The topic of this article is how individual's navigating internalized cultural messages about masculinity or femininity can shape their sexual expression. Internalized cultural messages are those that are absorbed from society without conscious thought. These messages may come from parents, peers, media, religious institutions, schools, and workplaces. They may be explicit or implicit. Culture shapes gender identity, which affects one's sexuality and relationship choices. Masculine culture values power, strength, aggression, independence, and achievement, while feminine culture emphasizes submission, caregiving, beauty, and emotionality. How these messages interact with an individual's personality, desires, trauma, social context, and other factors determines their sexual expression.
What does it mean to navigate internalized cultural messages?
Navigating internalized cultural messages means managing the tension between self and culture. It involves understanding one's own personal beliefs and values, recognizing societal expectations, and finding ways to balance them.
Someone who values independence but also wants to be submissive in bed might navigate the message that men should be dominant by acknowledging both parts of themselves. Someone who enjoys rough sex and sees it as empowering might navigate the message that women don't like pain by exploring safe ways to engage in BDSM. This process requires awareness, introspection, and negotiation.
How do individuals interpret cultural messages about gender and sexuality?
Individuals interpret cultural messages through various lenses such as age, race, class, religion, disability, LGBTQ+ status, etc. A white cis-heterosexual woman might interpret femininity differently than a transgender nonbinary person of color. Messages can conflict with each other, making it challenging to reconcile one's identity and sexuality.
Some people may see masculinity as synonymous with heterosexuality, while others view it as fluid or queer. They might reject certain messages entirely or embrace them selectively, depending on their experiences, preferences, and relationships.
Examples of navigating internalized cultural messages
One way people navigate is by redefining what masculinity/femininity means for them.
A man who believes that being vulnerable is strength can express this through vulnerability in his sexual encounters. Another way is by modifying their behavior to fit society's norms, such as a lesbian pretending to be straight to avoid harassment. People can also create new meanings by subverting existing ones, like a butch lesbian reclaiming traditionally "masculine" traits like aggression or assertiveness. Some reject societal expectations altogether, such as a man who enjoys sensitivity and emotional intimacy despite the stigma against it.
Understanding how individuals negotiate internalized cultural messages about gender and sexuality helps us understand ourselves and others better. It shows that sex and gender are complex and contextual and that personal choices can defy stereotypes. By recognizing our own biases and assumptions, we can have more open discussions about these topics and promote inclusivity and respect for all identities.
How do individuals navigate internalized cultural messages about masculinity or femininity in shaping their sexual expression?
Individuals may navigate internalized cultural messages by considering how they feel about themselves and what they think is expected of them in terms of gender roles. They may also seek out information from various sources such as media, family members, friends, and peers to understand the different ways that masculinity or femininity can be expressed sexually. Additionally, individuals may experiment with different forms of sexual expression and explore their feelings to determine what feels right for them based on their unique experiences and beliefs.