What does it mean to regard sexuality as political and what is at stake in this conception? (Essay Sample)

Sexuality and Politics
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Introduction
To regard sexuality as political means to recognise that sexuality is not just a personal or individual matter but is also shaped and influenced by social, cultural, and political structures and systems. This perspective acknowledges that power dynamics, including those related to gender, race, class, and other identities, intersect and shape our experiences and expressions of sexuality (Ann Laura Stoler, 2006). There are several key issues at stake in this conception of sexuality as political. One of these is the idea that individuals should have the right to make their own decisions about their sexuality and sexual expression, free from interference or coercion by the state or other authorities. This includes the right to privacy and the right to make decisions about one's own body and sexual health. Another key issue at stake is the idea that individuals should not be discriminated against or marginalised based on their sexuality. This includes fighting against discrimination in areas such as employment, housing, and access to public services based on sexual orientation or gender identity. In addition, regarding sexuality as political also means acknowledging and addressing issues related to sexual violence and exploitation, including issues such as consent, sexual harassment, and rape culture. It also involves working to create a more inclusive and welcoming society for individuals who may be marginalised or stigmatised based on their sexuality, such as LGBTQ+ individuals. Recognising sexuality as political is an important step towards creating a more just and equal society where all individuals are able to exercise their rights and live with dignity and respectfully.
Understanding of sexuality as a political category and its implications
Global Political Standpoint
From various political perspectives and in several governments, sexuality has been the target of a great deal of criticism and hostility. There are certain nations that have made it lawful for individuals to choose their sexual orientation freely. Marriage and the granting of certificates to persons of the same sexual orientation are required before this decision may be made legally acceptable. This is due to the fact that gay married couples have long advocated for the right to be granted the same benefits as their straight counterparts in the past. Many efforts on behalf of homosexual couples have been organised and carried out all over the globe in an effort to secure for them the rights that are legally theirs. With a few notable exceptions, the practice of homosexual marriage is not recognised legally in African nations that are deeply rooted in their own traditions. Even though it is true that there are a lot of gay people in all of the countries in the world, the freedom for them to have a family and to be married as a couple does not exist in the majority of countries. This is despite the fact that it is true to note that there are a lot of gay people in all countries.
The beginning of the politicisation of gay marriage can be traced back to the late 1990s when many nations in North America made the decision to include homosexual rights in their constitutions. This allowed gay people to have rights that were comparable to those enjoyed by heterosexuals (Anna Marie Smith, 1994). These programs were carried out throughout the nations, with varying degrees of success for each. An illustration of this can be found in the United States, where in the 1970s, an attempt was made to pass a constitutional amendment that would have made it legal for gay couples to get married, but the effort was unsuccessful.
Today, there is a wide range of global political viewpoints on sexuality, and attitudes towards issues such as LGBTQ+ rights and reproductive health care can vary significantly from one country to another. In some countries, there is a strong movement for LGBTQ+ rights, and there are laws in place to protect individuals from discrimination based on their sexual orientation and gender identities. In other countries, however, homosexuality is still criminalised, and LGBTQ+ individuals may face persecution, violence, and even death (Stoler, 1989). Regarding reproductive health care, some countries have laws protecting access to contraception and abortion, while others have more restrictive laws or may not provide these services at all (Holden, 2003, pp.295–322). Various factors, including cultural and religious beliefs, economic considerations, and political ideologies, shape global political viewpoints on sexuality.
The Effect of Culture and Beliefs on Sexuality and Politics
Homosexuality is almost always connected to the cultures of the people involved. It goes without saying that despite the culture of the people, same-sex practice is still rather high across the board. In comparison to people of other races throughout the globe, homosexuality is more often linked with white people in the United States. The reason for this is that people of different races are concerned about their cultures being lost. Individuals are expected to observe certain norms and procedures that their culture has established on a daily basis. Even if gay marriages have been made legal in a number of nations, other cultures still have a strong aversion to the practice.
Sexuality has historically been portrayed as a rigid route that must be adhered to in order to adhere to the proper ways of a society with respect to culture, traditional beliefs, and conventions. Throughout history, all cultures have held the belief that marriages between people of opposite sexes are valid and acceptable (Bharat, 2021). Because of the widespread ideas found in the Bible, the religion of Christianity, which is also considered to be a global civilisation, takes a firm stance against homosexuality. According to the teachings of the ancient book known as the "Bible," a man and a woman are required for the formation of a pair. In this particular scenario, both the man and woman will be required to leave their residences and go to a common location in order to construct it. After then, they are compelled to have offspring and contribute to subsequent generations of their species. This should be sufficient proof for the Christian community that homosexual marriage is forbidden, even when seen through the lens of the Bible. It does not provide anybody with the opportunity to choose which sex they would want to have a romantic or sexual connection with. In addition to Christianity, there are a number of other traditional religions and beliefs that disagree with the institution of homosexual marriage. In the traditional setup, homosexual weddings are never accepted by the government owing to the strong resistance by the majority of the members of the nation due to their traditional setups (Puri, 2016). This is because the majority of the people of the country have traditional setups. According to the norms of society, a man and a woman are expected to have a romantic connection in order to start a family that can produce offspring. The act of having children is seen as a kind of riches and protection by many. This creates the necessary conditions for individuals to marry others of the opposite sex in order to have children.
Therefore, there is a complex link between cultures, beliefs, and political ideologies, and this is particularly evident when it comes to the issue of gay marriage. In many societies, attitudes towards gay marriage are influenced by cultural and religious beliefs, as well as political ideologies. For example, as evident above, in some cultures and religions, homosexuality is seen as a sin or a moral failing, and gay marriage may be viewed as a threat to traditional values or social norms (Manderson, 1997). In these cases, opposition to gay marriage may be motivated by a desire to protect what is seen as traditional cultural or religious beliefs. On the other hand, some people may support gay marriage as a matter of individual rights and freedoms and may see it as a way to promote social justice and equality. In these cases, support for gay marriage may be motivated by a belief in liberal or progressive values. Political ideologies can also play a role in attitudes towards gay marriage. For example, those who support more conservative political ideologies may be more likely to oppose gay marriage, while those who support more progressive ideologies may be more likely to support it. This complex link between cultures, beliefs, and political ideologies means that attitudes towards gay marriage can vary widely and can be a contentious issue. It is important to have a respectful and informed dialogue about this issue and to consider the rights and well-being of all people, regardless of their sexual orientations or gender identities.
The Freedom of Choice
Today, particularly in the west, there is more focus on freedom of choice rather than society dictating what is morally right. Freedom of choice is a fundamental principle that allows individuals to make their own decisions about how they live their lives. In the context of sexuality, this can include the right to choose one's own sexual partners and to express one's sexual orientation and gender identity freely. Freedom of choice is an important aspect of personal autonomy and self-determination and is protected by various human rights instruments (Luther, 2020). However, this freedom is not absolute and can be limited in certain circumstances, such as when it infringes on the rights of others or poses a threat to public safety. In many societies,...