The Strange Social History of Our Most Intimate Institution is a 1999 book by the journalist E. J. Graff in which the author advocates the legal recognition of same-sex marriage.

[8] It was also reviewed by the anthropologist Ellen Lewin in GLQ: A Journal of Lesbian and Gay Studies,[9] Stephen Duncombe in Newsday,[10] Jose Gabilondo in the Washington Blade,[11] and Paul Kafka in the San Francisco Chronicle.

The reviewer found the book somewhat repetitive, and suggested that Graff had underestimated the "tenacity" of opposing views.

[5] Willison found the book entertaining and informative, writing that Graff's "breezy tone" and first-person commentary enlivened her "encyclopedic collection of facts, observations and insights".

He stated that Graff ought to have critiqued conventional monogamous marriage, rather than set it as the ideal for gay people.