Sociology

Why does everyone have to put you in a box and nail the lid on it I don t know what I am polymorphous and perverse. Shit. I don t even know if I m white. I m me. That s all I am and all I want to be. Do I have to be something - Molly, Rubyfruit Jungle

How is homosexuality heterosexualized  Heterosexualization can be easily understood as a means to suppress and repress homosexuality.  The heterosexualization of what is already homosexual therefore presents how a corrective practice is enforced such as by means of encouraging homophobia or by simply establishing the heterosexual norm in a homosexual arrangement.  Wilton discussed that such forces are can be pointed out how the patriarchal norm has benefited mostly the men, yet when it comes to women, the subordination may be due to the male interest to maintain their power.  This is an interesting point as in an assumed heterosexual world where the partnership of a man and woman already puts the latter in a subordinate position, lesbianism has somehow put the woman in the shoes of a man.  With the absence of male influence in the relationship, one might ask,

Which ones the man
In Tamsin Wiltons article, the author pointed out the construction of gender and sex based on the political and social framework as initially established by the males.  Starting off with the premise that the perceived subordination of the women is neither biologically determined nor morally defensible, it can be gathered that Wiltons argument is based on how the heterosexualization of lesbian sex is a means to respond to the greater perception of reality where homosexuality, in essence, is still unacceptable.  Which is why in the context from which Wilton was arguing from, lesbian sex needs to be heterosexualized in order to integrate the idea in the greater political organisation of gender thus making it more comprehensible.  The heterosexualization of female homosexuals, in a sense, still needs to identify the man of the house, literally.

In same-sex relationships, Wilton observed that there is the defined man and woman in the couplehood.  In a sense, this observation can be considered to state the obvious between homosexual lovers there might be the stronger one who wears the pants in the relationship.  Sometimes this is reflected by the presence of the butchas the one who is more protective and the one who is tougher than the other.  It is inevitable that there is the delicate female in same-sex relationships.  Such dynamics convey that even in the sameness of sex, complementation is everything.

Rita Mae Browns Rubyfruit Jungle, represents Wiltons premise of heterorelationality.  The novel can be observed to be narrated based on two conflicting factors how Mollys sexuality as dominantly homosexual is just plain sexuality, and how her sexuality is viewed as unacceptable by some women in her life.  Mollys lesbianism, as depicted in the novel, is just  normal this is to say that biological considerations, whether her lover is male or female, are not an issue.  To put it bluntly, Mollys sexual preferences just happens to be directed towards women.  Although this is the case in which Molly is just being herself, in most of her relationships she conveys that she is the man in her affairs mainly because of her dominance and persistence.  The idea of dominance and persistence, interestingly, is mostly considered as a male characterization.

Wilton discussed that the notion of sex as being far from simple.  Sex, as the author mentioned, can refer to the state of being male or female and at the same time, it refers to erotic human behavior.  Sex and gender can be regarded to be the same wherein the state of being male or female is well defined gender and sex, in this regard, is positioned in the biological lens.  Biological sex, furthermore, is based on the conventional view that the female body is made for intercourse with the male anatomy in a sense, the rational behind the anatomical construction of the vagina clearly shows that it should only be penetrated by the penis.  Lesbian sex, based on these constructs, is an anomaly.

The gendered direction in which the society had evolved evidently shows how heterosexuality is universally assumed young children can be observed to be usually conditioned to distinguish between girls and boys, and that girls and boys should be together.  This established partnership between males and females already puts heterosexuality as the normative status.  Homosexuality, interestingly, becomes a discovery later on for some although in reality, some children like Molly already knew at a young age about  same-sex attractions.  This thereby creates a conflict especially among young homosexuals who are suddenly subject to some form of rehabilitation in order to normalize themselves.  For Molly, such rehabilitation did not work.  She freely explores her sexuality at a young age and at some point, also influenced some young girls and women to explore their sexuality with hers.  

Gendered teachings to young children can be also seen in the associations they are conditioned to accept.  For instance, one of the common teachings is how girls are supposed to be ladylike, whereas young boys are also expected to demonstrate a sense of manliness.  In the novel, Molly is already aware that she is different she likes to spend time with her male cousin and she likes playing with male playmates.  However, Molly manages to step outside the conventional rules of gender because of her strongheadedness.  Her perversions, albeit scolded and caused her a lot of trouble, does not stop her from being who she is.  The heterosexualization of Molly, therefore, did not work, but for a girl, the perceived masculinity is apparent.

Wiltons argument as to the need to for lesbians and gays to perform certain heterosexualized relationships in their homosexual relationships support an important point in Rubyfruit Jungle even in same sex relationships, there is the need to establish power, and in a sense, power is represented through gendered assumptions.  The heterosexualization of Molly can be due to the need of the people around her to put her in a box as a female, she is expected to act as one.  Stepping outside the convention leads to Molly losing her friends and family, and even jeopardizing her chance at a life she truly wants.  However, when putting her in her lesbian affairs, her maleness is further highlighted she is aggressive one and she is the one who pursues the women.

The logic of such dynamics, as Wilton argued, can be also attributed to the fact that it is not easy to take away from individuals, whether gay or straight, the ingrained gendered roles as established in the society.  To heterosexualize a homosexual is to put a sense of heterosexuality in terms of ones positioning in a relationship.  Even in isolation, it is evident that some gays and lesbians express their preference in their prospective homosexual relationship some openly claim they are the girl or the man in the couple whereas other naturally adopt to a certain role that is reflective of the male or the female.  This therefore shows that there is a universal construct and notion as to what a functioning relationship supposed to be.  Even in lesbian sex where anatomical realities do not naturally correspond to the supposed function of the vagina, the heterosexualization takes place when one of the lovers play the role of the male.  Hence, based on Wiltons argument and Rubyfruit Jungle, there remains the paradox in the entire homosexualheterosexual dynamics sexual orientation is a reflection of preference, and homosexual preferences are still gendered.  Gender, in this regard, is not neutral gender is always assumed and even in same-sex relations, performance and practice are gendered as well.