Missing Myth: A New Vision of Same-Sex Love - Softcover

You don't need to agree with Gilles Herrada's conclusions to enjoy and learn from this extraordinary book. The thoughtful and measured use of knowledge--ranging from classical texts to genetic studies --provides an exciting model for how to conduct the trans-disciplinary scholarship needed to do justice to this complex and contested topic. -- Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Author of Flow; Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Management, Claremont Graduate University Modern homosexuality,' according to Gilles Herrada's fascinating book, 'exists in body and mind but has no soul.' Thus begins the challenge of a deep and subtle meditation on the meaning of LGBTQ lives and identities and communities. You do not have to agree with Dr. Herrada's analysis in whole to appreciate the scholarship, policy nuances, and multidisciplinary integration invested in this very intriguing effort at renewing the collective heart and soul of the gay movement in our time. -- Gilbert Herdt, Professor of human sexuality at the California Institute for Integral Studies; Author of The Sambia: Ritual, Sexuality, and Change in Papua New Guinea As Gilles Herrada observes, despite a century and half of scientific, historical, and culture research, and the dramatic emergence of lesbian and gay identities, the central questions surrounding the origins, purpose, and meaning of homosexuality remain unanswered. By adopting a holistic, interdisciplinary approach that integrates science, history, and philosophy, Herrada achieves a breakthrough in thinking about homosexuality with the potential to reinvigorate lgbt studies and deepen our understanding of lgbt people. -- Will Roscoe, Author of Changing Ones Herrada offers us a deeply articulate and comprehensive text, written with equal parts care and passion. Moreover, he achieves what he sets out to do: to reframe the discussion of same-sex sexuality and relationships in a way that redeems the full humanity of a group so often reduced and diminished. Along the way, he presents a wide array of novel and compelling arguments concerning the origins and importance of same-sex relations in the successful evolution of the human species. This book deserves to be read widely by academics, mental health professionals, and by all those with a humanistic sensibility, regardless of their sexual orientation. -- Mark Forman, PhD, Author of A Guide to Integral Psychotherapy More than a little lip-service is paid to interdisciplinary research within the ivory tower, but Herrada embraces this approach and in doing so takes on the Herculean task of addressing big picture topics like: What does it mean to be homosexual? The resulting perspectives will challenge scholars across many entrenched academic borders. -- Paul Vasey, PhD, Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Lethbridge Editor of Homosexual Behaviour in Animals: An Evolutionary Perspective With astounding scholarship, Gilles Herrada provides a panoramic view on the myths and mysteries of same-sex love. It will be a key work, for sure, in the coming decades as society's understanding of LGBT people deepens and evolves. -- Mark Thompson, author of the Gay Spirit, Gay Soul, Gay Body trilogy

In The Missing Myth, Gilles Herrada tackles the many questions about the role and meaning of homosexuality in the evolution of our species and the development of civilization: what evolutionary edge same-sex relationships have provided to the human species; what biological mechanisms generate the sexual diversity that we observe; why homosexual behavior ended up being prohibited worldwide; why homophobia has persisted throughout history; why the homosexual community resurfaced after World War II; and others. In this heartfelt, beautifully written, and painstakingly researched text, the author sculpts a vision of homosexuality that integrates its many dimensions. Stressing the connection between the social status of homosexuality and how same-sex love is depicted in the myths of a particular culture, The Missing Myth advocates the creation of a new mythos--not only informed by all the fields of knowledge, but also inclusive of the beauty, truth, and goodness of same-sex love.