This book investigates the intersection of sexual identity and democratic citizenship, questioning how the state should regulate or recognize the politics of desire. Morris B. Kaplan, a scholar of political theory, examines the tension between individual sexual autonomy and the collective requirements of a democratic society. He argues that the liberal state must move beyond mere tolerance to actively protect the rights of sexual minorities as a fundamental component of democratic equality. The text utilizes a framework of political philosophy to analyze how legal and social structures shape the lived experiences of citizens.

Scholars in political theory and gender studies frequently cite this work for its rigorous engagement with the philosophical underpinnings of citizenship. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which is intended for an audience familiar with political philosophy and legal theory.