What is Sexual Orientation?

Please note the alternative venue and time for this talk.

Abstract:

In recent times, a new position has emerged, according to which sexual orientation is an ‘identity’ defined in terms of two elements: a) the ‘gender' to which one belongs; and b) the ‘gender' to which one is attracted. ‘Gender’ is then further defined in a way which allows that both biological males and biological females can fall into the same gender. Hence, according to this view, for instance, a ‘lesbian' can be a biological male; equally a ‘lesbian' can count as such, even though disposed, in some fundamental way, to be sexually attracted to biological males. (The same points apply mutatis mutandis to 'gay man’). I will criticise this view and offer an alternative to it.

Information about the work and research of Professor Stock can be found at:

http://www.sussex.ac.uk/profiles/127266