Sexualities

As the title suggests, Sexualities transcends the common notion of a homogeneous or uniform sexuality. Instead, it proves the plurality of this natural attribute, or biological drive. Within these pages, prominent psychologists, sociologists, and sexologists explore topics as diverse as sadomasochism in the therapy room, sexual exploitation in cults, and genderbending in cyberspace. Other chapters are firsthand accounts of personal struggles and triumphs and deal with issues such as coming out in a Christian fundamentalist community, breast cancer and self-image after surgery, and being HIV-positive when your partner is not. You’ll leave this book with a heightened awareness of the full range of sexual experiences, sexual longings, sexual preferences, and sexual identities characterizing women’s lives.This volume makes clear in no uncertain terms that sexuality can no longer be swept into a single category. In a combined effort, the authors of Sexualities undermine patriarchal society’s inscribed gender roles and stereotypes and the restrictions and inhibitions the two cause. From the insight and expertise of the authors, you will acquire diverse and practical approaches to the subject(s) of sex that can be applied to the latest sexuality theories in your work. Among the exciting topics you will encounter in this groundbreaking book are:

safer sex education for lesbians and bisexuals
parallels between migration, coming out, and psychological transformations
therapy as prostitution
the power dimension of sexual attraction
the lesbian sex therapist as object
the intersection of sex and religion in African-American communities
erotic themes in the mother-daughter relationship
cross-cultural aspects of sexuality In a language that is accessible, frank, and often amusing, contributors from a multitude of backgrounds describe the ways they think about and apply the multiple meanings of sex to their lives and work. Psychotherapists; academics in women’s studies, gay and lesbian studies, and sexology; and lesbian and feminist professionals interested in current theories of sexuality will be inspired to examine their own notions of sexuality and recognize the diversity of women’s sexual goals and problems. This will help you in your day-to-day work, particularly as you address the needs and problems of women whose sexualities are different from your own.