With this first short story collection, one of Taiwan's most celebrated contemporary writers, Chen Po-Ching, dissects the provocative status of gay men in society through eight stories that weave together fact, fiction, sex, and politics.

Dirty Things, the first short story collection from author Chen Po-Ching, collects eight queer tales spanning 1960's Taiwan under martial law to the present era of democracy and legal same-sex marriage. More than just sketches of individual affection and desire, these stories are a microcosm of the modern history of sexual minorities in Taiwan. With incisive and unadorned prose, Chen Po-Ching confronts readers with the ambiguous nature of his literary enterprise: is Dirty Things an unvarnished depiction of natural desire? Or, of the ways in which natural desire has been systematically thwarted, denied, and repressed by society?

The first four stories take place in contemporary times. "The Stomach of the World" weaves together sexual and culinary fantasies in the milieu of a gay sauna in Thailand. When a man intent on death spends the night with the idol of his youth in "How to Die Young in Tokyo", will the fulfillment of his dream result in exaltation or misery? Taking place at a time when homosexuality was still grounds for exemption from military service, "Off-Base Oracle" looks at the various ways that young soldiers attempt to "pass" as something they are not. "A Brief History of Robin" uses comic book allusions to probe the boundaries between male friendship and desire.

Introducing elements of Taiwan's unique historical circumstances, the final four stories highlight the societal pressures imposed on gay men while excavating the silent voices of the past. In "Good Night, Mr. President, Good Night", a challenge to authoritarian rule unfolds against the backdrop of the AIDS crisis. In "A Man Is Born", the racy short films secretly shown midway through main features in post-war Taiwan provide an unlikely avenue for a homosexual projectionist to out himself. The freedom that is sought in "The Anti-Communist Wives Club" turns out to be the freedom to love as one chooses, regardless of gender. Finally, "A Complete History of Taiwan's Star Wars Program" uses the metaphor of games to explore issues faced by homosexuals in the era of authoritarian rule.

With its seemingly offensive title, Dirty Things challenges the conventional social order while bringing a soothing warmth to the wounds of the past. Projecting himself into unseen corners of society, author Chen Po-Ching casts a spotlight on hidden failures and repressed desires. Transcending its "queer literature" label, Dirty Things is a book that gives voice to anyone who has ever felt confined by the narrowly defined roles in which society permits them to live.