To Desire or Not to Desire

I found it particularly the dilemma that the bisexual and lesbian girls both faced in the reading on blackboard. Because on the one hand they recognize their sexual desires and feel the need to express that desire with a man or woman but on the other hand realize that society makes them confused about their feelings. We live in a society of compulsory heterosexuality and homophobia these women are confused by their sexual desires, whether it be for a man and women or just other women, causing them to question or even suppress their feelings for fear of violence. I also found it interesting the differences and similarities between the fears of heterosexual girls and their bisexual and lesbian counterparts. Whereas the heterosexual girls like Rochelle had fear for the consequences of her desires like disease, bad reputation, and pregnancy, girls like Melissa and Megan have fear of even expressing their sexual desires that deviate from heterosexuality because it can lead to harm. I find it sad that women and girls in our society are held to this impossible standard of being seen sexual beings yet are supposed to reject their own sexual desire causing them to be confused and frustrated. Contradicting messages that girls receive today about their sexuality forces them to constantly question what they are feeling and if it fits cultural guidelines. This effort to conform to these guidelines and repress their sexuality leaves girls confused and ultimately deprives them of sexual expression and empowerment which they are constantly being denied.