The Interchanging Development of Sexuality: Laumann's Theory in LGBTQ Texts

Same-sex relations, despite their presence throughout history, have for the most part been misunderstood and are only recently beginning to be accepted. Even as these ideas have been explored dramatically, LGBTQ theatre that discusses such topics openly is still a largely new phenomenon. Nevertheless through analyzing these texts as they have developed throughout the centuries, their importance in contemporary repertoire is much more easily realized. Historically, views on how homosexuality manifested itself within the individual changed drastically. As new concepts and theories were introduced into society, these manifestations were understood differently both collectively and independently. Still, past views often lingered, muddling ideas on same-sex expression and its true countenance. In applying Edward Laumman’s sexual theory to LGBTQ texts of different historical periods, the validity of the modern theory and its view on same-sex expression can more easily be recognized. In doing this, the complexity of sexual expression can be seen. Furthermore, it helps to not only explain society’s views on homosexuality, but explains the individual’s unique experience. Then in continuing to explore these ideas artistically, society can likewise continue to grow in such understanding.