“Always a shadow of hope”: Heteronormative binaries in an online discussion of sexuality and sexual orientation

摘要: Abstract In this article, I examine an asynchronous online discussion about sexuality that lasted for several weeks and involved students at three different universities, seven of whom interviewed. Although issues gay rights alliance groups were brought up, focused primarily on the causes homosexuality whether is natural or not, with one student insistently posting unnatural because same-sex couples cannot experience “true love-making.” On level focus naturalness (with few references to heterosexuality) reinforced heteronormative binaries often structure thinking discussions sexuality, a reinforcement initially found disheartening. However, in many ways came realize thread still served important academic personal purposes despite being situated binaries. Drawing from my reading posts discourse-based interviews participants, show developed around can serve as catalysts movement students’ complex spaces particular are valuable forums articulate then complicate their understandings relating sexual orientation.