The Lesbian Polyamory Reader

by Marcia Munson (Editor), Judith Stelboum

In reading The Lesbian Polyamory Reader: Open Relationships, Non-Monogamy, and Casual Sex, you'll quickly discover that the steps toward love and happiness are as easy as 1, 2, 3, and maybe even 4 or 5. And you'll find that if your own lesbian relationship lies outside the "traditional monogamous couple" model, you're definitely not alone. You'll explore many multifaceted and multifarious love relationships, each one applicable to your own liking, if you so choose. You'll find successful models of relationship styles--regardless of your own orientation--from cover to cover, and you'll discover the pleasing polyphony in the many, many female voices of authorities on love and love relationships.Whereas other similar studies project the limited view of one or two authors, The Lesbian Polyamory Reader calls upon a broad scope of writers, professional women and academics alike. You'll see that outside the gay rights movement that currently pushes for a traditional, monogamous marriage model of gay couplehood, there lies pleasing multiplicity in the arms and hearts of lesbians worldwide. Specifically, this collection offers: "first person" articles--stories that describe a variety of lesbian experiences relating to multiple lovers in the 1970s, '80s, and '90s "how-to" articles--descriptions of the various polyamorous relationship configurations, including ways of dealing with jealousy"theoretical" pieces--the history of multiple relationships, the social implications of practicing a love style other than monogamous coupling, and safer sex considerationsMuch, much more than a book on personal satisfaction, The Lesbian Polyamory Reader also focuses on the social implications of this love phenomenon, bringing it into a more inclusive circle of discussion for lesbians, educators, and students of sociology and sexology. You'll find satisfaction in seeing the love so many lesbian women have achieved by not mimicking the "marriage model" of living.

Genres: Polyamory, Lesbian, Relationships, Nonfiction, Essays, Queer, Self Help

260 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Kay read by Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lesbian Polyamory Reader: Open Relationships, Non-Monogamy, and Casual Sex by Marcia Munson, written in 1999. I have read this a couple of times years ago. It helped me to consider my definition of normal. What is normal for me may not be for you. Because a person finds one partner enough and does not want to share who am I to say they are wrong? If I try and fill the king-size bed every night why should that matter? I wonder if normal is correct or just some MANipulation of the world's reality, some arbitrary standard set to control all of us. I was built up when I realized that others had the same ideas. I found this book uplifting and affirming. I am not like others. I am LGBTQIA+I or just plain queer and that is okay because I really don't care what others think of my reality or that I am able to freely love more than one. I don't think this is wrong so what else is wrong with normal? Marcia Munson looks at Polyamory in a wonderful way. She can open eyes to see there is room in our hearts for more than one love. Within a Polyamorous relationship, we can love any number. Is love wrong or relationship wrong if the number is not the number that does not meet the cultural standard? Marcia points out pitfalls and strengths. She makes us aware of the options outside of this so-called "normal" word. Normal should be a word lost as a thing of the past. Non-Monogamy and/or Casual Sex is something to be explored and not just shunned as absurd. It should be intense and wonderful. I think this book is a must-read for those of us who love differently or anyone for that matter. I think Marcia shows the reality and structure of such relationships very well. I think the biggest struggle for many of us humans is the jealousy bone and the fact we view love as ownership. It is not ownership it is a life partnership and the sharing of life. Marcia makes wonderful points. For me, this is a must-read and must-try experimentation never hurt anyone. It can be just about the sex but it can be so much more. It can be all about love, friendship, and family. 5 Stars.

[Kimberly Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the past years I have begun to seriously question the societal "norm" of Rigid Heterosexuality & Monogamy, especially in view of women. That being said, this book sure explained and explored those thoughts of mine in detail.

"Lesbian or Not-to-Lesbian" wasn't the particular draw, the Polyamory was. Without the haranguing of militant lesbian feminist doctrine & politics, this book was more acceptable to me than the art books I read.

I enjoyed most of the stories as they were open & honest and without shame and, for the most part, anger.

I plan on sharing this book with a few of my friends.

[Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really helps me and my wife and partners navigate the difficult shoals of polyness.