WGST Test 2

Servick and Lambert (two short “gay gene” news stories)

• Servick (2014): Discusses research suggesting genetics may play a role in determining sexual orientation.

• Lambert (2019): Explains that there is no single gene responsible for homosexuality. Sexual orientation is complex and influenced by multiple factors.

• Genetics may influence sexuality, but there is no single gay gene that determines someone's sexual orientation.

Ted Talk on “Orgasm” (video)

Mary Roach explores the science behind orgasms and sexual pleasure. She discusses how researchers study orgasm and challenges the idea that sexuality should be treated as an embarrassing or inappropriate subject.

“Missing Vagina Monologue” (video)

This piece discusses how female genital anatomy and sexual pleasure have often been misunderstood or overlooked. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the vulva, vagina, and clitoris correctly.

Silva “Why Identities and Behaviors Don’t Always Match”

Silva explains that someone's sexual identity does not always match their sexual behavior. A person can engage in same-sex behavior without identifying as gay or bisexual.

Przybylo “Asexuality,”

This reading introduces asexuality, which generally means experiencing little or no sexual attraction. It also explains that asexual people can still experience romantic attraction, relationships, and intimacy.

Guest lecture by Kai Scannell (slides)

Esterberg “The Bisexual Menace Revisited”

This reading examines women who identify as heterosexual but participate in same-sex kissing or intimacy. It shows that sexual behavior does not always determine someone's identity.

Rupp & Taylor “Straight Girls Kissing”

This reading examines women who identify as heterosexual but participate in same-sex kissing or intimacy. It shows that sexual behavior does not always determine someone's identity.

Project Yellow (film)

Project Yellow explores the relationship between Asian identity, race, gender, and sexuality. It examines how stereotypes can lead to Asian people being either hypersexualized or viewed as undesirable or lacking sexuality.

Nash “Pleasurable Blackness”

Nash examines how Black sexuality and Black bodies are represented in popular culture. The reading explores how these representations can create pleasure and empowerment while also reinforcing racial and gender stereotypes.

“Anaconda” (video)

The music video provides an example of how Black women's bodies and sexuality are represented in popular culture. It raises questions about sexual agency, objectification, body image, and racial stereotypes.

Bernstein “The Marriage Contract”

Bernstein explains that marriage is more than a personal or romantic relationship. It is also a legal institution that determines access to rights, benefits, and protections. The government therefore plays a major role in defining marriage.

1965: Griswold v. Connecticut

Married couples' access to contraception and privacy.

1967: Loving v. Virginia

Interracial marriage becomes constitutionally protected.

1972: Eisenstadt v. Baird

Extends contraceptive access to unmarried individuals.

1973: Roe v. Wade

Establishes constitutional protection for abortion.

2015: Obergefell v. Hodges

Establishes nationwide same-sex marriage rights.

2022: Dobbs v. Jackson

Overturns Roe and returns abortion regulation primarily to the states.

Cohen, “Black Sexuality, Indigenous Moral Panics, and Respectability: Bill Cosby to the Downlow”

Cohen examines how race and sexuality influence ideas about respectability and morality. The reading discusses how Black sexuality is often judged through racial stereotypes and social expectations.

Williams, “Not My Type: Automating Sexual Racism in Online Dating”

Williams examines how racial preferences and exclusions appear in online dating. The reading explains how dating platforms can reinforce existing racial inequalities and sexual stereotypes.

Hottentot Venus

Sarah Baartman was a South African Khoikhoi woman who was displayed in Europe during the 1800s. Her body was treated as an object of curiosity and scientific study, demonstrating how Black women's bodies were historically exoticized and exploited.

Silva + Rupp and Taylor

Sexual behavior does not always match sexual identity.

Przybylo + Esterberg

Sexuality exists beyond traditional heterosexual and homosexual categories.

Nash + Anaconda

Popular culture can both challenge and reinforce stereotypes about Black women's sexuality.

Project Yellow + Hottentot Venus

Race influences how different groups are viewed, represented, and judged sexually.

Bernstein + Loving + Obergefell:

Marriage is a legal institution shaped by race, sexuality, and government policy.

Griswold + Eisenstadt + Roe + Dobbs:

The Supreme Court has played a major role in determining reproductive rights and privacy.

Main idea to focus on

Sexuality is not just about who someone is attracted to. It is also shaped by identity, behavior, race, gender, culture, medicine, and the law.