Feminist Studies academic journal speculates on interscection of LGBT, Queer and Asexual studies

Details: Category: LGBT Issues; Published on Friday, 18 February 2011 16:27; Written by Lara Landis; Hits: 3502

New Orientations: Asexuality and Its Implications for Theory Practice appeared in the most recent issue of Asexual Feminism. Authors Megan Mills and Karli June Cerankowski of Harvard and Stanford Universities co-authored the paper. The authors discussed the areas of overlap between queer studies, feminist studies and Asexual studies.

“Where, then, might we place the study of a new or at least newly enunciated, sexuality? How do we begin to analyze and contextualize a sexuality that by its very definition undermines perhaps the most fundamental assumption about human sexuality: that all people experience, or should experience, sexual desire?” ask Mills and Carankowski.

Carankowski and Mills discuss the role of sex positivism in Modern feminism and how Asexual groups such as AVEN challenge the notion that women should feel sexual desire. Sex positivism colors the relationship between the LGBT and Asexual communities. Often, LGBT groups mistake Asexuality with the notion of anti-sexuality. Asexuals do not actively seek out sexual partners, although most Asexuals have no problem with the act of intercourse so long as they are not involved.

The authors freely admit they draw no definitive conclusions. Asexuals do not have a problem with the idea of sex positivism, but modern movement in feminism operate under the idea women should want sex. Perhaps the best solution to the problem gets put forth by Activists working in both communities. Women and men no longer need to feel like they need to seek help if they do not want intercourse. Wanting intercourse and not wanting intercourse are both perfectly valid modes of existence.