Desire is often seen as something that transcends language, culture, and even species. It can be thought of as an innate drive toward pleasure or satisfaction, something that we are born with and cannot help but feel.
When we look at desire from an ontological perspective, we begin to see that it may not be so simple. Desire may exist outside of these traditional boundaries, and it could very well be genderless or lacking in fixed categories altogether. In this article, I will explore what it means to desire without regard for gendered or fixed categories, looking at how it might challenge our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
Defining Desire
Let's define what we mean by "desire." There is no single definition of desire, but generally speaking, it refers to a strong feeling of wanting or longing for something. It can encompass physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual aspects of life, and it can range from mild curiosity to all-consuming passion. Desire can also be linked to sex and sexuality, as it involves feelings of attraction and arousal between people. When we consider desire in terms of gender and fixed categories, however, things get more complicated.
Gendered Desire
In many cultures, there are clear distinctions between masculine and feminine desires.
Men are often expected to be interested in sports, cars, and other traditionally masculine activities, while women are encouraged to enjoy shopping, makeup, and other stereotypically feminine pursuits. This type of binary thinking can lead to assumptions about what types of desires each gender should have, which can limit their experiences and create unnecessary restrictions.
Some people do not identify with these rigid categories, and they may instead experience a wider range of desires that transcend traditional gender roles.
Fixed Categories
Fixed categories refer to the idea that certain types of desire are inherently linked to specific identities.
Heterosexual couples are often assumed to share similar interests and desires simply because they are attracted to people of the opposite sex. But this assumption fails to account for the many nuances and complexities of human relationships. Some people may feel drawn to someone who does not fit into their usual category of choice, or they may have unique interests and preferences that cannot be easily categorized. By removing fixed categories from desire, we open up new possibilities for exploration and expression.
What does it mean ontologically to desire without regard for gendered or fixed categories?
Desire is a human phenomenon that can be experienced regardless of gender or other categorical distinctions. It involves an inherent longing or craving for something or someone that cannot be easily satisfied. The notion of desiring without regard for gender or fixed categories implies an openness to exploring different experiences and perspectives, as well as a willingness to embrace ambiguity and fluidity in one's feelings and relationships.