The politics of sexuality in Latin America : a reader on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights / edited by Javier Corrales and Mario Pecheny.

""This collection, with its focus on the development of political rights in Latin America, makes an important contribution to the growing field of LGBT studies in Latin America. It is sure to become a valuable addition to the classroom for courses dealing with the history of gender and sexuality in Latin America."--Martin A. Nesvig, University of Miami" ""Finally we have a comprehensive book that bridges the gap between the academic and nonacademic literature on the politics of LGBT movements in Latin America. [This volume] is destined to become the main reference for any serious scholar interested in teaching or researching the comparative politics of human rights and sexuality in the region."---Ernesto Calvo, University of Houston" "The Politics of Sexuality in Latin America presents the first English-language reader on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) politics in Latin America. The chapters represent a range of contemporary works by scholars, activists, analysts, and politicians." "The contributors uncover many of the obstacles that LGBT activists face in establishing new laws and breaking down societal barriers. Issues discussed include the institutionalized system of "heteronormativity," economic structures, religious dictums, personal security, the tenuous relationship between leftist political parties and LGBT movements, and the ever-present "closets" that keep LGBT issues out of the public eye. The volume also looks to the future of LGBT activism in Latin America in areas such as globalization and the role of NGOs, changing demographics, and the rise of economic levels and education across societies."--Jacket.