Homoaffectionalism: Male Bonding from Gilgamesh to the Present

Description

Homoaffectionalism is the author-coined word for the intimate associations that have developed between men throughout history. The Gilgamesh Epic, traced to 2,500 B.C., was clearly based on intimacy between two men. Some of these relationships were sexual, others not, but all have their beneficial influences on culture and the human condition. Some societies have shown more toleration than others, frequently avoiding the entire issue in writing their laws and recording their histories. Some religious institutions have become intransigently opposed for various reasons, but it wasn't always that way. Although this is not an "outing" book, Hardman shows by careful analysis of historical documents and legal codes that male bonding and homoaffectionalism, which allows for homoerotic expression, has enhanced the development of the human race throughout history. The book has notable pre-publication endorsements, including Prof. and 'Fag Rag' creator Charley Shively (University of Massachusetts), the multiple award-winning and influential founding academic of Queer Studies Prof. Walter L. Williams, PhD. (University of Southern California), and expert in Ancient Greek History Prof. William A. Percy (University of Massachusetts). Author description: Paul D. Hardman (1923-1996) was a World War II Navy vet and a longtime activist for LGBT veterans. He was born in New York City in 1923. In 1985, he founded the Alexander Hamilton Post 448 of the American Legion in San Francisco, which was the first predominantly LGBT post in the nation. He was also one of the founders of the Pride Foundation, and the publisher and editor of California Voice. Hardman died at the age of 72 in San Francisco in 1996, 3 years after this book was published. Hardman lived most of his life in the San Francisco Bay Area. He spent part of World War II n in Midshipman training, after a fleet appointment, and then completed his education at Columbia University. He retired from a successful career in banking and financial analysis in 1962 to follow his instincts in investments and also in advocacy for the gay and lesbian community, in particular the gay veteran. He was the first official gay lobbyist in California. For many years he was active in the American Association For Personal Privacy, SIR, and in the publishing of the Sexual law Reporter. He received his education in the law at San Francisco law School, and earned a PhD degree in History from One Institute in Los Angeles.