1. By: Dennis H Fulgham
DEFINING SEXUALITY WITHIN
INTERNATIONAL POLITICS

2. United States
Brief History
 “New World, Old ideals”
 Procreation
 40’s and 50’s = Were seen as a Weakness to
Communist Influences
 50’s and 60’s = Bad Parenting/ Moral Panic
 70’s = Immoral/misguided/ ill
 Current??

3. United States Defining
sexuality
 With the rise of capitalism, people began to lead
live outside of their familial relationships
 It wasn’t really until the 19th century when
“experts” began to speak of the “homosexual” as
someone whose erotic desire reflects an unusual
mental or physiological condition
 By the 1930’s – groups began to identify as
“homosexual” versus “heterosexual” b/c of their
desire. Did so in unregulated areas i.e. clubs.

4. United States defining
Sexuality
 DOMA: Defense Of Marriage Act:
 1) gave states the ability to decide whether or
not to recognized same-sex marriages
 2) Defined at the federal level “marriage,”
and “Spouse,” as between a man and a
women.

5. Iran Brief History
 Sharia Law: Islamic Law that is governed by the
interpretation of religious leaders.
 Forbids outside relations and punishment is
harsher for non-Muslim
 Homosexuality is not tolerated, and is
punishable by death. Heterosexual promiscuity
prior to marriage is also prohibited. Both are
treated the same as adulators
 In 2002, Iran felt massive international backlash
for executing two young men on accusation of
being homosexuals.

6. International Relations:
Between US and Iran
 No Formal diplomatic ties: Only
communication is indirectly through
international organization/ institutions i.e.
United Nations etc.
 US claims to offer asylum to those who are
oppressed on the bases of sexual
orientation, however Iranians are often met
with rejection