Sex (and Sexuality) in the News: Weekly Roundup — Mar 21, 2024
Unsplash: Ksenia Kazak
Stay informed and entertained with our curated weekly roundup of 'Sex (and sexuality) in the News.' Explore articles, updates, and trends related to human intimacy, relationships, and identity, including insights into legislation, law, and censorship, as well as engaging topics such as enhancing your sex life and experiencing deeper levels of pleasure. Article summaries were co-written with the help of ChatGPT.
This week, we dive into a range of topics, from the evolving landscape of male sexuality to the impact of deepfake pornography. Discover how video games serve as a safe space for transgender individuals, and delve into discussions about free speech and the use of SSRIs in sexual health. Explore the latest research on LGBTQ+ identification in the U.S. and much more below.
‘It feels like we’ve been lobotomised’: the possible sexual consequences of SSRIs
Amidst the widespread prescription of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for depression treatment, there's a growing concern over the long-term sexual dysfunction they can induce, leaving patients like Rosie Tilli devastated. Post-SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD) can persist for years, impairing intimacy and leading to profound psychological distress. Despite the emergence of organizations like the PSSD Network and ongoing research efforts, including investigations into potential neurological causes and therapeutic solutions, mainstream psychiatry and pharmaceutical companies have been criticized for neglecting the plight of those afflicted and failing to prioritize research funding. Tilli and others advocate for greater awareness and support to prevent further suffering and loss within the PSSD community.
The Gaurdian • David Cox
Your right to sexual expression can get you fired
In December 2023, Joe Gow lost his job as a Chancellor at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse (UWLC) when the university's board discovered his involvement in creating porn with his wife. While the university cited reputational harm, it's apparent Gow's termination was due to societal stigma surrounding sex work. This incident highlights a broader issue where individuals, including teachers and attorneys, have faced job loss for engaging in sex work, despite legal protections under the First Amendment. Legal experts assert that firing individuals for their sexual expression violates free speech rights, supported by court rulings recognizing pornography as protected speech. Despite these protections, challenging such terminations remains difficult, as First Amendment cases primarily apply to government entities rather than private businesses. This underscores the need for greater awareness and legal safeguards to protect individuals' rights to sexual expression in the workplace.
Kinkly • Robin Zabiegalski
The right is cracking down on abortion and IVF. Is ‘recreational sex’ next?
Conservative influencers and GOP lawmakers have intensified their focus on birth control, raising concerns about potential restrictions on contraceptive access. This shift follows the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade, with conservative figures like Justice Clarence Thomas questioning the constitutional right to contraception. Recent events, including the Alabama Supreme Court's ruling on IVF embryos and right-wing activist Chris Rufo's comments against "recreational sex" and birth control, highlight a growing trend toward curtailing reproductive freedoms. Despite the majority of Republicans supporting birth control access, prominent voices on the right are pushing misleading narratives about its risks and effects, echoing broader efforts to restrict reproductive rights. This ideological stance, increasingly out of touch with public opinion, threatens to undermine access to essential healthcare services and reproductive autonomy.
Rolling Stone • Nikki McCann Ramirez
More than just a game
Twitch influencer Stef Sanjati found solace and self-discovery through video games, particularly role-playing in titles like World of Warcraft. Gaming provided a safe space for her to explore her gender identity away from real-world scrutiny. Despite facing bullying for being queer, gaming allowed her to develop social skills and find acceptance within online communities. Eventually, she came out as transgender, documenting her transition on YouTube and becoming an advocate for trans rights. Sanjati emphasizes the importance of gaming as a tool for self-expression and community-building for trans individuals.
Elle • Stef Sanjati as told to Rose Minutaglio
LGBTQ+ identification in U.S. now at 7.6%
LGBTQ+ identification in the United States has surged to 7.6% of adults, up from 5.6% four years ago and 3.5% in 2012, according to Gallup surveys. Bisexual adults form the largest group within the LGBTQ+ population, representing 4.4% of U.S. adults, followed by gay and lesbian individuals at slightly over 1%. The increase in LGBTQ+ identification is largely attributed to younger generations, with over one in five Gen Z adults and nearly one in 10 millennials identifying as LGBTQ+. Women are nearly twice as likely as men to identify as LGBTQ+, with bisexuality being the most common identification among women. These trends suggest that LGBTQ+ identification will continue to rise in the future, potentially exceeding 10% of U.S. adults within the next few decades.
Gallop • Jeffrey M. Jones
Sexist men may be more likely to be 'robosexual,' form sexual relationships with robots, Ontario researchers say
A recent study from Trent University suggests that sexist men may have a higher likelihood of being interested in forming sexual relationships with robots, compared to women who prefer platonic robot friendships over sex. Lead author Connor Leshner explored the dynamics of human-robot relationships, drawing inspiration from the movie "Her" (2013). The study surveyed 223 undergraduate students, assessing traits such as hostile sexism, social dominance orientation, and sociosexual orientation. Results showed that men were more inclined towards sex-bots, while women favored robot friendships. Hostile sexism was linked to interest in sex with robots among men, while women exhibiting social dominance traits showed increased interest in sexual activities with robots. However, the study's limitations, such as the narrow demographic sample, raise questions about generalizability to a wider population. Despite this, the study sheds light on evolving perceptions of human-robot relationships in the context of advancing technology.
Toronto Star • Kevin Jiang
Tech bros need to realise deepfake porn ruins lives – and the law has to catch up
The rise of deepfake pornography, particularly targeting women, has become a significant concern, with victims like Taylor Swift facing humiliating and exploitative experiences. A study found a sixfold increase in deepfake pornography in 2023, with women victims in 99% of cases. The ease and speed of creating deepfake videos, often using private social media images, raise alarming issues about privacy and consent.
The lack of legislation criminalizing the creation and distribution of deepfakes exacerbates the problem, leaving victims vulnerable to exploitation. While some progress has been made in the UK with laws criminalizing the sharing of deepfakes, more comprehensive measures are needed globally. Experts argue that social media companies, search engines, and payment processors should be held accountable for enabling the deepfake industry by hitting them in their wallets.
Moreover, the tech industry's male-dominated culture appears to contribute to a lack of empathy towards women, fostering an environment where such abuses can thrive. Efforts to combat this issue should include not only legal measures but also support services for survivors and effective response systems to remove nonconsensual sexual deepfakes from the internet. Failure to act could lead to immense harm inflicted on women worldwide.
The Guardian • Luba Kassova
10 surprising things I learned about male sexuality from interviewing men
Kaamna Bhojwani, a sexuality researcher and coach, offers insights into men's sexuality based on her interviews. She challenges the simplistic view of male sexuality as purely primal and performance-driven, highlighting nuances such as the psychological roots of sexual dysfunction, men's use of technology for companionship, and the impact of societal expectations on sexual expression. Bhojwani emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of men's experiences and urges for more open conversations about sexuality.
Medium • Kaamna Bhojwani
Explore More With Our Trusted Partners
