The Little Butch Book

FROM THE PUBLISHER

This book gives the western world it's first glimpse into what it is like to be queer in today's Japan. Here are the stories of 16 japanese lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transsexuals, stories spanning several generations; from the pre-war period to newly out young activists. Traditionally Japan has looked at homosexuality as something strange and unnatural. Not being the traditional patriarch or the submissive wife puts one on the outside of a society very structured in its interrelated sets of obligations and responsiblilities. Such a position outside of the group is terrifying. "Doseiai" (same sex love) has never been accepted socially or legally, and in fact refers to male homosexuals, until recently no terms even existed to describe women-loving women.

With a new courage and consciousness, Japanese queers are beginning to speak out.

FROM THE CRITICS

Michele McDonald