Exploring Queer People's Sexual Script and Perception of Sexual Violence

• In Event: Roundtable: Queer Criminology

Abstract

Studies have explored the relationships between sexual script and perception of sexual violence. However, most existing studies focus on heterosexual population and neglect the sexual script of LGBTQ+ people and their interpretation of sexual consent. This study conducted qualitative in-depth interviews with 15 gay, bisexual, and pansexual men and sought to illuminate their schema of sex, consent, and sexual violence. Initial results find three themes in participants’ sexual script. First, most participants adopt heteronormative sexual script and use it to guide their role-based sexual interactions and preferences. Second, contrary to the first theme, many participants also incorporate the stereotype of queer men being promiscuous. Third, participants identify implicit cues as signs of sexual interest. These themes of queer men’s sexual script construct a unique interpretation of consent and sexual violence. Similar to past findings on heterosexual men, some participants in this study also express an entitlement to sex and disregard of the consent of the other party. Additionally, many participants use the stereotyped promiscuity and presumed “tough manhood” to downplay sexual violence. This study reveals the intertwined relations between queer prejudices, masculinity, and the dominance of heterosexuality and seeks to raise discussion of sex and consent within LGBTQ+ community.

Author

• Kevin Weng, Meredith College