This weeks solo episode, I will be chatting about compulsory sexuality. This topic will definitely be a two parter, as there is a lot to discuss.
Compulsory Sexuality is the idea that everyone thinks and feels the same about sex. We all want it, we all need it, we all have to have it in order to be functioning members of society and productive humans. Compulsory sexuality also upholds western norms on sex which is also aligned with Compulsory Heterosexuality. Compulsory heterosexuality is the idea that heterosexuality is assumed and enforced upon people by a patriarchal and heteronormative society. The term was popularized by Adrienne Rich in her 1980 essay titled "Compulsory Heterosexuality and Lesbian Existence".
With all this to be said, where does this concept leave room for those who don't align with these theories and ideas. Those who are a-sexual and don't have a high sex drive or sex drive at all. It leads to abuse, violence and discrimination, especially to those who are marginalized.
My education on this topic aside from a little bit of Google has been this book, Refusing Compulsory Sexuality, A Black A-Sexual Lens on our Sex Obsessed Culture by Sherronda J. Brown (They/Them)
I highly recommend this book to everyone. Even if you are someone who experience's sexuality and sexual desires in a way relating to compulsory sexuality, this is still a good read to get a perspective on those who do not.
Tell me what you think about this episode! Part 2 will be out after my next interview episode!
TW: Violence, generational trauma, SA, rape, death, discrimination to those marginalized
Want to be a guest on the podcast? Send me a message, always looking for new people to talk to!
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