Human sexuality

Sexuality in humans is conditioned by a combination of innate preferences and social and cultural factors. Different cultures have viewed sexuality differently throughout history. Research into the causes and nature of human sexual variation is ongoing. In Western societies, people may categorize sexual behaviors and preferences into sexual orientations or identities, such as heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual/pansexual, and asexual. However, there is no evidence to suggest that distinct categories of sexual behavior exist independently of social conditioning. In particular, heteronormativity, or the tendency to treat non-heterosexual relationships and behavior in binary opposition to heterosexuality, has led to oppression of bisexuals and pansexuals not only by straight society but also from gay and lesbian communities.

History

Western antiquity

In ancient Greece, the relationship between men and prepubescent boys was known as "pederasty" and played an important role in the social life of a Greek (male) citizen. Greek mythology reflects the importance of same-sex relationships, such as that between Achilles and Patroclus in the Iliad, and between Zeus and Ganymede. While evidence for homosexual relations between women is more sparse, the 7th century BC poet Sappho is known for her evocative language which describes desire for another woman, the meaning of which has been debated. Since Sappho was from the Greek island of Lesbos, relationships between women came to be known as lesbian.

Culture

The Marxist analysis of human sexuality is a rewarding field of study which sheds light on the meaning of human sexual norms.

Marriage

Marriage has always been a highly regulated legal relationship whose purpose is to ascertain and protect patrilineal inheritance rights. It is likely for this reason that men in ancient societies, such as Rome, had significantly more sexual freedom than women, possessing the right to consort with concubines and other women while denying the same right to their wives.

Sex and gender roles

In some North American societies, young men or women were given the option to take up the daily tasks of the opposite gender and therefore become treated as part of that group, including sexually. Thus sexual differentiation in the division of labor takes precedence over physical characteristics, sexuality, or personality in defining a person's gender.

Politics

LGBTQ+

Since the breakthrough of the queer liberation movement in the 1970s, gays, lesbians, and bisexuals formalized their alliance and organized their groups under the banner of GLB (Gays, Lesbians, and Bisexuals) or LGB (Lesbians, Gays, and Bisexuals). In the early 1990s, transgender people were added, forming the LGBT movement. This label remained in place until the 2010s, when alternatives proliferated as a way to include intersex people, asexuals, and various other identities. LGBTQ+ (for Queer) or LGBTQIA+ (Intersex, Asexual) competed as standards, but since c. 2020 the former appears to be the most common. Adding a "plus" sign indicates the variety of groups in the alliance, but can be imprecise when defining who is included.

Sexuality in other primates

Homosexual and bisexual behavior has been observed in numerous primate species, including bonobos, orangutans, macaques, and gorillas. Homosexual and heterosexual acts can serve a variety of functions, including social bonding, welcoming newcomers, and resolving tension.

Recommended reading

• Carlin, Norah: "The Roots of Gay Oppression", at MIA.