Musings on history, media and validation

[emma_rainbow]

I was going to post about (and still am), my glee at finding a reference to asexuality in 'Homophobia: A History' by Byrne Fone. While discussing the ancient Greeks and Romans, he describes Lucian of Samosata's play the 'Erotes', which describes four men. Theomnestus likes men and women, Charicles likes the ladies and is described by as possibly

Comments

[kathy_h]

I do that, but not just with bi people, I look for bi, gay, ase, trans, in fact any sexuality other than straight. I've always wondered why I do it. I haven't come up with an answer yet. I don't think I'm looking for role models, I think it's more that I find people who aren't straight more interesting... That's really rude and unfair to straight people though, and not at all true once you know more about them... I really don't know.

I also watched the thing with John Barrowman, and I was a bit upset not just by the way he seemed to feel he needed to have a biological reason for being gay, but also because of the way he expressed that feeling. He made it seem like even he thought that by being gay without a "real" reason meant that there was something wrong with him. We're not gonna get anywhere if famous gay people give the impression that they think there's something wrong with being gay!

[emma_rainbow]

Yes... I suppose 'role model' isn't quite the right word, since I wouldn't model my behaviour on anyone, but I do find it interesting. Maybe it's the way that the people live/experience outside society's expectations? Hmmm. Dunno. And yes, he did give me that vibe... sad-making.
Ah well, I'll go listen to some Ani DiFranco and cheer meself up. :) She does seem very happy being bi/pan.

[ext_114917]

It's really cool to find that historical reference to us. So far, the only one that I knew of was a letter by Louis XIV's sister (I think), in which she, in passing, described the sexual interests of those at Versailles.

When I found it, I thought it was nice to see reference to asexuals. I guess it wasn't so much a need to be validated as a nice something in light of the frustration that there is so little acknowledgment that we even exist.

[emma_rainbow]

Acknowledgement! Yes, it's a lovely feeling. :) I'll see if I can find that...