miss at points. There were some essays that could be read as transphobic or that used language that isn't common or isn't acceptable anymore. But, at other points I found a thread of connectivity with lesbians in history; while the essay on the topic wasn't necessarily positive in framing, Dykes, Disability, and Stuff sent a shock of recognition through me. Knowing lesbians in 1980 are having the same damn arguments that we are in 2020 is both saddening and heartening. Overall, I enjoyed the snapshot of this period in history.

[Sophia · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5

Being a product of the 90s, in some instances these essays are fairly dated, but there was also a lot that rang true to a lesbian born in 1999. A really interesting read nonetheless, it's always fascinating to see the history and evolution of lesbian culture.

[Hanfoi · Rating 2 out of 5]

ex gf gave me this. interesting but definetly a littttttle terfy at points but that’s to be expected from old queer books (unfortunately)

[R. C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some very timeless pieces about the lesbian PClice and classism, as well as some essays that mark a weird position on the timeline, before we all knew a lesbian parent but after lesbians themselves had come to terms with the idea of parenting together on purpose. It was weird to hear the terms male-identified and female-identified so much, and the total lack of the whole genderqueer idea was interesting too. Worth picking up if only for that one essay on class. It's very powerful.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mixed collection of essays- some are painfully dated, but there are some real gems, including Dorothy Allison's A Question of Class.