Gay and Lesbian Studies in Brazil: A Field in Construction

Authors

Berenice Bento, University of Brasilia

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Spring 2008

Abstract

Traditionally, sexuality studies in Brazil have been organized around ideas of normalization. Specialists in the field have been trained to observe and comment on behaviours that did not conform to the imperatives of heterosexuality. Gender was polarized and hierarchical, and gained meaning from the idea of separate, complementary sexes. Heterosexuality gave meaning to human existence and reproduction, and every other kind of sexual expression was measured according to the rule of heteronormativity.

Comments

This article was originally published in CLAGSNews, vol. 18, no. 1.