Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society The Invention of Heterosexuality
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Dec 8, 2023 Explore the invention of heterosexuality in 19th century Germany and its influence on societal norms. Learn about the origins of the terms 'heterosexual' and 'homosexual' and the role of science in normalizing heterosexuality. Discover the intersectionality of sexuality with power and privilege. Also, enjoy an ad about exploring the history and judgments of past US presidents.
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Heterosexuality's Recent Emergence
- The concept of heterosexuality arose in the mid-19th century, not earlier.
- This was due to societal shifts and the need to define legal boundaries around sexual practices.
Defining the Exception
- Defining exceptions requires establishing a rule first.
- The terms "homosexual" and "heterosexual" arose from this need to categorize.
Sodomy as an Act, Not Identity
- Historically, sodomy wasn't about identity, but the act itself.
- Anyone could commit sodomy, regardless of their sexual orientation.