Reply to comment

I’m completely bummed that we did not discuss the article about sexual reassignment in Iran. I feel that the article does not do give enough cultural background to the strict enforcement and division between those who are physically “male” and those who are “female”. In the Islamic faith, there is an important division of the sexes. This division is based on the idea that Allah creates in pairs and binary opposites. Therefore deviation from the binary is seen as dangerous and potentially leading to sexual transgression. Homosexuality is seen as sinful, but acting as the passive partner is especially frowned upon. The genders are divided by their sexual roles, the penetrator and the penetrated. This passive role is reserved for those who are not “male/men.” I find these societal standards defining gender roles in terms of sexual interactions extremely rigid. In order to maintain order and avoid “sexual transgressions” people are encouraged to change their physical gender traits. It seems like it should be a choice not a strongly encouraged suggestion.

This leads me to consider cultural and societal definitions of sex, the idea that some combinations/compositions of sexual interactions are “acceptable” while others are not. How have different religious and cultural standards shaped our views and definitions of licit and illicit sex?