Does heterosexual sex make a man more masculine? Does homosexual sex feminise a man? No and no. This article tries to disentangle the "traditional" North American point of view that heterosexuality and masculinity automatically imply each other.
Abstract: In traditional North American society, being "masculine" is often defined as (1) the opposite of being "feminine" and (2) avoiding sexual contact with other men. Recent trends in attitudes toward homophobia and masculinity, however, suggest that these traditional orientations may have begun to change in North American society. Drawing from a multiyear ethnographic study of heterosexual male college cheerleaders, I argue that associated with these changing attitudes and practices, many men are beginning to disentangle heterosexuality from masculinity. In this context, I demonstrate how avowedly "straight" men, in some instances, engage in gay sex and openly view such encounters as non-threatening to their own personal identities and public status as heterosexuals. The study carries theoretical implications for the conditions under which heterosexuality and masculinity do not imply each other and, most speculatively, when and how gay men are considered masculine.
Credit: "Disentangling Heterosexuality from Masculinity" by Eric Anderson, American Sociological Association
MTM is about male-male relationships: about men and their need for intimacy, affection, and bonding with other men.
MTM promotes brotherhood between blokes who desire only the best for their fellow blokes. We aim to limit if not nullify the effects of social oppression towards men (whether by other men or by women, or by society in general). We are not unlike Men's Movement in this respect.
MTM is about male-male sexuality: about men and their sexual attraction to other men, and the need to eliminate irrational fears and inhibitions in regard to these feelings.
MTM is not about 'homosexuality', as it includes female-female sexuality, and has historically been [incorrectly] associated with sexual misconduct (eg: sodomy), mental conditions (eg: GID), culture-specific sexual identities (eg: Gay), and transgender - which all deserve blogs of their own.
MTM is not about misogyny. We do not think that males are better than females. We do not, and cannot, hate women. We believe that both sexes have their differences but are nonetheless born equal.
MTM is not against male-female sexuality. By all means, indulge in it if you feel it natural. Humans, like most primates, are naturally "bisexual" beings. We are attracted to whoever is "hot" regardless of gender.
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Brief Glossary
androphilia: sexual attraction to males bisexuality: sexual attraction to both sexes cisgender: sex and gender are "consistent" eg: masculine male, feminine female gender: social differences between males and females gender identity: an individual's self-conception as being male or female gynephilia: sexual attraction to females hermaphroditism: physical endowment of both male and female reproductive parts intergender: sex and gender are "inconsistent" eg: masculine female, feminine male intersex: born sex and sexual identity are inconsistent heterosexuality: sexual attraction to the opposite sex homosexuality: sexual attraction to the same sex monosexuality: sexual attraction to one sex pomosexuality: sexual attraction without bias to gender sex: physical endowment of either male or female reproductive parts sexual identity: an individual's conception of themselves in regard to sexuality or sex sexuality: sexual behaviour or feelings sexual orientation: predisposition of sexual attraction
sexual preference: preference of sexual attraction or sexual activity transgender: belonging to neither gender (neuter) or both genders; sometimes "genderqueer" or "third gender" transsexualism: sexual transformation from one's birth sex to one's chosen sex transvestism: practice of cross-dressing, which is wearing the clothing of the opposite sex [social]
thanks for the information.
ReplyDeletein all fairness, tinapos ko sya. lol =)
ReplyDeleteit's a good research. and while reading it i was texting my friend who was grad of social/anthropo. nag-nosebleed ako sa jargons eh..
i think that neutralizing gender roles could be tagged as one of the major importance of such case.
ReplyDeletenonetheless, it should also be noted the reason why men engages in such. for it might give a greater issue than homophobia.
but great thesis! looking forward in reading the entire paper.
Fag
ReplyDeletedabo, wandering commuter: Thanks for coming over. We'll be updating soon. And yes, it's a brilliant thesis, isn't it? :)
ReplyDeleteAnonymous: Fag? Haway. What, do you want a light for yer fag er sumnit? Next time mate, post some sense. And have a face.