Reveals the underexplored politics and activism of non-traditional sexual minorities Over the past four decades, there has been significant research focused on the political and social lives of lesbian, gay, and transgender (LGT) individuals, exploring how these sexual communities interact with politicians and voters who identify as straight. However, due to society's binary view of sexuality, this research has overlooked non-traditional sexual minorities. To address this omission, The Politics of Perverts delves into the political attitudes and activities of individuals who identify with non-traditional sexual orientations and practices, such as Polyamory, BDSM, the Furry Fandom, Nudism, and the large bisexual population within these communities. These groups face similar discrimination, stigma, and lack of legal protections in various aspects of life. The authors shed light on the political identities, affiliations, and attitudes of these communities in the United States, revealing how sexuality and politics are even more deeply intertwined at the margins of society. Despite facing challenges, these communities actively engage in political discussions and activities in hopes of fostering greater inclusivity, better representation, and more informed policies.
Charles Anthony Smith (Author) Charles Anthony Smith is Professor of Political Science and Law at the University of California, Irvine. He is the author and co-author of seven books including Gerrymandering in America: The House of Representatives, the Supreme Court, and the Future of Popular Sovereignty; Gerrymandering the States: Partisanship, Race, and the Transformation of American Federalism; Elite-Led Mobilization and Gay Rights: Dispelling the Myth of Mass Opinion Backlash; and The Rise and Fall of War Crimes Trials: From Charles I to Bush II. Shawn R. Schulenberg (Author) Shawn R. Schulenberg is Professor of Political Science and Chair of the Faculty Senate at Marshall University. He is the co-editor of Same-Sex Marriage in Latin America: Promise and Resistance and Same-Sex Marriage in the Americas: Policy Innovation for Same-Sex Relationships. Connor Strobel (Author) Connor B.S. Strobel is Collegiate Assistant Professor and a Harper-Schmidt Fellow in the Society of Fellows and at The University of Chicago.
"The Politics of Perverts explores sexual minorities that continue to be marginalized, even as American attitudes and public policies around lesbian, gay and transgender individuals have fundamentally shifted over the last two decades. It brings much-needed scientific research to the political dimensions of those defined by society as "perverts." A thoughtful, careful and respectful analysis of this topic that significantly expands the understanding of both politics and sexuality." * Scott Barclay, author of Queer Mobilizations: LGBT Activists Confront the Law * "The Politics of Perverts is a brave book. The authors have waded into a set of questions-about an unusual population-whose very existence is under-acknowledged and threatening to many. This book and the research on which it is based will infuriate some and inform most. I highly recommend it." * Gary Segura, author of The Future is Ours: Minority Politics, Political Behavior, and the Multiracial Era of American Politics *
