Sexual Identity

It is possible for someone to have more than one sexual identity, or they can identify with something that’s not popularly recognized. You can’t assume that someone is or will always be straight, even if at the time they are with someone who is of the other gender than themselves. The person them-self might not even be completely sure what they like. For instance in the story “Frog Loves Christy” there is two sisters and the one sister, Frog, wants to become a man. After she does so Frog admits her love towards Christy who is already married to a man. They both struggle with this till Christy finally admits her love for Frog too. 

   

                                                                 

Then there are others who aren’t sure so they experiment with each other, or by wearing clothes or makeup of the opposite sex. 

It's a Man's World

The roles of gender, sexuality, and leadership changes from decade to decade.  It seems as the years roll one after another, the boundaries bend and twist for gender and sexual equality.  James Brown sang a song called It's a Man's World back in 1966.  This song was a message that man carry the worlds on their back.  Men are the ones created everything that we use on this planet.  The song repetitively mentions that this world is ran by man, however, it would be nothing without a woman.

So what is the distinction between a man and a woman? The roles have definitely changed, but not reversed.  Although, it seems like it may be heading that direction in a couple more decades.  What used to mainly classify a man is well-built, masculine, had manners, well-dressed, clean cut, and a lot of other physical traits like that.  Now, the music industry has played a huge factor in how men today dress and act. It's acceptable now for men to wear skinny jeans and a solid pink shirt.  It is almost like guys who try to act masculine look feminine.  The same goes for females.  It is acceptable for women walk around in sweats and hoodies, wear baseball caps, and have vulgar language like a sailor.

It is common to hear jokes about Justin Bieber.  This jokes make fun of him explaining he is not a man, because he wears skinny jeans and has long hair.  The biggest reason is when he started in the business, he had not gone through puberty, and his voice was high pitched like a girl's.

Gender

Society defines our gender expectations even before we are born, as parents tend to pick out pink items for their baby girls and blue for boys. Below is an interesting comparison of expected gender qualities, and those qualities may limit individuals from expressing their true selves. If a nurturing father stays home to care for his children, for example, others may wonder why he is not working to provide for his family, or why the mother is not taking on that role. If a woman chooses to be independent and provide for herself instead of marrying and raising a family, others are more likely to view her differently than other women.

Gatsby

One of the pieces presented by the queer theory argues that in a love triangle, we generally look only at the two sides. A classic love triangle in 1920's lit is Gatsby-Daisy-Tom. Let's look at the third side of the triangle: Gatsby and Tom. Their dynamic is fascinating because the characters are similar: neither are satisfied by what they have, and it seems like they both like making the other person jealous. This results in incredible tension over both Daisy and Myrtle (Daisy because Gatsby wants her and can't have her, Myrtle because Tom thinks Gatsby hit her with his car). 

We also have Daisy-Tom-Myrtle triangle, which is interesting because Daisy unknowingly kills Myrtle, the other side of the triangle. Although Daisy has knowledge about Myrtle and vice versa, the two do not meet until Daisy hits Myrtle with Gatsby's car. This kind of fate is almost ironically predestined: the wife kills the lover on accident, as a stranger would.

Sexuality in the Closet

            In today’s society we can see that sexuality creates certain gender roles. Females are supposed to look clean and pretty, act loving and nurturing, and the dirtiest job they must do is washing dishes and laundry. On the other hand, males are supposed to be rough and strong, act brave, and complete all the dirty and heavy lifting tasks.

            One way to analyze gender roles is through wardrobes. In the political arena I believe women receive more scrutiny. They must find a middle ground between revealing and conservative. They must also be professional and lady-like. For instance, a woman running for office is criticized if she wears pants every day. Pants can be worn, just not every day.

            Males can receive similar criticism in other areas. For instance, it is expected for a woman’s clothes to be fit, and it is even acceptable if the clothes are tight. Conversely, males are scrutinized if they wear tight clothes. This is expressed in New Boyz song Cricketz.

Sex Yeah

Once again, I'm taking a line from Marina and the Diamonds and applying it to theory.

The idea of gender and sexuality is kinda big right now (as if it hasn't bee for the last x thousand years).

"if women were religiously recognized sexually, we wouldn't have to feel the need to show  our ass, it's to feel free"

"if sex in our society didn't tell a guy who he should be
all my life I've tried to fight what history has given me"

Both of these are lines from the song Sex Yeah. Which is an epic song, btw.

We feel uncomfortable, for some reason, when our own sexual norms are violated. I don't mean this in a chains and whips way, but rather in a "oops I just clicked onto tranny-porn" way. That's right, I just went there.

We're trained to think that such things aren't for discussion so, at least in American culture, we build up a sensitivity to the topics. I'm hoping that after my generation, kids will be raised to be alright with different sexualities. I'd like for people to be less afraid of the unknown... which brings us back to the beginning of the semester. So, now that I've rambled for a few paragraphs here's a few gifs.

Social Effect on Sexuality

            As we study the concept of queer theory, I find it interesting that culture defines sexuality.  In the US, we have developed stereotypes for men and women: a man is supposed to be tough, not show emotions, and provide for the family, while a woman is expected to be sensitive and care for the children.  Little boys should play with cars or spend time outdoors, and little girls are supposed to like dolls or pink.  When a person doesn’t fit into that stereotype for male and female, we instantly assume that person must be homosexual.  Women are allowed to have close relationships, but if two guys are seen sitting too close or acting a certain way, they are suspected of homosexuality.

            A few friends of mine, all guys, have a close relationship and spend most of their time together.  I’m sure people at Bob Evans or Walmart have made assumptions due to their antics, but I know for a fact none of them are gay.  It’s not fair that we have structured these stereotypes and judge others based on the ideas we have about what a male or female should be.