The DeRoy Lecture Series 2006-2007
presents
David M. Halperin
“What Do Gay Men Want? Sex, Risk, and the Subjective Life of Homosexuality.”
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David M. Halperin is the W. H. Auden Collegiate Professor of the History and Theory of Sexuality at the University of Michigan, where he teaches English, Women’s Studies, Comparative Literature, and Classical Studies. He is the author or editor of eight books, including THE LESBIAN AND GAY STUDIES READER, SAINT FOUCAULT, HOW TO DO THE HISTORY OF HOMOSEXUALITY, and GAY SHAME (forthcoming). With Carolyn Dinshaw he founded and edited GLQ: A JOURNAL OF LESBIAN AND GAY STUDIES.
Friday, December 1, 3pm
English Department Seminar Room
Room 10302
Wayne State University
5057 Woodward
Detroit, MI 48202
Wish I could be there, should be an interesting talk. Halperin rocks!
Tell professor Halperin for me that his Saint Foucault book was incredible. It was one of the most lively, insightful, and enjoyable pieces of Foucault scholarship I have ever read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading his book. Was a real page turner. Once I picked it up I couldn’t put it down. I think I read 3/4 of the book in one sitting which for me is a rare occurence.
I will never forget that line about gay men having to work out at the gym. He has a real wit in his scholarship.
Although, not a gay man myself, I really revelled in Halperin’s insights and identified with the passion with which he celebrates Foucault. I think I revelled in the resistance it offers. For whatever reasons it is often assumed by others that I am gay. And as such has played a specific role in my identity. I have no anxiety or problems with this one way or the other. But rather kind enjoy the ambiguity it affords me. And so I can appreciate the resistance Foucault projects against easy classification. And in a way this is why I liked Halperin’s reading of Foucault so much. Halperin was so right on, and on so many levels. It is like Halperin was one of the few who really “gets Foucault”. And I felt it aligned well with how I imagined Foucault’s philosophical intent (authorship be damned). It’s difficult to put into words how inspiring Halperin was for me. Pleasure of the text, indeed!
Cheers,
Gordon
There is an interesting review of Helperin’s book at http://www.quillibrary.net/reviews.htm