The Tolerance Trap

Starred review from April 14, 2014
In this lively scholarly work, Northeastern University sociologist Walters (All the Rage) manages the rare trick of producing a feast for the mind that is also incredibly funny and humane. In a cogent literary and political analysis, inflected by personal anecdotes and reflections, Walters argues that the concept of tolerance traps LGBT people into being regarded as perpetual outsiders, “tolerated” rather than treated as full citizens. In making gay rights contingent on “just like you” arguments, Walters asserts, the movement not only leaves behind LGBT people who don’t fit an idealized standard, but also fails to effectively challenge homophobia and transphobia. The book leaves no shibboleth intact—both liberal and conservative orthodoxies on LGBT people are deftly skewered. Walters demonstrates an impressive command of her material and she deserves credit for making a nuanced argument that calls for robust “integration” as opposed to assimilation or separatism, with a wide-ranging analysis that touches on feminism, the military, marriage, the Internet, and discourse around scientific research. Walters’s humane, transformative vision soars in this must-read for anyone interested in LGBT politics.

April 15, 2014
The limits of tolerance and why it isn't enough. In her thorough and engaging study, Walters (All the Rage: The Story of Gay Visibility in America, 2001, etc.) examines the well-intended but wrongheaded fight for tolerance by LGBT leaders and organizations, as well as lawmakers' pursuit of the same. Mere "tolerance" falls short of full inclusion in society, she argues: "No civil rights movement worthy of the name has banked its future in being tolerated or accepted." The author examines other issues in gay culture, including the scientific search for a "gay gene," gender normativity, and the nature of sexual arousal and desire. Her prose is clear and nonacademic; the many references to pop culture make the results of her extensive research relevant and accessible. Particularly illuminating is Walters' overview of discovering one's gay identity, which offers a pointed contrast between popular culture's depiction of the familiar "coming out" narrative and its real-life particulars. The digital age has greatly simplified the process of finding and joining a like-minded community; these searches are now conducted in private and can make coming out--to hundreds of "friends" or the entire world--as quick and direct as clicking a mouse. Walters invites readers to judge the validity of her well-reasoned opinions, in marked contrast to those social critics more famous for verbal rock-throwing and theatrical provocations than persuasive analyses. In asserting that gay, lesbian and bisexual citizens want rights such as pay equity, voting rights, and an end to discrimination in the workplace and judicial system--indeed, "full and deep integration and inclusion in the American dream"--she makes it clear that tolerance is much too limited a goal. An enlightening examination of identity and the quest for "deep freedom" by a largely misunderstood and marginalized group.

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June 15, 2014

Over the last few decades, American society has become increasingly tolerant of gay culture: being gay is no longer seen as negative by many people and the gay community is represented in television, film, politics, and more. However, Walters (sociology, Northeastern Univ.; All the Rage: The Story of Gay Visibility in America) argues successfully that this is not enough to achieve true respect and fair treatment for the gay community. Through a spirited and enlightening discussion of the history of gay rights, gay culture in the media and society, and her own experiences, the author elaborates on how the community and its allies have settled for mere tolerance of their presence rather than demanding true equality. Pulling from numerous sources, this thoughtful and accessible work includes discussions of topics such as the biological theories of a "gay gene" and sociobiological effects on sexuality, the semantics of terms such as coming out, critiques such as how the film The Kids Are All Right perpetuates negative gender politics and gay family cliches, etc. The title concludes with helpful notes and a bibliography. VERDICT Different, relevant, and thorough, this book is excellent for readers interested in gay rights and culture, as well as sociology and current events.--Jennifer Harris, Southern New Hampshire Univ. Lib., Manchester

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