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PRAY THE GAY AWAY: THE EXTRAORDINARY LIVES OF BIBLE BELT GAYS Bernadette Barton (2012). New York: New York University Press, 273 pages, $21.42, ISBN-978-0-8147-8637-6
Pray the Gay Away is an introduction into the lives of homosexuals living in the Bible Belt. Through a series of interviews, the author, Bernadette Barton, discusses how Christian fundamentalism in the South is creating a panoptic effect whereby Bible Belt gays prolong their stay in the "toxic closet" and hyper-monitor their actions, speech, and appearance so as not to be outed as homosexuals. Heteronormativity and homophobia have become so entrenched in the social and political structures of the south that even the most mundane daily activities of Bible Belt gays become emotionally taxing and at times physically threatening. Bible Belt gays, both inside and outside the "toxic closet" find that they must carefully navigate the social terrain and often find little if no support in the institutions to which they belong. Barton argues that if political, educational, and religious institutions would create a safe and caring space for Bible Belt gays, then perhaps more would live "out" lives. This constant interaction between the heterosexual and homosexual communities would serve to decrease heteronormative values and homophobic attitudes. Barton's book moves the voices of southern homosexuals from the margin to the center. Styling her presentation after bell hooks' argument, Barton offers her interviewees the chance to share their lived experiences. Barton gives voice to many individuals who have been silenced within their families and communities by sharing their stories and the knowledge of what life is like for homosexuals in the Bible Belt. The book is not essentialist views of the larger gay community or the gay community of the...