Sex and Sexuality

“Sex” and “sexuality” are broad terms that can be used to describe gender, physical relations, sexual orientation and self-expression. A collection of documents included in this resource track the response of various organisations and individuals to sex, sexuality and topics which are sometimes considered taboo, such as abortion and pornography.

In the latter half of the twentieth century, traditional views of sexuality were in flux. Written in 1974, Men's sexual histories and articles on manhood highlights the role of men striving to establish equality between the sexes: ‘We need a “sexual politics” of men’s relationships with other men, because patriarchy is a dual system both in which men oppress women, and in which men oppress themselves and other men.’ Accepted norms about sex, are rejected by one writer: ‘I want to talk about two lies. The lie of the male orgasm. And second the lie of the male erection.’ Similarly, [Feminist theory. Sexuality.] – which includes responses to an article by Anne Koedt on the relationship between the vaginal orgasm and feminism – presents a forthright discussion on the female experience. On a similar theme, theorists focusing on the relationship between feminism and lesbianism comment on ideology and sexual orientation.

[Relationship between Feminism and Lesbianism], 1971-1973, © Schlesinger Library on the History of Women in America

LGBTQ history is a topic which is touched on repeatedly within this resource. [Documents relating to the experience of gay men and lesbian women] includes a sexuality survey, while [Documents pertaining to Lesbian writings and experiences] offers a bibliography of relevant material; these items emphasise changes to traditional understandings of sexuality. Produced by gay men, the periodical Morning Due tackles issues relating to sex and includes a report on the conference “Faggots and class struggle”, which opens with the poem, “Sissies”. A timeline of key events in the struggle for gay rights can be found in the Chronology, while a series of posters digitised from the archives of the University of Melbourne feature artwork advertising a festival for lesbians and the “International Year of the Lesbian”.

Lesbian Festival Melbourne Poster, © The University of Melbourne

Besides introspective items on the male and female orgasm, other physical elements are discussed within the resource; these are also covered in further detail within the collection on The Body. Posters defending women’s rights to free abortion are included in the items from Melbourne, alongside pleas to end sexual harassment and domestic violence. Pornography is a prevalent topic within material published by organisations affiliated with the men's movement. Tracks in the sand: Uncovering Christian men's issues focusses on the evils of pornography, framing it as a key component of sexual addiction. Materials published by the Rochester Men's Network, meanwhile, include an invitation to a discussion on pornography and asks whether it is “a sexual appetizer or sexual junk food”.

Testimony of a Sex-Addict, Tracks in the sand : Uncovering Christian men's is..., Nov 1991 - Sep 1993, © Michigan State University Libraries

Gathering together men and women’s perspectives on a range of topics, Gender: Identity and Social Change offers a unique insight into both the physical and emotional principles of sex and sexuality.