Beyond Definition: New Writing from Gay and Lesbian San Francisco

(Paperback)

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Introduction by Susie Bright BEYOND DEFINITION confronts questions of sexuality and identity in a new collection of work by established and emerging writers from the San Francisco Bay Area. Urgent and significant issues are explored from coming out to parents, to transgenderism, to coping with the loss of a loved one to AIDS.

Reviews

This aptly titled anthology presents a set of unpretentious voices speaking plainly about the realities of San Francisco's gay and lesbian scene as it has evolved and affected today's society. Especially notable contributions to this compelling collection come from Robin White recalling the potentially erotic occasions of his "Brushes with Barbers"; Judith Fauconnier in her meditations on the "Breaking" of both hearts and spirits in the wake of a breakup; Lucy Jane Bledsoe in "The Rescue" as her narrator considers the crumbling of a crush on a businesswoman in suit and sneakers ("How low could I sink"); and Edward Wolf in the moving AIDS poem, "Garden." Throughout, the epidemic that has ravaged San Francisco's gay population casts its shadow. Indeed, it permeates these powerful writings: "Isn't that just the most awful question: is it safe to kiss" asks Robert Kaplan in "AIDS Death #54,911." Filled with loss, grief, and the spirit to endure, this is a welcome addition to gay and lesbian literature. Whitney Scott, Booklist
This aptly titled anthology presents a set of unpretentious voices speaking plainly about the realities of San Francisco's gay and lesbian scene as it has evolved and affected today's society. Especially notable contributions to this compelling collection come from Robin White recalling the potentially erotic occasions of his "Brushes with Barbers"; Judith Fauconnier in her meditations on the "Breaking" of both hearts and spirits in the wake of a breakup; Lucy Jane Bledsoe in "The Rescue" as her narrator considers the crumbling of a crush on a businesswoman in suit and sneakers ("How low could I sink"); and Edward Wolf in the moving AIDS poem, "Garden." Throughout, the epidemic that has ravaged San Francisco's gay population casts its shadow. Indeed, it permeates these powerful writings: "Isn't that just the most awful question: is it safe to kiss" asks Robert Kaplan in "AIDS Death #54,911." Filled with loss, grief, and the spirit to endure, this is a welcome addition to gay and lesbian literature. Whitney Scott, Booklist