Two Boys Kissing is a gay romance novel by David Levithan involving the lives of eight young boys in the late 20th century at the peak of HIV/AIDS. The novel explores the difficulties of living as a homosexual during the 1980s when the world was still lingering from the global epidemic. During the time, homosexuals were perceived negatively by society. The title of the novel, “Two Boys Kissing,” stems from the two boys who wanted to kiss and break the Guinness World Record for longest kissing. Harry and Craig are gay lovers and want to spend their weekend kissing.
Levithan uses the book to highlight the challenges faced by young gays in society. Although the world has accepted different sexual identities based on individuals, some societies treat homosexuals with contempt. The kissing between Harry and Craig motivates other young gays who come out and reveal their true sexual identities. Harry and Craig are former lovers but decide to create awareness regarding gay freedoms. Harry has informed his parents about being gay. On the other hand, Craig has not talked with his parents about his sexual identity.
The gay community has faced intolerance and prejudice for a long time. People’s perceptions about homosexuality are different. While a greater number of people have accepted homosexuals, several people hate gay individuals. The contemporary world treats gays differently compared to three decades ago. Cooper, one of the characters in the novel, almost commits suicide due to the criticism he receives from his father. Cooper’s father is not ready to accept the condition of his son. Criticism and backlash are necessary for those people who come out as homosexuals.
