What does male sexuality have to do with Martin Brant Novels?
Within the general brotherhood of man, concerning male sexuality, a significant percentage of men live with a closely guarded secret. More common than most people think, these men are dealing a same sex attraction. Most people, other than those they may have shared their secret with, don’t realize how many men have some degree of sexual attraction to other men. Contrary to most moral codes and various religious beliefs, these feelings are quite common and natural. They are feelings that number among the human emotions I deal with through the characters in my novels.
A writer’s first priority, mine included, is to tell a good story. Any writer worth his or her salt wants to create a thoughtfully written story and entertain those who read his or her work. It could be a murder mystery like my latest novel, Copperas Cove, where Jonathon Scott, recently divorced, leaves Pittsburgh to start a new life and finds himself entangled in the bigoted dramas of 1950s Mississippi; or a WWII action/adventure like The Partisans, where two men on an important mission in France stumble upon a bright new future; or a tale of romance like A Song in the Park, where two men at odds with their past cross paths and start facing life’s challenges together. Good stories have characters and characters have personalities, personalities that are very much a part of the whole and make for a more intriguing book. Often the character’s personality can be a story within a story, or it can be the story itself, as in books such as Catcher in the Rye, or my first novel Five Married Men.
Why the element of same sex attraction?
For me it’s a fascination with the vast diversity of human nature. It’s a part of the human race that, for various reasons, many don’t understand. Many of us have been indoctrinated to belief there is something wrong with being attracted to a member of our own sex, which includes the majority of those who are. These are the men who keep secrets, who often feel guilty, who somehow believe there is something wrong with them. Though you may not feel attracted to members of your own sex, you know someone who does. It may be your brother or sister, your neighbor or a colleague at work, your cousin or best friend; it may even be your husband or wife. And chances are you don’t know their secret exists.
Considered a blessing or a curse, or both, the degree of same sex attraction varies from one man to the next; from a mild curiosity that leaves him feeling either guilty or warm inside, to a full blown and exclusive attraction to one’s own sex. Though the same holds true for both men and women, my focus and my novels are about men (and the women in their lives). And for some reason, same sex attractions seem more prevalent in men, though it is also considered by many as more unnatural and less acceptable.
So why would an author that wants to write a compelling mainstream tale include characters with a same sex attraction? Maybe I believe human sexuality in itself is compelling. Maybe, through my novels, I would like to help broaden human understanding. Maybe a part of me wants to say it’s okay.
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Like Julian I totted up the ones that ticked the arousal box. Four each. But three of the male images got two ticks compared with only one female. Fits with my Klein score somewhere to the right of centre!
Coming out.
From time to time it is an interesting and valuable to check out where one’s sexuality is sitting on the scale.
Prompted when stopping momentarily for each of these images, consciously observing my own reaction, attraction or otherwise.
In Martin’s Aug 22 2010 post ‘Gay Straight or In-between’ welcomed by the statuesque David, what peaked my attention were sentences like the following (changed to first person – it’s about me).
“I secretly enjoy looking at men, (actually I find) not so secretly” just discretely’ And importantly: ”Certain men, that is. Men I find attractive, who define my idea of masculinity, sensuality and good company.”
Then: “I like the way they’re formed, the way they think, the way they play and the way hair grows on their bodies.”
“I snatch glimpses….” and. ”….gaze at (fashion magazines, gorgeous bodies on tv etc) and elegant photos on the Internet” (well satisfied right I might add).
“I think about how they smell, what it’s like to touch them, or what’s it like to do more.”
Im a bachelor over ten years now, a few relationships, an informal female friend just now.
But I find myself ‘inviting’ the words, ‘there is a guy out there’, And happily saying ‘My name is Julian’ with the words ‘I’m gay’ enjoying the sound with such pride.
For those who’ve come put, if you’re reading this, is this how it feels? I would love to read of your experiences.
Though the qualities of feminine I adore, her touch, her voice, her nuances I love them, but the nature of that attraction has changed. A lifelong fascination in ‘camp’, from behind a ‘hetero’ facade, bursting to join the Mardi Gras.
So where do I fit in? Moot point! A fresh take of the Klein Grid, you won’t be surprised.
My life to a year ago: centre bottom left quadrant; Present, past twelve months: smack in the centre of all four quadrants, and: Ideal, what I would like (dreamed): decidedly in the top right quadrant corner. Lots of 6′s.
Back to the pictures, three in particular: 1. The beautiful body on top of his lover, his genitals below his full round bottom; 2. Sitting with a smile upon his boyfriend, whose hand masturbates him; and 3. The Grecian painting, I am engrossed. Even writing of these I know I have changed.
These are the images, of male sexuality I so relate to, it is a way of thinking of seeing, that another cannot.
Of the male-female images they are beautiful, but desire has receded, instead lets go shopping.
To you who read this, hello I am Julian and I am proud to be gay’.
A further thought.
It is taking the world and all one has known and lived by and turned it around to view it from a strange but strangely enlightening and invigorating angle. It is both new and familiar rolled into one.
Julian,
Somewhere the right man is out there. I think you’re going to find him. Be choosy; we can’t have any disillusionment or broken hearts, not for a sensitive man like you.
Martin,
Thank you for your kind and wise counsel, so very welcome.
There is no hurry, rather patience, life is unpredictable.
The goal is a deep and lasting relationship built on sweet friendship and mutual understanding. Harmony is its mantra.
As each of us creates our own meaning in what we see, hear and experience, I find in your words the notion of monogamy. In this there is fidelity, honest commitment which together bringing abundant rewards.
The search for the right partner goes far beyond the physical, yet the warm and sensual touch of a loving embrace is so much a part of nurturing a couples uniquely intimate connection. It is bound in the wish to be wed, with all it infers.
There is in these thoughts a knowing that ‘he’ is the right path for me, and ‘I’ for him.
Of wants and needs for the same life values and inner and outer rewards, welcoming the differences, the chance to evolve and grow.
That I wish for a parter to be the same sex as me, is endearing to my heart and soul, knowing we share similar fundamental aspirations is vital.
There are other qualities that seem to be flowering with this refined sense of who I am. Moving through my life from heterosexual to homosexual. A sweet love of maleness, of tenderness and beauty, of sensitivity that is culturally at odds with my upbringing. Am I such a babe in the woods.
At its foundation a deep wish to nurture, to wake together at dawn, sharing house, home and life experiences with my man.
Camaraderie so beautifully represented in your post Mature Men Part 3. The walkers sitting, how pleasant this is.
These feelings so deep as to be palpable, and it is because we are the same, because we know each others secrets, it is all the more attractive.
Within this male male world there are feminine-yin qualities to be uncovered so vital to the right balance of energy and health, mental and physical.
On a broader plain how important for the world community that the wishes and aspirations of all those seeking societal recognition of same sex marriage, how sane this is.
It is not an insignificant number who tread this path. Let the flood gates open wide for a compassionate and tolerant society to emerge and embrace.
A far ranging reply, so delightful in writing to share. I hope others may draw inspiration from my thoughts while some will no doubt see a path well trodden, where hearts can be broken and bright eyed hope turn out to be but Illusion.
Wishing you joy. J