Meem, Deborah T., Michelle A. Gibson, and Jonathan F. Alexander. Finding Out: An Introduction to LGBT Studies. SAGE Publications, Inc., 2009 c2010. paperback. 462p. $44.95. ISBN: 9781412938655.

Published in 2009, Finding Out is an excellent and sophisticated textbook for undergraduate courses in LGBT Studies. The authors note that most LGBT courses rely either upon celebratory articles or upon works too theoretical to be useful in teaching undergraduates. This text finds the middle way. It addresses all major issues presently discussed in LGBT Studies and is divided into sections entitled History, Politics, Literature and the Arts, and Media.

The first chapter discusses whether same-sex identity existed prior to the nineteenth century. The second chapter addresses social constructionism. Queer transgressive aesthetics is treated in the Literature and Arts section. There is no chapter on sociology per se, but sociological influence is felt throughout.

Given that differences of opinion exist among LGBT scholars on most of the issues addressed in the book, readers will find something here with which to disagree. But textbook writing that is meant to be more than a bland restatement of consensus views always engenders some disagreement. The authors deserve credit for producing a work that is not bland and that presents on-going disciplinary conflicts in a way that undergraduates will comprehend.

The book includes primary sources in each chapter and serves as a great jumping off point for classroom discussion. Anyone interested in teaching undergraduate courses in LGBT Studies should give this text serious consideration.

Reviewed by David Woolwine
Assistant Professor of Library Services
Hofstra University