Breaking taboos
- helenabrown26
- May 14, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: May 24, 2024
In the realm of feminist and queer theory, few works have had the same impact as Gayle Rubin’s essay 'Thinking Sex: notes for a radical theory of the Politics of Sexuality'. Rubin’s essay examines the regulation and control of sexuality within Western societies, particularly focusing on how certain sexual practices and identities are stigmatized. By the end of this blog, I hope to provide deeper insights into the reasons behind people's thought processes, particularly concerning attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community and different sexual practices.
In 'thinking sex' Rubin introduces the concept of the 'sex hierarchy', which she argues is a system that ranks sexual behaviors and identities based on their ‘acceptability’. At the top of this hierarchy are heterosexual, monogamous, and procreative practices, which are accepted within society. In contrast, practices such as homosexuality, BDSM, and non-monogamy are positioned lower in the hierarchy and are deemed ‘wrong’ or ‘sinful’. LGBTQ + individuals still face significant barriers to acceptance and equality, with discrimination and violence against queer communities persisting in many parts of the world. Similarly, those who engage in BDSM or non-monogamous relationships may encounter stigma and prejudice, leading to social isolation or even legal repercussions. We know humans inherently show fear or discomfort towards what they perceive as 'abnormal'. This stems from a lack of understanding or familiarity with these alternative lifestyles. Also, the stigma surrounding these practices can create barriers to seeking support or resources, leading to feelings of isolation and alienation. Certain groups of society seem to suffer from small-mindedness when it comes to homosexuality, BDSM, or non-monogamous couples. The key to solving this issue is education to create understanding. Rubin suggests this comes from when 'major shifts in the organization of sexuality took place' (Rubin, 2011). The term 'sex offender' was originally used to refer to individuals who committed sexual crimes such as rape or child molestation. However, as Rubin points out, it eventually became a code for homosexuality. At this time, being gay was considered to be a mental disorder, and LGBTQ+ individuals were subjected to coercive and traumatic interventions in the name of ‘treating’ their sexual orientation (King, 2004).
The Comstock Act of 1873 named after its chief proponent, Anthony Comstock, was enacted to combat obscenity and regulate the distribution of materials deemed 'indecent’ or ‘immoral’ (Rubin, 2011) It has been otherwise used as an anti-abortion act, 'anti-vice law banning the mailing of obscene matter and articles used to produce abortion'. (Felix, 2024). One of the key aspects of the Comstock Act targeted materials related to abortion and contraception, effectively banning the distribution of information and materials related to reproductive health. It was also used to target a range of materials such as literature, artwork, and scientific publications that addressed topics related to sexuality, reproduction, and women’s rights. Rubin challenges the legitimacy of laws like The Comstock Act that seek to regulate and control sexual behavior based on moralistic judgments.
Another interesting and rather ‘taboo’ topic Rubin covers is the topic of pornography and masturbation. Pornography dates back centuries, in all kinds of forms, during the 19th century for example, 'there were educational and political campaigns to encourage chastity, to eliminate prostitution, and to discourage masturbation, especially among the young' (Rubin, 2011), this shows the historical background to the stigma we face today around masturbation and pornography, these efforts were often driven by moralistic and religious beliefs that viewed sexuality as inherently sinful or shameful.
Rubin’s advocacy for breaking down the stigma around masturbation is because of the harmful effects of moralistic attitudes towards sexuality, particularly when it comes to sex education for young people (Rubin, 2011). By pushing the idea that masturbation is an unhealthy practice, sex education is withheld from young people under the guise of protection.
In conclusion, education can help combat fear and discomfort rooted in ignorance or unfamiliarity with alternative lifestyles by fostering understanding and empathy. rubin highlights how historical factors, such as the misuse of terms like "sex offender" to target LGBTQ+ individuals, have contributed to the exclusion of certain communities.
references
Rubin, G (2011) “deviations: a Gayle Rubin reader” Duke University Press
King, M (2004) “treatments of homosexuality in Britain since the 1950’s – an oral history: the experience of professionals” pubmed central
Felix, M. sobel, L. salganicoff, A. (2024) “the Comstock act: implications for abortion care nationwide”. KFF
Learning resources
youtube videos
How Capitalism Destroys Feminism
learn about intersectional Feminism
Liberal Feminism
reading
"Marxism and intersectionality race, gender, class and sexuality under contemporary capitalism" Ashley j Bohrer (2019)
"feminism for the 99%" Nancy Fraser (2011)
"deviations: a Gayle Rubin reader" Gayle Rubin (2012)
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