Abstract
This study is part of a wider research project into non-exclusive sexuality categories and
identities of women. This project furthers our understanding of cisgender women who
identify as ‘mostly straight’ or ‘mostly lesbian’ by exploring the pornography, literary and
film preferences of 32 participants. A thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews revealed
that media preferences did not map onto sexual identity categories i.e. ‘mostly straight’ women
enjoyed gay male porn. Thematic analysis indicated that sociocultural factors interact with or
supersede sexuality and sexual identity in influencing media preferences. Themes emerging
included the impact of feminism, the intersection of sexuality and faith, the overt politicisation
of LGBT+ media, heteronormative socialisation, and the preferences of straight male partners.
identities of women. This project furthers our understanding of cisgender women who
identify as ‘mostly straight’ or ‘mostly lesbian’ by exploring the pornography, literary and
film preferences of 32 participants. A thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews revealed
that media preferences did not map onto sexual identity categories i.e. ‘mostly straight’ women
enjoyed gay male porn. Thematic analysis indicated that sociocultural factors interact with or
supersede sexuality and sexual identity in influencing media preferences. Themes emerging
included the impact of feminism, the intersection of sexuality and faith, the overt politicisation
of LGBT+ media, heteronormative socialisation, and the preferences of straight male partners.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 13-24 |
| Number of pages | 13 |
| Journal | Psychology of Sexualities Review |
| Volume | 13 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 21 Sept 2022 |
Keywords
- bisexuality
- heterosexuality
- homosexuality
- sexual identity
- sexual orientation