In this podcast Alison talks about the various words and labels that have been used to describe queer communities in New Zealand.
This podcast was funded by a generous grant from the Gay Line Wellington Trust with the support of the Rule Foundation
Summary
This abstract summarizes a podcast titled "Labels" presented by Alison Laurie and recorded in Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand, on January 11, 2011. In the podcast, which runs approximately 16 minutes, Laurie delves into the evolution and significance of terminology used to describe and identify queer communities within New Zealand and beyond.
Alison Laurie, an academic, writer, and activist with a history in Gender and Women's Studies at Victoria University of Wellington, discusses the integral role of language in self-identification and dialogue about sexuality. Laurie highlights that language is not just the articulation of actions and feelings but also a reflection of societal and historical contexts. From Ancient Greece, where same-sex relations among men were accepted and intertwined with education and the military, to Sappho's Isle of Lesbos, where expressions of love between women were immortalized in poetry, Laurie illustrates the diverse historical perspectives on same-sex relationships.
Throughout history, the medical and religious sectors have played key roles in shaping the public perception of sexuality. The podcast touches on the transition from sin-based perspectives in the church to medicalized interpretations of sexuality in the 19th century, a period when comprehensive discussions on human sexuality began to gain prominence. Laurie explains how the terms "homosexual" and "bisexual" emerged, noting that their original meanings have significantly evolved over time.
Laurie also explores the characterization of queer identity through medical lenses, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when figures like Magnus Hirschfeld proposed the idea of innate sexual identity. Contrasting viewpoints also surfaced, highlighting a diverse array of beliefs and understandings within the queer community itself.
As the podcast moves through history, Laurie examines the sexual continuum concept and its rebirth through Alfred Kinsey's work in the 1940s. Moreover, the social construction perspective, which posits that sexuality is heavily influenced by environmental factors, is presented alongside the inherent fixed identity notion.
Further, Laurie references the impact of movements like gay liberation and lesbian feminism in the 1960s and 1970s, which advocated for broader acceptance and understanding of diverse sexual orientations and identities. These movements encouraged individuals to recognize the potential fluidity of sexuality and the benefits of embracing it.
In contemporary times, Laurie observes a shift towards universalizing principles, where more young people are embracing undefined sexual identities. In Aotearoa New Zealand, the term "takatāpui" has been reclaimed to denote individuals belonging to alternative sexuality communities. The presenter underscores the evolving language inclusive of identities within the LGBTTQI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, takatapui, fa'afafine, queer, questioning, and intersex) spectrum.
In conclusion, Laurie emphasizes that language and societal views on same-sexuality are fleeting, shaped by the circumstances of their era. The expectation is for the conception of same-sexuality to continue evolving in response to changing societal norms, with increasing acceptance of non-static sexual identities.
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