Contra/Diction: New Queer Male Fiction

Ian C. Nelson is assistant director of libraries at the University of
Saskatchewan, and président de la Troupe du Jour, Regina Summer Stage.

The profusion of anthologies of gay literature in recent years is a
clear indicator of a publishing trend but seldom a guarantee of quality.
Fortunately, Contra/Diction manages to distinguish itself from the more
routine anthologies. Eschewing the idea of a homogeneous queer male
community or a single focus of interest, the editor has solicited and
selected material in which gay identity is “disparate, non-telegenic
and not readily commodifiable.” The contributors are a mix of
established writers (e.g., Robert Patrick, Duane Williams, and bill
bissett) and relative newcomers. It’s clear from the author’s
statements of purpose (which are included along with a list of author
credits) that all of the contributors welcomed the opportunity to go
well beyond narrowly defined masculinities. This attitude is wittily
expressed by David Dakar, who describes his protagonist as “a gay man
who has lost more friends to his opinions than to AIDS.” Highly
recommended.