The first three chapters are specific to the development of the homosexual movement (in its various guises) in New South Wales. The fact that this section of the book is particularised does not detract from its importance. The concerns and problems associated with the New South Wales movement have been experienced elsewhere, both in Australia and overseas. Thompson provides the most cogent description of these.

Part II of Thompson’s book provides a discourse on the various approaches to ‘The Social Management of Homosexuality’. While offering no new information on the medical, legal and religious attempts to manage the ‘homosexual problem’, the author has provided a different approach to the topic. So much so that I believe it represents a progression in the evolution of attitudes towards homosexuality. To date, with the exception of Denis Altman’s book Homosexual: Oppression and Liberation, writings on the topic have either emanated from so-called experts, defining or reviling homosexuality, or from those who define themselves as ‘homosexuals’ and feel a need to justify it. Part II of the book indicates· that, in spite of the clever theories and the god-given laws, homosexuality is part of the social fabric and has not been demonstrated to have an adverse effect upon the society. Ask not what homosexuality has done to society, but what society has done to the homosexual.

Thompson’s closing remarks, although entitled ‘Conclusion’, indicate that revolution is not yet concluded. The author reiterates her concern at the masculine focus, and for the furtherance of the cause. The ‘flaw in the social fabric’ is the oppression and discrimination directed at selected individuals and groups.