The purpose of this study is to explore how different discourses about risk linked to HIV prevention is likely to affect the decisions on the distribution of state funding for preventive activities aimed at 'men who have sex with men' (MSM). This by making qualitative interviews with principals that have an impact on this decision. Using a discourse analytic approach, based on both theoretical and methodological foundations, I investigate the discursive constructions of risk of HIV linked to certain groups and behaviors. MSM is found in the material placed into two different formations of groups, on one hand by the behavior on the other hand on the basis of identity. The identity position is organized discursively from a “victim” position while MSM provides an "operator" position. MSM is thus incompatible with the victim's position needed to be taken into account in the allocation of HIV prevention funds. On this basis I argue that the impact of heteronormativity, combined with an unwillingness to stigmatize, threatens to make HIV prevention ineffective when it is distributed on a different premise than epidemiological trends.

In this project, I am interrogating discourse surrounding the 2008 WHO/UNAIDS controversy, which both preceded and followed the publication of an article in the U.K. newspaper The Independent. The article reported that the head of the World Health Organization’s HIV/AIDS initiative admitted that the threat of an AIDS pandemic among heterosexuals was “officially” over. These texts are particularly important for such an endeavor because, as I will argue below, the controversy enables both “AIDS” and “heterosexuality” to operate as floating signifiers whose meanings are contested in public discourse in ways that ultimately reinforce heterosexual privilege and under-attention to the AIDS crisis. In the end, the destabilization of the meaning of HIV/AIDS does not serve emancipatory ends. Although the destabilization of meaning is the emancipatory gesture ‘par excellence’ for the poststructuralist tradition, my investigation shows that the destabilization of meaning in the WHO controversy actually results in the reification of master narratives. / text

Lietuvos teatre įsivyravęs hegemoninis heteroseksualus vyriškumas dominuoja didžiojoje dalyje Lietuvos spektaklių. Tuo tarpu homoseksualūs vyrai reprezentuojami sporadiškai, dažnai jiems suteikiamos neigiamos konotacijos, jie tampa parodijiniais spektaklio elementais. Tačiau jau galima prabilti ir apie kitoniškus gėjų vaizdinius Lietuvos teatre, kadangi homoseksualaus vyriškumo tematiką vis aktyviau plėtoja režisierius Gintaras Varnas. Nepaisant ryškėjančio dėmesio netradiciniam vyriškumui Lietuvos scenoje, moksliniame teatrologiniame diskurse ši tema nėra aktyviai analizuojama. Taigi šiame darbe siekiama ne tik atkreipti dėmesį į gėjų reprezentaciją Lietuvos scenoje, bet homoseksualaus vyriškumo vaizdinius ir problematiką išanalizuoti pasitelkiant reikšmingą, XX a. JAV suklestėjusią queer teoriją. Darbe pristatomos queer teorijos susiformavimo aplinkybės ir įtakos, išryškinamos svarbiausios queer teorijos tezės. Tačiau svarbiausias dėmesys skiriamas subversyviam queer teorijos žvilgsniui, kuris įveiksmina heteronormatyvumo dekonstrukciją per šeimos, santuokos institucijų transformacijas heteronormatyvumo sistemoje. Parodoma kokią destabilizuojančią ir asimiliacinę galią formuoja heteroseksualumo simbolių mimikrija. Queer teorija, kvestionuodama heteronormatyvumo konvencionalumą, taip pat atskleidžia kokia stereotipizuojanti galia įveiksminama gėjų bendruomenėse. Pasitelkiant šias teorines subversyvumo tendencijas, analizuojami keturi režisieriaus Gintaro Varno spektakliai... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / A hegemonic heterosexual manhood is dominant in most of the Lithuanian theatre plays. Meanwhile, the homosexual relationships between men are represented in a sporadic manner and often get negative connotation, as well as, become an element of parody. However, today it is possible to start analysing different images of gays since the theme of homosexual males is being developed intensively by a director Gintaras Varnas. Despite the increasing attention towards the untraditional manhood in the Lithuanian theatre, this subject is not actively analysed in a scientific theatrological discourse. Therefore, this research tries to emphasize the representation of gays in the Lithuanian plays and in order to analyse the homosexual male images and problems it is useful to use the queer theory, which bloomed in the 20th century in the USA. The factors of the development and the origin of the queer theory and the most important theses are presented in this research. Nevertheless, the focus is placed to the subversive aspect of the queer theory, which enables the deconstruction of heteronormativity through the transformations of family and marriage in the system of heteronormativity. The research shows destabilizing and assimilative power, which forms the mimicry of the heterosexual symbols. The queer theory questions the conventionality of heteronormativity and reveals, which stereotypical power is applied in the gay communities. Four plays by Gintaras Varnas (‘Publika’, 1997, ‘Tolima... [to full text]

The purpose of this thesis was to examine the ways in which the constructions of heterosexuality and gender in three Disney movies about princesses affect the power relations between men and women in the movies, and how discourses on gender and heterosexuality have changed over time. Research questions were: How do characters in the movies talk about gender and heterosexuality? How does the interplay between gender and heterosexuality affect the power relations between men and women in the movies? What are the likenesses and differences between movies from different time periods? Discourses were mapped out using a model based on Ernesto Laclau and Chantal Mouffe’s political theories. These discourses were then analyzed with a theoretical framework consisting of Yvonne Hirdman’s concept of gender system and gender contracts, Judith Butler’s view on the heterosexual matrix and an understanding of power relations based on Michel Foucault. Results showed that the construction of gender and heterosexuality are intimately connected, as the main character’s desire or lack of desire for the prince was central to the plot in all three movies. Results also indicate that the most recent film was the most subversive in terms of constructions of gender and heterosexuality. Power relations between men and women remained relatively stable through all three movies, since most expressions of opposition did not really challenge patriarchal norms.  My conclusion is that the development of gender portrayal in popular culture is going in the right direction, since women and girls now have access to a wider spectrum of gender expressions as exemplified in this study. But the lack of men venturing into areas and displaying behaviour traditionally associated with women suggests a reinforcement of a patriarchal structure where masculinity is viewed as preferable to femininity. This view is limiting men’s possibilities of expressing themselves, as well as downgrading women who express femininity.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Stockholm : Karol inst., 2003. / Härtill 5 uppsatser.

Diss. Stockholm : Stockholms universitet, 2005.

Esta dissertação pretende investigar de que forma idéias construídas socialmente impõem a heterossexualidade e afetam indivíduos não heterosexuais das ilhas Caribenhas, conforme ilustrado nos romances Memory Mambo, da Cubana-Americana Achy Obejas e Valmikis Daughters, da Trinitária-Canadense Shani Mootoo. Este trabalho se concentra na análise de políticas sexuais ligadas à homossexualidade tanto nas ilhas do Caribe quanto nos Estados Unidos da América. Em Memory Mambo, a protagonista Juani Casas deseja entender como sua condição de exilada cubana molda sua identidade sexual e como seu lesbianismo afeta seus relacionamentos familiares e amorosos. Reconstruindo sua história através de uma memória não confiável, Juani procura descobrir como sua sexualidade e sua nacionalidade estão ligadas, para que ela possa conciliar as duas. Em Valmikis Daughter, Viveka Krishnu e seu pai Valmiki Krishnu tentam esconder seus verdadeiros desejos por causa dos comportamentos supostamente corretos que foram designados tanto para homens quanto para mulheres em Trinidad, e mais especificamente na sociedade indo-caribenha. Pai e filha sofrem com a opressão e tentam não se tornarem vítimas de homofobia constante, ele escondendo sua sexualidade e ela deixando a ilha. Assim, através da representação literária, Obejas e Mootoo participam de uma discussão necessária sobre as consequencias das políticas sexuais na construção identitária de Caribenhos que vivem nas ilhas ou em destinos diaspóricos / This thesis intends to examine how socially constructed ideas of compulsory heterosexuality affect non-conforming individuals from the Caribbean, as illustrated in the novels Memory Mambo by Cuban-American Achy Obejas and Valmikis Daughter by Trinidadian-Canadian Shani Mootoos. This work primarily focuses on the analysis of sexual politics concerning homosexuality both in the islands of the Caribbean and in the United States of America. In Memory Mambo protagonist Juani Casas wishes to understand how her condition of Cuban exile has shaped her sexual identity and how her lesbianism affects her relationships with family members and lovers. Reconstructing her story by means of an unreliable memory, Juani attempts to discover the deep connection between her sexuality and her nationality so that she can make sense of both. In Valmikis Daughter, Viveka Krishnu and her father Valmiki Krishnu try to conceal their true desires because of so-called correct behavior prescribed for both men and women in Trinidad, and more specifically in a Hindu-Caribbean society. Father and daughter suffer from oppression and try not to be victims of constant homophobia by either hiding their sexuality or fleeing the island. Thus, through literary representation, both Obejas and Mootoo engage in a much-needed discussion about the consequences of sexual politics in the identity construction of Caribbean individuals living on the islands or in diasporic destinies

This article examines the talk of male Psychology students about women and heterosexual relationships in all-male discussion groups. Four vignettes depicting difficult situations in heterosexual relationships were used to initiate discussion. Eight men attending a historically black university participated in the group discussions, which were facilitated by a male postgraduate Psychology student. The study explored masculine identity construction by identifying interpretive repertoires deployed by respondents to construct and account for themselves and their social worlds, within the context of discussions about relationships with women. Three interpretive repertoires of masculinity: the male-as- breadwinner/provider, male-as-protector and the "New Man" repertoire were identified. The complex and contradictory nature of masculine identity construction is highlighted. Drawing on the work of Hollway (1984), two discourses of heterosexuality were also identified: the have/hold discourse and the permissive discourse. The invocation of the "New Man" repertoire and pro-feminist discourses of heterosexuality in the men's talk may signify a move towards more enlightened and less oppressive constructions of masculinity, heterosexuality and gender.

Esta dissertação pretende investigar de que forma idéias construídas socialmente impõem a heterossexualidade e afetam indivíduos não heterosexuais das ilhas Caribenhas, conforme ilustrado nos romances Memory Mambo, da Cubana-Americana Achy Obejas e Valmikis Daughters, da Trinitária-Canadense Shani Mootoo. Este trabalho se concentra na análise de políticas sexuais ligadas à homossexualidade tanto nas ilhas do Caribe quanto nos Estados Unidos da América. Em Memory Mambo, a protagonista Juani Casas deseja entender como sua condição de exilada cubana molda sua identidade sexual e como seu lesbianismo afeta seus relacionamentos familiares e amorosos. Reconstruindo sua história através de uma memória não confiável, Juani procura descobrir como sua sexualidade e sua nacionalidade estão ligadas, para que ela possa conciliar as duas. Em Valmikis Daughter, Viveka Krishnu e seu pai Valmiki Krishnu tentam esconder seus verdadeiros desejos por causa dos comportamentos supostamente corretos que foram designados tanto para homens quanto para mulheres em Trinidad, e mais especificamente na sociedade indo-caribenha. Pai e filha sofrem com a opressão e tentam não se tornarem vítimas de homofobia constante, ele escondendo sua sexualidade e ela deixando a ilha. Assim, através da representação literária, Obejas e Mootoo participam de uma discussão necessária sobre as consequencias das políticas sexuais na construção identitária de Caribenhos que vivem nas ilhas ou em destinos diaspóricos / This thesis intends to examine how socially constructed ideas of compulsory heterosexuality affect non-conforming individuals from the Caribbean, as illustrated in the novels Memory Mambo by Cuban-American Achy Obejas and Valmikis Daughter by Trinidadian-Canadian Shani Mootoos. This work primarily focuses on the analysis of sexual politics concerning homosexuality both in the islands of the Caribbean and in the United States of America. In Memory Mambo protagonist Juani Casas wishes to understand how her condition of Cuban exile has shaped her sexual identity and how her lesbianism affects her relationships with family members and lovers. Reconstructing her story by means of an unreliable memory, Juani attempts to discover the deep connection between her sexuality and her nationality so that she can make sense of both. In Valmikis Daughter, Viveka Krishnu and her father Valmiki Krishnu try to conceal their true desires because of so-called correct behavior prescribed for both men and women in Trinidad, and more specifically in a Hindu-Caribbean society. Father and daughter suffer from oppression and try not to be victims of constant homophobia by either hiding their sexuality or fleeing the island. Thus, through literary representation, both Obejas and Mootoo engage in a much-needed discussion about the consequences of sexual politics in the identity construction of Caribbean individuals living on the islands or in diasporic destinies

Feminist theory and research has made a distinction between heterosexuality as a practice and heterosexuality as an institution and the line between the two is an area of confusion and contradiction. Discussions have been hampered by an unnecessary binary that hinders and limits theorising, working to silence the debates from either side, produce unnecessary divisions within feminism and inhibit the development of links between theory and practice. In examining heterosexuality as either an institution or a practice, it has been constructed as dangerous or pleasurable, victimising or agentic, oppressive or liberating, social or sexual. Missing between these two is a link that would suggest how these liberating activities challenge the heterosexual institution or how the analysis of the institution can make a material impact on women's sexual relationships. Women who identify as feminist and heterosexual are situated at the intersection of these two discourses where heterosexuality as an institution is defined as dangerous and oppressive, and heterosex as a practice is seen as pleasurable and liberating. To consider the intersection of institution and practice, the research asked 40 self-identified heterosexual feminists, between the ages of 19 and 68, about their sexual practice in the light both of feminist theorising around heterosexuality and its construction in the media. Taking the media as an institution that may both sustain and reinforce a discourse of heterosexuality, the research explores the mediation of women's heterosexuality and the potential for a feminist practice of resistance through the pleasurable consumption of media images. Employing a broad analysis of the media the thesis adopts a multi-methodological approach in the range of data collected, the methods employed and the analysis undertaken. It addresses three aims. First, to contribute to the wider literature within feminism. about heterosexuality and sexual practice. Second, to understand the role of the media in formulating feminist and heterosexual identities. Third, to consider the use and application of a range of different methods for a feminist cultural politics. Drawing on data from qualitative and quantitative media reviews, a questionnaire study; and diaries, focus groups and telephone interviews with the participants, I discuss the construction of heterosexuality and feminism, and the women's talk about their sexual practice.