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Sexuality a Feminist Issue? by Gomathy and Bina
Time's Up! Moving Sexuality Rights in Malaysia into the New Millenium
Closets are not for Us: Views from Five Lesbians
Virginity in the '90s
Why Celibacy?
Defining Pornography |
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| Women In Action covers a broad range of issues affecting women globally, but focusing on the particular needs and concerns of women in the Global South, and forwarding a progressive perspective tempered by the experiences of the third world women's movements. |
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Sexuality: A Feminist Issue?
Exploring the reasons why many women fear their own sexuality
The control of female sexuality is a critical element of patriarchy. In primitive societies, once the connection between reproduction and the male was discovered, the need to "own" and "control" the woman's reproductive capacity as well as the fruits of her womb became an integral part of male "being."
Fire, Sparks and Smouldering Ashes
A film about the relationship of two women touches sensitive ralities in Indian society
The film Fire [i] is about the relationship between two women, Sita and Radha, married to brothers. Set within the patriarchal framework of a middle-class Hindu family in Delhi, the film portrays both women as oppressed in their respective marriages. They turn to each other for tenderness and respect, moving into a sensuous and sexual relationship. They finally break out of the very patriarchal structures that threw them together, to form independent lives.
Time's Up! Moving sexuality rights in Malaysia into the new millennium
In September 1998, Malaysians were stunned by news of the dismissal of the nation's then Deputy Prime Minister, Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Long touted as the Prime Minister's "heir," his fall from grace was all the more shocking amid allegations that he was no longer suitable for the position given his "abnormal" sexual proclivities. The local media painted a picture of a man who had vernight become unfit for public office because of his extramarital affairs and sexual relations with both women and men. Although Anwar's sex life as a whole was questioned, there is little doubt that the attempts to discredit him and defend his removal from office hoped to exploit and manipulate homophobic sentiments among the Malaysian public. Thus several days ensued during which homosexuality was highlighted and vilified by the local press.
Read more: Time's Up! Moving sexuality rights in Malaysia into the new millennium
Closets Are Not For Us: Views From Five Lesbians Compiled
There are more and more of them speaking out-in the media, in conferences and forums, and even in the classrooms. The last 20 years seem to have been kinder for them. There is a general opening up of most Asian societies to more options for the genders. For one thing, there is more information now; women have become more financially independent and there is an increased consciousness of women's rights by society in general. In the past, they merely existed independent of each other; today, there are groups and even communities of gays and lesbians networking with each other.
Read more: Closets Are Not For Us: Views From Five Lesbians Compiled
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