The Homosexuality of Men and Women

One of the founders of the scientific study of sex, Magnus Hirschfeld (1868-1935) led the field with his pioneering objective examinations of homosexuality, tranvestism, and gender identity. "The Homosexuality of Men and Women" was designed to provide a unified, comprehensive description of homosexuality while ridding heterosexuals of gay prejudice and allowing homosexuals to confront their isolation and accept themselves.

Opening with a definition and a detailed biological discussion of sexual orientation, including the childhood and adolescent phases, Hirschfeld addresses the physical, mental, and emotional life of homosexuals while explaining the inborn nature of homosexuality and bisexuality.

In the second half of the book, Hirschfeld looks at sociology, community life, bonding, roles in society, history, persecution, victimisation, and the law.

His documentation of gays in the military and the 'new technology' of his day offers farsighted observations that strongly parallel today's national debates and new developments.