Gay Spirit: Myth & Meaning

Arguably the book that started the Gay Spirituality Movement. Publishers Weekly wrote: Cultural editor of the Advocate, Thompson here collects previously published articles and book excerpts from the magazine, each an attempt to define the status of gay men. In an introduction he distinguishes between homosexual (a form of sexuality) and gay: "A social identity and consciousness actively chosen." The text discusses the gay's role in politics, religion, culture, identity. Among the contributors are Judy Grahn, author of lesbian/feminist works; Malcolm Boyd, activist Episcopal priest; Harry Hay, a founder of the Mattachine Society; writer William S. Burroughs; and Geoff Mains's presenting an approving, detailed description of sadomasochism.
Gay Spirit is so terrific at making the reader feel there might be something more wondrous, more miraculous to life... the book's exciting challenge to conventional thinking is that it's not merely time for society to tolerate but time to cherish its intermediate sexual types. --Los Angeles Times

Gay Spirit calls gay people back to the Circle of Life as full participants in the dance of survival and joy...this anthology is like the rains of spring hastening our unique growth, flowering and fruition. --Gay Community News