Yes Means Yes: Getting explicit about heterosex

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

This text explores female heterosexuality from a historical perspective. It argues that the so-called mass media is currently way ahead of theory in terms of recognition of women's diverse desires and pleasures. In both psychoanalytic and sexological writing, there appears to be an assumption that a woman who wants sex, particularly "bad" or slutty sex, is in some way masculine - that she identifies with men rather than women. This assumption is reproduced in feminist writing which sees a sexually active woman as either "duped" or "colluding with the oppressor". Gay and lesbian writing has been very generous in terms of providing frameworks for re-thinking heterosexuality. The author's aim is to de-normalize or "queer" heterosexuality and open up some ground where heterosexual women can explore the complexity of its pleasures and dangers.

Author Bio

Kath Albury is a freelance writer/researcher/broadcaster, specialising in sexuality and popular culture. She is also known as 'Nurse Nancy', drag diva Vanessa Wagner's favorite comedic sexpert. Kath is currently completing a PhD in Media and Communications at the University of NSW. Her academic research has been presented at a number of local and international conferences, including the University of California's 1998 World Pornography Conference.