Sexual Orientation Identity in Select African and African American Novels

Ima Usen Emmanuel

doi:10.22158/csm.v2n2p90

Abstract

This paper set out to interrogate Sexual Orientation Identity in select African and African American novels, using the Queer theory. Some heterosexual writers inadvertently dwell on queer relationships in their works. Toni Morrison in both The Bluest Eye and Beloved portrayed bestiality/zoophillia, phytophilliac or dendraphilliac, Spectorphilli, incest, rape/molestation, masturbation, polyamorous relationships, homoerotic, homosocial, and heterosexuality. Whereas, Damon Gulet’s In a Strange Room and Sello Duiker’s Thirteen Cents depicted lesbianism, homosexuality and bisexuality. With the likes of Geraldine in Morrison’s The Bluest Eye and Mr Lebowitz in Duiker’s Thirteen Cents, I agree with Tyson on biological essentialism, that the rest of the population is naturally heterosexual. I also agree with other critics that all human beings have the potential for sexual activity that does not fit into heterosexual framework. I share the opinion of social constructionism; that LGBTQ sexuality and heterosexuality are products of social, not biological forces; our societies are fast losing their mores, hence these evil practices. Since patriarchy is the law, no stiff penalty is effected on their wide spread jeopardizing habits. Queerness is a generational destroyer of both moral and humanity. This paper is emphatic that stiff penalties be brought on the practitioners of psychology of peadophile.

Highlights

There is no consensus on the exact cause of developing sexual orientation but genetic, hormonal, social and cultural influences have been examined
This paper will examine among others: bestiality/zoophillia, phytophillia or dendraphilliac, spectorphilli, lesbianism, homosexuality, bisexuality, polyamorous relationship, masturbation, homoerotic, sexual assault-psychology of a peadophile; rape/molestation, homosocial and heterosexuality as contained in our above named texts
From the above interrogation of these novels by both African and African American writers, we can conclude that heterosexual writers engage in queer writings

Summary

Introduction

There is no consensus on the exact cause of developing sexual orientation but genetic, hormonal, social and cultural influences have been examined. The world is in an infinite continuum on gender and sexuality, and the acronym LGBTQ has gained recognition which symbolizes lesbians, gay, bisexual, transsexual and queer. Human sexuality is the way people experience and express themselves sexually This involves biological, erotic, physical, emotional, social, or spiritual feelings and behaviours. It is believed that sexual orientation is usually stable, whereas sexual orientation identity can change throughout individual’s life and may not align with biological sex, or sexual behavior or actual sexual orientation (gender, https://www.genderspectrum.org/quick-links/understanding-gender/). For the purpose of this paper we will discuss LGBTQ people as a group since they constitute some sort of homogenous collectivity They share in common the political, economic, social, and psychological oppression they suffer as members of a sexual minority.

Methods

Conclusion