Love Whispers

Well before the June 1969 Stonewall riots threw open the closet doors to unleash and proclaim an unmistakable gay mantra myriad clues - some subliminal others overt - clearly ingrained the notion of homosexuality in advertisements appearing on the pages of many American periodicals. Hedonistically intertwined with homoerotic connections are advertising themes such as vanity virility and carnal pleasure. Gay intimacy and interaction references to the male genitalia and threats of sexual conquest of and between men can be documented in ads as far back as the late 1800s. And although the images reflected in their advertising mirror are fewer and farther between women who prefer the company of other women similarly have been goosed and gandered by Madison Avenue. In this richly illustrated tapestry hinting at homosexuality in American advertising Bruce H. Joffe examines and analyzes over 200 suggestive ads . concluding that gay imbroglio and innuendo tease at us amid subliminal elements seductively perceived and strategically portrayed. A Professor of Communication whos taught Gay & Lesbian Studies courses at George Mason University Dr. Joffe is now on the faculty of Mary Baldwin College where he continues to explore sexual minorities the media and cultural norms.