s.e.x._b.y._t.h.e._n.u.m.b.e.r.
Understated, it can never be. It tags onto some (appeal, machine, change) and becomes inseparable with others (-uality, -ualism, -pert). On the board was written six but the teacher constantly speaks of it. It even becomes one of the reasons why it appears in the heading; sex simply attracts and sells!
Sex has taken its influence daily. People do it at night before sleep, yet a few claim it is the best between two to four in the morning (who needs sleep anyway). People do it once puberty hits, while some (with a little help) still going at it after menstruation. People do it for love and/or reproduction, yet most ride for the sheer pleasure of it. However much we enjoy it, people would remain boy, furious, awkward and censure towards it. Hence by marking the visibility of its context, we have to acknowledge the presence of polygamy, minor, lesbian and gay, incest, rape, bestiality, prostitute, and married man having sex with man or politically correct bisexual closeted case that is.
The term bisexual was first introduced in the 19th century referring to hermaphrodites, and by 1914 it has begun to incorporate into the context of sexual orientation. Bisexuality encompasses the two extremes of homosexuality and heterosexuality, often not necessary attracted equally to both genders, and tends to prefer one or the other. In view, bisexual men can be seen hiding behind picketed fence with Stepford wife, Brady’s bunch and pet Pluto. It is only explicable to take cover, since sodomy is considered a criminal offence under Malaysian’s Act 377, punishable with a jail term up to 20 years and possible beating (or it could well be another s&m exposure, depending on your fetish!).
On the surface of societal tolerance, men would identify themselves as heterosexual regardless of their sexual involvement with other men, merely because they are insertive partners or they only engage in oral sex, or simply because only vaginal intercouse is viewed as sex. On certain occasion it is seen as internalized homophobia within the MSM (Men who have sex with men) community. Contrary others would argue that the activities are purely bi-curious - a phase of heterosexual interested in homosexual experimentation; or a phase of denail of their sexual preference. Who is servicing these non-gay identified men? Money boys, other gay and bisexual men, other non-gay identified men, and even non-agenda gay youth.
Homophobia and heterosexism have historically contributed to the development of breathing spaces for and by gay men and MSM, including public locality that afford relative anonymity and privacy in sexual relations. Gay youth in particularly do not have access to privacy or the affirmation within their family’s home to express their sexual experimentations. Where as most would not think twice about giving blowjob to anyone who wants it due to the myth of oral sex is harmless, some wouldn’t mind anal sex, and even to the extend of raw excitement of barebacking. What do their parents do while they are doing the deed? Mom is getting her hair perm and Dad is playing his 18 holes.
Notably in Alfred Kinsey’s manuscripts have indicated that the majority of people appear to be at least somewhat bisexual, referring that most people have some attraction to either sex, although usually one sex is preferred. However much we like to accuse sexual orientation, whether it be science, genetic, environment, psychological, inevitably it boils down to acceptance of self and of societal.
Islamic countires developed a culture in which love (ishq) was held to be an absolute good, regardless of the gender of the object of affection, though irreligious behavior was condemned. Men’s attraction to beautiful youths (including male) was widely understood to be normal and universal. “He who claims that he experiences no desire when looking at beautiful boys or youths is a liar…” said the Hanbalite jurist Ibn al-Jawzi. Among the Pakistani and Bangladeshi, men holding hands or being intimately expressive is fairly common and acceptable. Thus arguably of such affection isn’t a kick in the teeth for their societies, is it?
End note: The connotation of lesbian and gay with crime and idiosyncrasy is sorely subjective.
