Political Lesbianism - Social Constructs of Sexuality and Criticism

Social Constructs of Sexuality and Criticism

Some feminist theory on sexuality evaded biological fixation and embraced social construction as the basis of sexuality. However, this idea posed further questions on the subject of sexuality and lesbianism. If sexuality could be a construction of human nature then little room is given to understanding the nature of the historical formation of human nature, especially, if the historical nature of man or woman enhanced heterosexuality. A lack of theoretical clarity of lesbianism and sexuality becomes more profound as some researchers view sexuality as much more than choice, though this view is far from proven. Also, if lesbianism becomes a social institution, the avenue for a dominant persona in the relationships may also pose challenge to the original intention of political lesbianism.

However, some lesbians and feminists disagree with political lesbianism. The feminist blog Jezebel wrote that political lesbianism "does a disservice to people who don't feel they chose their sexual orientations, and especially to people who have been fighting for equal rights partially on that basis".