My prediction is that this book will make many people uncomfortable, no matter which side of political/social questions concerning LGBT life they find themselves. As the authors point out, human sexuality is vastly more complicated and fluid than most (Americans, at least) would like to believe. It will be a rare reader who does not buy into one or more of the myths discussed, though the reasons for doing so will vary. This well-written book challenges us all to rethink our assumptions.

The issue at center stage is civil liberty: can we be treated fairly under the law and within society whatever our gender identity or sexual preferences? Are we willing to treat others with dignity and respect? For many people, this is not at all an easy question. Many will throw the book down in disgust, unwilling to think seriously about how they have formed their opinions. The very fact that we have invented terms like gay, lesbian, bisexual and transsexual shows our collective attempt to pinpoint exactly what someone's sexuality/gender is all about, but five terms (including straight) simply cannot cover the diversity that real life insists upon. Perhaps this is why many still confuse cross-dressing with gayness or transsexuality. The fact of the current love affair in someone's life also cannot tell the whole story. As a friend once told me concerning her long-term, monogamous, lesbian relationship: "I think I'm predominantly heterosexual, but I just happened to fall in love with a woman."

At less than 200 pages including end notes, this is obviously not intended to be exhaustive, but the thoughtful presentation of 21 myths should provide a jumping off point for intelligent dialog concerning gender and sexual issues. ( )