"Sexual Ecology" was considered by some a major contribution to the AIDS discourse and became a gay best seller. "New Scientist" called it, “...a remarkable book...a breath of fresh air in the growing litany about the AIDS epidemic.” The "New York Times" called it ‘trenchant’ and ‘brave’ and said it “merits the attention of a broad audience,” while "The Boston Globe" described it as “...the "Silent Spring" of the AIDS epidemic.” It also received considerable praise by some within the LGBT community. Writing in "The Nation", gay historian Martin Duberman called it, “...the most important book about gay men and AIDS since "And the Band Played On". And it is far better.”