Sounds Fake But Okay Ep 361: Tops, Bottoms, and Queer Heteronormativity
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Oct 19, 2025 This week dives into the complexities of queer heteronormativity, focusing on top and bottom dynamics. The hosts unpack a Twitter debate on tagging these roles in fanfic, questioning whether such labels reinforce traditional gender norms. They explore the fluidity of sexual roles and the motivations behind rigid expectations in fandom. Personal anecdotes and reflections add a relatable touch, while a comparison of tagging in fanfic to traditional book ratings highlights the ongoing conversation about content warnings.
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Twitter Argument Over Fic Tagging
- Sarah describes getting into a Twitter argument about mandatory top/bottom tags on fanfiction and being blocked by the original poster.
- The exchange escalated from a tagging debate to accusations of heteronormativity and defensiveness from the other person.
Tag Core Info, Not Every Sexual Detail
- Sarah argues AO3 tags should cover core descriptors and trigger warnings but not intimate sexual mechanics.
- Do not expect fanfic authors to tag every sexual detail; use filters or skip unlabeled works instead.
Roles Versus Power Are Distinct
- Sarah notes topping/bottoming is about penetration roles, while dom/sub is about power dynamics and they are separate.
- Conflating these reflects limited understanding of queer sexual roles.
