Non-heterosexual Individuals Research Articles

Discrimination and health outcomes in England's black communities amid the cost-of-living crisis: evaluating the role of inflation and Bank Rates

ABSTRACT This study utilised longitudinal data from Black History Month events in London from 2021 to 2023. Novel findings revealed that increased inflation and Bank Rates, related to the cost-of-living crisis, were associated with greater discrimination and deteriorations in both general and mental health for Black individuals. Moreover, it was found that during the cost-of-living crisis period, i.e. 2022–2023, discrimination was more adversely related to general and mental health deterioration compared to the period before the cost-of-living crisis, i.e. 2021. In addition, women, non-native individuals, non-heterosexual individuals, the unemployed, economically inactive individuals, those with lower educational attainment, and older individuals experienced higher levels of discrimination and reduced general and mental health compared to reference groups. The findings of the study contribute to the literature by demonstrating the intertwined associations of macroeconomic deteriorations and discrimination with the health of the Black community, and its subgroup differences, providing a basis for targeted policies.

The Impact of Body Odors on Sexual Attraction and Partner Selection: A Review of Cisgender Homosexual Men and Women.

This study examined the role of odors in sexual attraction and partner selection among non-heterosexual individuals. We searched using MESH terms in databases including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, and Clinical Trials. We focused on experimental or quasi-experimental studies where olfactory cues were used in partner selection. The studies had to identify participants' sexual orientation and include heterosexuals for comparison. Seven studies, published between 2005 and 2014, involving 345 participants (Mean age, 27.09years), met the criteria. Results suggest that sexual orientation affects both preference for and production of human body odors and that human body odors appear to provide cues about the sex and sexual orientation of potential partners. Most participants were male, limiting conclusions about the role of pheromones in attraction among non-heterosexual women.

Exploring the Association between Sexual Orientation Beliefs and Ambivalent Sexism in Young Adults

This paper investigated the association between sexual orientation beliefs and ambivalent sexism in young adults. It was hypothesized that sexual orientation beliefs would correlate with and predicate ambivalent sexism, while there would be significant sociodemographic differences across the study variables. Selecting a cross-sectional (correlation) approach, a non-probability convenient sample of 221 young adults (Mage = 24.84, SDage = 5.82) was recruited. After filling out a detailed sociodemographic information sheet, the participants responded to original (English) versions of the Sexual Orientation Beliefs Scale (Arseneau et al., 2013) and the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory (Glick & Fiske, 1996). The analysis revealed that all sub-scales of the Sexual Orientation Beliefs Scale (discreetness, naturalness, informativeness and homogeneity) had positive correlations with hostile sexism and benevolent sexism. Moreover, discreetness, informativeness, and homogeneity beliefs predicted hostile sexism, while only the homogeneity belief predicted benevolent sexism. The socio-demographic variables of age and education emerged as significant correlates. Muslims held stronger ambivalent sexism than non-Muslims but no difference was found in sexual orientation beliefs. Hostile sexism was higher in men and those from a nuclear family system. Benevolent sexism was higher in unemployed and non-heterosexual individuals. Lastly, the discreetness belief was stronger in men and heterosexuals. This study would be a valuable addition to the academic scholarship as it provided insights into the indigenous patterns of sexual orientation beliefs and their relationship with specific forms of sexism.

Caregiver burden and depression among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and other nonheterosexual individuals in the United States: Analysis of BRFSS 2015–2018

AbstractThe number of caregivers in the US continues to rise. However, the epidemiology and mental health among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and other nonheterosexual (LGB+) caregivers remain unknown. We aimed to characterize the epidemiology of caregiving burden/information among LGB+ caregivers in the United States, as well as to examine depression and related risk factors. By using the data from the 2015–2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), we conducted weighted hierarchical logistic regression models to explore the associations between depression, caregiving information, health behaviors, sex, and sexual orientation among an estimated population of 9,521,313 LGB+ caregivers. Among the caregivers aged 18–79 years, 4.81% identified as LGB+. Notably, 19.21% of the caregivers reported experiencing depression, with distinctive rates observed among male LGB+ caregivers and female LGB+ caregivers were 38.22% and 51.43%, respectively. Meanwhile, nearly 45.00% of male LGB+ caregivers offered care to nonrelatives, a significantly higher rate compared to their heterosexual counterparts (23.32%, p < 0.001). The logistic regression models revealed that both male LGB+ caregivers (odds ratio [OR]: 3.56; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.45–8.77) and female LGB+ caregivers (OR: 2.38; 95% CI: 1.00–5.63) exhibited a higher likelihood of reporting depression compared to male heterosexual peers. Additionally, caregivers seeking support services for their caregiving responsibilities were more likely to report depression (OR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.12–1.94). Our study revealed higher caregiving burden and depression among LGB+ caregivers in the United States, warranting further research and targeted support to address their unique challenges and improve services to caregivers.

The Chain Mediation Effect of Victimization and Neuroticism on the Association Between Sexual Orientation and Depressive Symptoms: A Prospective Birth Cohort Study.

This study tested whether sexual orientation differences in depressive symptoms were partially explained by the chain mediation effect of neuroticism and victimization. Using the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children from the UK (N = 4647, 36.52% men, 88% White), self-reported neuroticism, sexual orientation, and depressive symptoms were measured at age 13.5, 21, and 22years, respectively. Childhood abuse between birth and age 11years and the individuals' experiences of being bullied at age 17.5years were measured as the components of victimization. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. Non-heterosexual individuals reported higher depressive symptoms than heterosexual individuals, with a total effect (standardized path coefficient) of 0.590 and 0.768 for men and women, respectively. This association was partially explained by childhood abuse (indirect effect = 0.043 and 0.046 for men and women, respectively) and neuroticism directly (indirect effect = 0.036 and 0.056 for men and women, respectively). Sexual orientation differences in depressive symptoms were also partially explained by a path through increased risk of experiencing childhood abuse leading to higher levels of neuroticism (indirect effect = 0.004 and 0.009 for men and women, respectively) and by a path through higher levels of neuroticism leading to increased risk of being bullied (indirect effect = 0.004 and 0.002 for men and women, respectively). The findings suggest that while some of the association between sexual orientation and depression might be explained by neuroticism and experiences of victimization measured prospectively, these factors do not account for most of this relationship.

Ignorance Is Bliss: Anti-Queer Biopolitical Discourse as Conscious Unwillingness to Elaborate Complex Information

Contemporary biopolitical discourse around fundamental rights and societal representations has increasingly weaponized moral-based attitudes and personal feelings, eschewing informed, factual opinions grounded in observation, data analysis, and scientific research. This trend is evident in the treatment of the queer community—used here as an umbrella term for non-cisgender, non-heterosexual individuals. Over recent years, the group has become the primary target of negationist critiques aimed at undermining the very existence of the community and challenging its rights. This article argues that the rise of depersonalized interactions and individualism, particularly through social media (where superficial and sensationalist content thrives, often at the expense of nuanced, data-driven discourse), the cult of the self and power (which prioritizes individual success, sidelining the collective struggles and rights of marginalized groups), and misinformation, is strategically employed by those in power and reverberated through the general public. These elements serve as a translucent veil, enabling the conscious choice to avoid engaging in structured, complex, and informed discussions about queer people’s rights and their existence. Consequently, the strategic deployment of these tactics, with the aim of shaping public opinion based on falsehoods and emotional appeals, undermines the capacity for informed dialog and perpetuates the marginalization of the queer community.

The Prevalence of Sexual Misconduct in US Medical Education: Examining the Intersecting Vulnerabilities of Gender and Sexual Orientation.

This study explores the prevalence, characteristics, and correlates of sexual harassment and nonconsensual sexual contact among medical students in the United States (US). The study aims to understand the association between gender, sexual orientation, and these incidents within the context of undergraduate medical education in the US. Employing a cross-sectional approach, this study collected primary data from 23,124 medical students across various US allopathic and osteopathic medical schools. After the data were cleaned, 245 (1% of the targeted population) respondents were included in the final analysis.The focus was on the prevalence and characteristics of sexual harassment and nonconsensual sexual contact and the association of gender and sexual orientation with these experiences. The findings revealed that 12.2% (n = 30) of the respondents experienced nonconsensual sexual contact, with other medical students being the most common perpetrators. A significant association was found between gender, sexual orientation, and the occurrence of unwanted sexual contact, indicating a disproportionate impact on non-heterosexual individuals and females. The study underscores the prevalence of sexual harassment and nonconsensual sexual contact within the US undergraduate medical education, highlighting disparities based on gender and sexual orientation. These results call for the implementation of policies and programs to address sexual misconduct in medical schools. The study elucidates the need for an understanding of the impact of sexual misconducton students attending both allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) medical programs.

Effects of sexual orientation-based prejudice and discrimination in family of origin on depressive symptoms and life satisfaction in a Chinese sample: Reciprocal and authoritarian filial piety as moderators.

Experiencing prejudice and discrimination from family has been found to be positively associated with mental health problems among sexual minorities. Emerging evidence also shows the value of contextualizing the internalization of minority stress by considering individual cultural factors, such as filial piety. We examined whether authoritarian filial piety (AFP) and reciprocal filial piety (RFP) moderated the link between distal stressors in one's family and mental health outcomes. A total of 362 (56.9% male; age: M = 24.55, SD = 6.60) Chinese lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer/questioning, and other non-heterosexual (LGBQ+) individuals participated in this study. They provided demographic information and completed a battery of measures for AFP and RFP, sexual orientation-based prejudice and discrimination in family of origin (SOPDF), depressive symptoms, and life satisfaction. Structural equation modeling results showed that SOPDF had a positive and negative link with depressive symptoms and life satisfaction, respectively. In addition, we identified AFP and RFP as significant moderators for the association between SOPDF and depressive symptoms, and the association between SOPDF and life satisfaction, respectively. Specifically, the positive effect of SOPDF on depressive symptoms was greater for participants with higher levels of AFP; the negative effect of SOPDF on life satisfaction was greater for participants who endorsed higher levels of RFP. Our findings corroborated past studies' conclusion about the detrimental impact of familial sexual stigma on LGBQ+ people's mental health. Furthermore, such impact on negative and positive mental health outcomes are respectively conditioned by the degree to which LGBQ+ individuals endorse AFP and RFP. These findings underscore the importance for therapists who endorse family therapy to help LGBQ+ clients navigate familial sexual stigma and consider the role of filial piety beliefs in shaping the impact of familial sexual stigma on these clients' mental health.

Narratives of “coming out” among self-confessed members of the Filipino LGBTQ community

Heteronormativity is institutionalized and the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) community often faces challenges because of their sexual orientation and gender preference. The process of coming out is contested and negotiated. With this observation, this study explores the salient experiences of selected members of the Filipino LGBTQ community regarding their coming out as homosexuals. A qualitative approach was used to gather and analyze data to comprehend the experiences of gay and lesbian individuals as they navigate their coming out journey. The study engages 25 participants through referrals. Findings reveal that non-heterosexual females exhibit a greater degree of fluidity in their gender identity, compared to non-heterosexual males, who primarily identify as gays. The process of “coming out” is deeply intertwined with the presence and acceptance of non-heterosexual individuals within the family.

What Do Different People Look for in a Partner? Effects of Sex, Sexual Orientation, and Mating Strategies on Partner Preferences.

Partner preferences are an important differential in relationship formation and evolutionary fitness, and vary according to individual, ecological, and social factors. In this study, we evaluated the variation in preference for intelligence, kindness, physical attractiveness, health, and socioeconomic level among individuals of different sexes and sexual orientations in a Brazilian sample. We analyzed the preference scores of 778 heterosexual, bisexual, and homosexual men and women in three budgeted mate design tasks (low vs. medium vs. high budget) and their association with sociosexuality, attachment styles, homogamy, and willingness to engage in short- and long-term relationships. Results indicated a global trait preference order, with intelligence ranking first, followed by kindness, physical attractiveness, health, and lastly by socioeconomic status. Typical sex differences were observed mostly within the heterosexual group, and specific combinations of sex and sexual orientation were linked to variation in preference for physical attractiveness, kindness, and socioeconomic status. We also found unique associations of the other variables with partner preferences and with willingness to engage in short- or long-term relationships. By exploring the partner preferences of non-heterosexual individuals from a Latin American country, an underrepresented group in evolutionary psychology research, our results help understand the universal and specific factors that guide partner preferences and human sexual behavior.

Understanding Law and Sustainability in Children’s Literature Through the Lens of Queer Studies in Animations and Cartoons from America

Objective: Queer Studies as a literary space explores the lives of non-heterosexual individuals. It developed as a literal theory in the 1990s with Terresa De Lauretis from her work Queer Theory Lesbian and Gay Sexuality. As the study develops, it covers the varied history of social acceptance faced by homosexuality in many cultures through a wide range of theories and concepts. Children’s literature profoundly shapes individuals from a young age and alludes to whose stories matter in a social setting. Result: Understanding queer studies in children’s literature would provide an extensive picture of representation, equality, and perceptibility, highlighting their difficulties and struggles, coping strategies, and even validation for the queer community. Method: On the same note, the researcher is aware that discussing queerness among children is sensitive; therefore, the paper will traverse through certain conjectures, such as the history of queer studies, Queer Law, the history of queer studies in children’s literature through cartoons, the political problems of studying queer people, and queer delineation among children in contemporary society. Conclusion: Through these trajectories, the research aims to understand queer law and sustainable representation as part of human rights amongst queer children in America.

Gender Role Ideology, Ambivalent Sexism, and Homonegativity as Predictors of Individuals’ Attitudes Toward Stalking and Its Victims

ABSTRACT Stalking is a public health concern that affects both heterosexual and non-heterosexual individuals. Consequences to victims include being blamed for their stalking victimization and having their victimization minimized by others. However, less research has been conducted regarding attitudes toward non-heterosexual stalking victims and the fear individuals feel for stalking victims in general. Therefore, using a scenario-based approach, we examined how participants blamed stalking victims, minimized stalking incidents, and felt subjective fear for heterosexual and non-heterosexual stalking victims in hypothetical scenarios. Participants were recruited via Amazon Mechanical Turk for two separate research studies. In Study 1, participants read about heterosexual stalking situations, and in Study 2, participants read about same-gender stalking situations. Participants responded to dependent variable questionnaires that assessed blame, minimization, and subjective fear. Participants also responded to predictor variables questionnaires that assessed gender role ideology, ambivalent sexism, attitudes toward lesbian women, and attitudes toward gay men. MANOVAs and simultaneous multiple regression analyses were conducted to analyze the hypotheses. There were no main effects of participant gender or hypothetical scenarios for either of the two research studies regarding blame, minimization, or subjective fear. However, gender role ideology, ambivalent sexism, and homonegativity were significant predictors of participants’ attitudes toward stalking. Explanation for the current studies’ findings and implications of these findings were discussed.

Gender and Sexuality Disparities in Perception, Attitude and Social Intimacy Among Sinophone Youth Toward Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Individuals: Based on an Internet Survey

ABSTRACT The study aims at assessing gender and sexuality characteristics (GSC) in perception, attitude, and social intimacy among Sinophone youth toward transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) people. Based on an internet survey with 3 825 valid questionnaires, we distinguished the general public into TGNC, cisgender heterosexual, and cisgender non-heterosexual individuals. Then we classified TGNC individuals into trans females, trans males, and non-binary/genderqueer people and cisgender individuals into cisgender females and cisgender males. The chi-square test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multiple linear regression were used. We found that the evident gender and sexuality disparities in perception, attitude, and social intimacy toward TGNC individuals exist both in and out of TGNC individuals. Negative perceptions and attitudes as well as alienated social intimacy were most pronounced among cisgender heterosexual people (Chi-square test, one-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression: all p < .001). Cisgender females exhibit higher levels of supportiveness compared to cisgender males. Trans females were the most positive while they also had more concerns regarding public space and gender expression-related issues. The findings are practical for community-based advocacy for raising public awareness of the presences and experiences of TGNC people in Sinophone societies.

Examination of the Sexual and Negative Dating Inventory (SANDI) Among Sexual and Gender Minorities: An Analysis of Psychometrics and Outcomes

Objective Adverse sexual experiences (ASE), including sexual violence, sexual risk behaviors, and regretted sex, are highly prevalent among sexual and gender minorities (SGM) compared to cisgender and heterosexual individuals. Research indicates ASEs are associated with increased mental health symptomatology and decreased subsequent protective behavior use. The Sexual and Negative Dating Inventory (SANDI) measures dating and sexual protective strategies and includes five factors: Location Sharing, Assertiveness, Self-Protection, Risk Reduction and Privacy. SANDI total scores are linked to lower ASEs in heteronormative samples. Method: SANDI was previously validated in a sample of n = 1,289 college students. Data were examined from n = 313 (24.28%) SGM individuals at baseline, and n = 95 at one-month follow-up. Individuals were 19.70 (2.98 SD) years old, and 25% were non-white. Model fit was adequate for SGM: χ2(484) = 1729.621, p < .001, CFI = .947, RMSEA = .063 (90% CI = .060, .066), SRMR = .048. Results: Non-cisgender men and non-heterosexual individuals endorse using more of the SANDI at the factor level. Using logistic regression, SANDI was not associated with history of sexual violence or sexual violence over the next month. SANDI is inversely associated with history of sexual risk and prospectively associated with less sexual risk over the next month. Negative binomial regression analyses showed SANDI was not associated with a history of regretted sex; however, SANDI was moderately associated with decreased regretted sex over the next month. Conclusion: Findings highlight the importance of dating and sexual protective behaviors across dimensions of gender and sexual orientation.

Motives for desiring children among individuals of different sexual-romantic orientations: a cross-sectional study.

Little is known about the reasoning behind the desire to have children in non-heterosexual individuals. This study compares the motives of different sexual-romantic orientations and their preferred ways of fulfilling this desire. This was a monocentric cross-sectional study. Subjects were recruited via social media, personal contacts and queer organisations in Switzerland. An anonymous questionnaire comprised general questions about the participant's background, a validated survey about the desire to have children and additional non-validated questions addressing the impact of sexual-romantic orientation on the desire to have children. The inclusion criteria were adults without children and a completed questionnaire. Of 837 participants, 642 were included in the study. Four groups of sexual-romantic orientations consisted of more than 35 participants: bisexual-biromantic (n = 38), heterosexual-heteroromantic (n = 230), homosexual-homoromantic (n = 159) and pansexual-panromantic (n = 55). Subgroups with a positive wish for a child rated all motives in the same order and with minimal numeric difference. The most important aspect seemed to be emotional involvement. Non-heterosexual-heteroromantic showed concerns about adverse reactions regarding their wish for a child. All orientations hoped for a biological child. Our findings about bi-, hetero-, homo- and pansexual people and their motives for a desire to have children agree with the existing literature about hetero, homo and bisexual. The impact of the fear of adverse reaction and discrimination has been discussed before and is supported by our data. We suggest better support before and during the realization of the wish for a child as well as support for non-traditional aspiring parents.

Effects of Subjective Orgasm Experience in Sexual Satisfaction: A Dyadic Analysis in Same-Sex Hispanic Couples

Subjective orgasm experience (SOE) is a component of sexual health that refers to the perception, sensation and/or appraisal of orgasm at a psychological level. This construct has scarcely been studied in non-heterosexual individuals and couples, and never before from a dyadic perspective. In this study, in which 104 same-sex Hispanic couples participated (48 male-male and 56 female-female), we explored the dyadic influence of SOE dimensions on sexual satisfaction, the mediating role of relationship satisfaction on the association of both phases of sexual response, as well as the explanatory capacity that discrepancies in these dimensions had on sexual satisfaction. The results indicated that the orgasmic dimensions that gained more prominence were Affective and Sensory. A dyadic influence of both on sexual satisfaction was observed only in male couples, as well as a detriment of sexual satisfaction when there were discrepancies in them, especially in women. Moreover, relationship satisfaction was a significant mediator between all dimensions of SOE and sexual satisfaction in both types of couples. This work highlights the need to take into account the SOE of both partners and how this individual experience can affect other dimensions of a more interpersonal nature, such as sexual or relationship satisfaction.

Queers and Right-wing Ideology: Case Study of Serbia

The systematic exclusion of trans people from society vividly demonstrates the oppression faced by marginalised groups. These patterns of discrimination are also seen in instances of hatred towards women or non-heterosexual individuals. Within the queer community, trans people are particularly vulnerable and are often the target of conservative and right-wing movements. It is crucial to acknowledge that the oppression of one group can have a domino effect on the entire LGBTIQ+ community. It is noteworthy that patterns of oppression cannot be observed in isolation, since neoliberal policies tend to fragment solidarity and our common struggles. Despite not being immediately apparent, the entire queer community suffers the consequences of the exclusion of trans people. Similarly, policies of segregation and exclusion based on sexual orientation and gender identity have broader consequences, which may also impact the rights and freedoms of heterosexual cisgender individuals. Right-wing policies and ideology tend to spread, and this can be seen in the example of Serbia, where institutional and non-institutional levels witness increased activity of right-wing groups.

Understanding Law and Sustainability in Children’s Literature through the Lens of Queer Studies in Animations and Cartoons from America

Objective: Queer Studies as a literary space explores the lives of non-heterosexual individuals. It developed as a literal theory in the 1990s with Terresa De Lauretis from her work Queer Theory Lesbian and Gay Sexuality. As the study develops, it covers the varied history of social acceptance faced by homosexuality in many cultures through a wide range of theories and concepts. Children’s literature profoundly shapes individuals from a young age and alludes to whose stories matter in a social setting.&#x0D; &#x0D; Result: Understanding queer studies in children’s literature would provide an extensive picture of representation, equality, and perceptibility, highlighting their difficulties and struggles, coping strategies, and even validation for the queer community.&#x0D; &#x0D; Method: On the same note, the researcher is aware that discussing queerness among children is sensitive; therefore, the paper will traverse through certain conjectures, such as the history of queer studies, Queer Law, the history of queer studies in children’s literature through cartoons, the political problems of studying queer people, and queer delineation among children in contemporary society.&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusion: Through these trajectories, the research aims to understand queer law and sustainable representation as part of human rights amongst queer children in America.

Alcohol and inflammation: Examining differences at the intersection of sexual identity and race/ethnicity

Sexual minorities (SMs; e.g., lesbian, gay, bisexual, and other non-heterosexual individuals) are more likely to be current alcohol drinkers than their heterosexual peers while separately experiencing elevated inflammation. Yet, little research has assessed the association between alcohol use and inflammation among subgroups of SMs, let alone potential differences among people with multiple marginal identities (e.g., race/ethnicity and sexual identity).Data came from the National Health and Nutrition Survey 2015–2016. Survey-weighted multivariable linear regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between alcohol use categories, heavy episodic drinking, and log-CRP (C-reactive protein). Models were stratified by sexual identity to determine whether associations between alcohol use and inflammation or between race/ethnicity and inflammation differed by sexual identity.Among 3220 participants, 1000 (36.8%) reported light alcohol use, 870 (32.0%) reported moderate use, and 483 (17.8%) reported heavy use. Mean raw CRP was 4.1 mg/L (SD = 8.1). The association between race/ethnicity and CRP differed in stratified relative to non-stratified models with key differences in CRP among individuals with multiple marginalized identities. We also observed that while the “classic” J-shaped relationship between alcohol use and systemic inflammation persists among heterosexuals in this sample, it does not hold among subgroups of sexual minorities. In particular, bisexuals who report heavy alcohol use, compared to non-users, experience significantly elevated CRP. Finally, we did not observe any association between heavy episodic drinking and CRP among subgroups of sexual minorities.Future studies assessing alcohol and biomarker data need to strive to include subgroups of sexual minorities and people with multiple marginal identities to better target behavioral and biomedical interventions aimed at reducing health disparities.

Repercussions of Laughter in the Claudine Novels: Butler, Bergson, and Colette/Willy

Abstract This article examines the role of humour in the first two Claudine novels, drawing primarily on Henri Bergson’s theory of the comic and Judith Butler’s reflections on parodic performance. Bergson emphasizes the nature of laughter as a travelling sound, whose echoes fleetingly define the borders of a social group. This helps us articulate why laughter is associated with experiences of both exclusion and inclusion, especially for non-heterosexual individuals. However, Bergson’s work also opens the fraught question of who is laughing with whom in the case of Colette and Willy’s popular co-authored novels. I argue that both authors have a role in offering — and seeking to retract — parodic subversions of normative heterosexuality, which nevertheless remain available for new and unexpected groupings of readers. I also emphasize the importance of laughter in Claudine’s experience of sexuality, suggesting that it may reveal more than her often-cited desiring gaze.