For the record, research to examine sex
Back in November, I organized and was part of a discussion forum that explored the topic of sexual vulnerabilities as well as some of the challenges associated with conducting research concerning sex/sexuality. I provided introductory comments from the perspective of being an anthropologist interested in the ways HIV/AIDS has transformed spaces to understand and speak about sex. Emphasizing that in most African countries, HIV transmission happens through sex; thus, for nearly 30 years knowledge generated about HIV and AIDS is also knowledge about sex, sexuality, sexual orientation, sexual identities, sexual subjectivities, and sexual vulnerabilities.
Six distinct, yet related, concepts interwoven into human sexual potential. A potential which extends beyond the act of sex and serves as a path through which individuals embody, express, and experience sexual desires and sexual selves. Like most human attributes, sex is such that societal dynamics and life experiences, both pleasurable and painful, shape the ways sexual potential is embraced – as individuals, in perceptions of others, and in relationships with others.
With this background, each of the panelists spoke about projects they are working on. Through poetry, fiction, and qualitative social science research methods, the panelists highlighted the ways sexualities – how they are understood and practiced as well as emotionally lived and dynamically not static – contain layered sets of meanings and complications. Following the presentations, the audience engaged in a lively discussion. Repeatedly people commented that there are not enough spaces for people to speak about sex. Yet also, noting that on the ground experience, through for example, NGO programming, family counseling, or field-based research, indicates that Zimbabweans are eager and searching for opportunities to speak about sex.