485 - Thematic Session. Sexuality and Body Size

Session Submission Type: Invited Session

Abstract

Research on human sexuality has been thriving for at least four decades. Yet, scholars have paid scant attention to how body size shapes experiences with sexuality. In an effort to remedy this silence, this panel brings together cutting-edge research on the way in which body size shapes people’s sexual experiences, as well as their understandings of themselves as sexual beings. It takes an intersectional approach, examining how experiences of body size and sexuality vary by gender, sexual orientation and race. Specific paper topics include the (in)visibility of fat women’s sexuality, the experiences of fat gay men, and the racial and sexual biopolitics of yoga.

Sub Unit

• Thematic Sessions

Session Organizer

• Abigail C. Saguy, University of California-Los Angeles

Presider

• Michaela A. Nowell, University of Wisconsin-Fond du Lac

Panelists

• Jeannine A. Gailey, Texas Christian University

• Jason Andrew Whitesel, Pace University

• Amy Shuman, The Ohio State University

• Sabrina A. Strings, University of California-Berkeley

• Lynne Gerber, University of California-Berkeley

• Sarah Quinn, University of Washington

Discussant

• Carla A. Pfeffer, University of South Carolina