The idea of fixed sexuality is a complex phenomenon that erases bisexual uniqueness. It would seem that heterosexuality should be clear and inviolable, though, in fact, it is more fluid than other identities. It is the central argument of Jane Ward, who focuses her research on the phenomenon of men who offer sex to other men and identify themselves as heterosexuals (Ward 31). The authors’ investigation is direct evidence that the relationship between sexual identity, practice, and culture is remarkably contradictory.
The foremost issue is that a heterosexual man, by having sex with another, thereby asserts his straightness, showing that he is comfortable within heterosexuality enough. Such males convey a paradoxical trait: attraction to other men is intertwined with active and even aggressive homophobia, deriving stereotypical homosexual markers. Prejudice against bisexual individuals is presumably the reason why these men call themselves heterosexuals. Since the only matter these experiences have in common is actions between men, their heterosexuality can be seen as a system of relationships and experience attractive to people who decide to be straight (Ward 33). Scientists still have no consensus on why some people’s sexual behavior and identity do not coincide. The foremost reason for this is that carriers of the alternative sexual culture have come to be perceived as a single cohesive group with their values, style of behavior, and even their unique body structure.
Society excludes a man found to be homosexual from the heterosexual camp and requests to obtain other rules of conduct. The male is forced to get unknown status and conform to those others or justify and deny his desires and actions. It is why straight men have sex with other men; they need to stay within their circle but cross the boundaries from time to time (Ward 36). On the one hand, it permits them not to take their avocations seriously. On the other hand, it protests against the very descriptive model that requires clear self-definition.
Thus, the central idea of Jane Ward is that sexuality is fluid, and there is no need for a clear division into specific groups. One should have a choice that is not associated with particular markers because same-sex relationships are the prerogative of both homosexuals and heterosexuals. Society should adhere to and accept a constructivist view of sexuality that allows maneuvering in terms of orientation and gender.
Work Cited
Ward, Jane. “Straight Dude Seeks Same: Mapping the Relationship between Sexual Identities, Practices, and Cultures.” Sex Matters: The sexuality and Society Reader, 2007, pp. 31-37.