Presents a survey, which contextualizes gender and sexuality in a matrix of varied racial formations, nationalisms, colonialisms, imperialisms and movements for social change.

A sophisticated survey of the best recent work on bodies and desires across cultures and through time, this collection of essays shows how gender, sexuality, and power are historically connected and practically intertwined. Contributors include Susan Bordo, Judith Butler, Jane Collier, John D'Emilio, Michelle Rosaldo, and others. 28 illustrations.

"Draws attention to the intersections of privilege and opportunity in Gay life, themes which are usually overlooked...Speaks directly to interests in sexuality, race and class position which are now popular in Lesbian and Gay male studies courses." -- The Washington Blade"An impressive collection of essays...All of the essays are, in fact, fantastically provocative and they provide an insightful corrective to the excessive textualization of some postmodern analytics." -- NWSA Journal"Examining societies rather than literature, this crosscultural anthology is remarkably strong on class and historical analysis...The Gender/Sexuality Reader is the definitive counterblow to claims that gender theory is important only to queers, feminists, and shrinks." -- Lesbian Review of Books