Issue N° 19 || The Object of Desire by ALT Magazine

CONT 6. 8. 10. 20. 25. 30. 42.

Editor’s Letter Contributors Banned Books Dating and Disab tion, Accessibility Leviticus 18:22 Our Stories Deser Techno-Orientalis the Oriental Wom

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bility: Navigating Fetishizay, and Desexualization

rve to be Told sm and the Fetishization of man

EDITOR’S LETTER Dear readers, Nothing could have prepared us for the storm that has been 2023. Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade last year, the Supreme Court has continued to wage attacks against marginalized groups, targeting the LGBTQ+ community and BIPOC once again. While affirmative action and anti-discrimination laws were reversed in the Supreme Court, a record number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced in the nation–with an absurd amount specifically targeting the transgender community–topping 500, and nearly 2,000 books were banned thus far for simply mentioning race or sexuality and gender. It is with great pain that we must perpetually confront these challenges to our well-being and existence. However, if history has taught us anything, injustice will–and must–always be met with resistance. Frustration and despair must always be mobilized into action and strength. Hate and erasure must always be met with radical love, community, and resilience. That is why for our newest issue, ALT members voted for my theme, “The Object of Desire.” Stepping into a new position in ALT, I was motivated to truly put our mission statement of uplifting underrepresented communities to the forefront of our issue without nuance. Taking inspiration from French psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan and his theory of objet petit a, I was interested in exploring how sex and sexuality have been repressed as a result of language and socialization into a society that values whiteness, cisgenderism, and heteronormativity. The exigency of this topic moved me to ask: how can we challenge hegemonic narratives? How can we offer new perspectives on sex and sexuality? How can we showcase sexuality and gender as not merely an identity, but as a unique and individual language and expression? In lieu of the violent attempts to eradicate marginalized identities from public life and education, I wanted to display and accentuate these bodies and empower the oppressed to make themselves unapologetically visible. I would like to extend a huge thank you to our readers for continuing to support us, and to all of our members who continue to put in the energy to create wonderful works of art and writing. If this is your first time reading an ALT issue, I would like to thank you for taking the time to appreciate our work, and I hope you find inspiration and a sense of community in our art. It is with great pleasure to present to you ALT Magazine’s 19th issue, “The Object of Desire.” Charlene Huynh Editor-in-Chief

The Topic of Banned Books Books have been a tool to convey messages and opinions since their creation. Now, more than ever, they are a battleground for politics and government leaders to censor what is deemed appropriate or not. Topics such as queerness, sex, and race have a place in the classroom because they have a place in adolescent life. Now, in order to battle this censorship, here are 10 of the most banned books about sex and sexuality.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian - Sherman Alexie

Flamer - Mike Curato

The Perks of Being a Wallflower - Stephen Chbosky

The Bluest Eye Toni Morrison

Gender Queer - Maia Kobabe

Out of Darkness Ashley Hope Perez

All Boys Aren’t Blue - George M. Johnson Lawn Boy - Jonathan Evison

Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic - Alison Bechdel

Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teen Speak Out - Susan Kuklin 10

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A population that is often left out of conversations surrounding sex, sexuality, and romance are individuals with a disability; be it physical or cognitive, people with disabilities are not often perceived for their sexuality, lust, or love. Jumping into the world of sex and partnership for this community poses risks for fetishism, loss of social security benefits, higher susceptibility to abuse, and just overall lack of resources and preparation. Verywell Mind published an article that interviews different individuals with disabilities and their experiences in the realm of relationships; one of the subjects, Dev Ramsawakh, states how they feel very plainly: “My sexuality is a huge part of my identity. I've always considered myself a very horny person,” and continues on to say the objectification, infantilization, and mindset of pity towards those with disabilities generate and fuel their desexualization. They are left out of discussions surrounding sexual health in formal settings—classes and seminars—and more informal settings, such as the internet.

“ A POPULATION THAT IS OFTEN LEFT OUT OF CONVERSATIONS SURROUNDING SEX, SEXUALITY, AND ROMANCE ARE INDIVIDUALS WITH A DISABILITY”

Dating and Disability: Navigating Fetishization, Accessibility, and Desexualization by Jillian Turner

The world of dating is a forest: it can be dark, treacherous, deceptive. It is far too easy to get lost among the catfishes, weirdos, and those who are just mean. Trying to find a diamond in the rough—even for those who are not pushed to the fringes of desire—is not for the faint of heart and can be troubling or dangerous! For those who are often cast out of what is “normal” or conventional, this search is that much harder.

There are so few accurate representations of disability and romance. The depictions of romance and sex surrounding disability in real life are adjacent to inspiration porn and charity work, where a kid in special education gets asked to prom and makes the local newspaper. In movies, like Me Before You, romance and desire are not fulfilling enough for someone with a disability to see their life as one worth living. Information surrounding the reality of living with a disability and trying to build sexual/romantic relationships is extremely limited and needs to be invited into the conversation.

In order to cover a wide range of topics, let’s move through the trajectory of a possible relationship, starting at the very beginning: getting on a dating app. First, there is the dilemma of which one to choose. There are different connotations and goals for each app—Tinder for hookups, Hinge and Bumble for more romantic endeavors, etc. For individuals with disabilities, there are a few more options to choose from: Dating4Disabled and Disabled Passions, to name two. Both are free online dating websites exclusively for people with disabilities to find friendships, relationships, and build community. These sites provide a place where “coming out” with a disability poses less of a risk for fetishization, ableism, or exclusion. However, for the apps most commonly used—Tinder, Hinge, Bumble, etc—building an account and what to say about yourself carries a hefty weight.

Crafting an account takes careful consideration. Choosing the best pictures, witty and sexy responses to prompts, and for people with disabilities, it means choosing whether or not to disclose their disability. Sarah Kim from the World Institute on Disability (WID) writes that some people report their disability and display it proudly on their profiles. This helps in “warding off” those who see a disability as a “deal breaker” (WID). On the contrary, this inclusion of information makes it easier to fall prey to devoteeism and other fetishization.

Disclosing a disability

has led to harassment and inappropriate sexual advances from sexual fetishizers for some on dating apps (WID). This fetish is received by some as demeaning and offensive, while others see no problem with it between two consenting adults. Spencer Williams from Vice identifies more with the former opinion stating, “I'm not who I am because of the wheelchair, and I don't want to be with someone who only cares about my equipment or condition. I want a woman who likes me for me, someone who understands that I'm more than my chair.” The desexualization of disabilities combined with this fetish can lead people with disabilities to feel that fetishization is the only way they can be seen as desirable.

After someone decides whether or not to disclose their disability, deems a person not a fetishist, and chooses to move forward with going on a date, a new concern arises. People with physical impairments need to assess the accessibility of the date location. This may look like calling ahead to see if there is a ramp out front, or if the accessible entrance is around the back. At a restaurant, is the space big enough to navigate a chair through? Is there a table that accommodates their needs? Is there a bathroom that is accessible? How long will they be out before they need to address personal care needs if they are not independent? These are all questions that can factor into a first date experience for someone with a physical disability. For cognitive or intellectual disabilities, others have questioned if they should even be allowed to date? Some states have laws surrounding the topic of rape and sexual relations that include the “mentally defective, mentally incapacitated or physically helpless," (The Tennessean). The decision to date or have sex is up to the caregiver of the person with an intellectual disability, not the person themselves. These laws are in place to reduce chances of exploitation and protect the people, but it also can be abused to take away any sense of autonomy and independence these individuals may have.

Along with these personal discouragements against dating with a disability, there are systemic pressures that disincentivize marriage and romance between people with disabilities as well. Many people with disabilities rely on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to meet their basic needs. Within this program, there is a financial “marriage punishment” when two people who receive SSI get married, they receive a lower asset limit and benefit rate compared to two individuals. Together at the maximum benefit limit, they receive 1.5 times the benefits of individuals, thus losing 25% of their income. SSI already keeps beneficiaries well below the poverty line—26% below (National Academy of Social Insurance). The maximum annual income for SSI payments is $10,092 for an individual; the poverty line is at $13,590. This tax pushes couples to avoid marriage and thus lose tax benefits, the ability to make medical choices for their partner, or simply enjoy the married life.

Those who live with a disability crave love, attention, and sex just like people without disabilities, but they have far more hoops to jump through. The barriers placed in the way of individuals with disabilities and their desire for romance, sex, and partnership are immense, coming from systemic and societal standpoints. Their rights to these simple pleasures are denied or stripped from them with the belief that they are incapable of making their own decisions or undesirable to the dominant society’s eye. Finding love, hookups, and dates is already a treacherous journey for all involved. It does not need to be made harder for those pushed to the margins. We are all horny. We are all in desperate need of attention. Let’s stop putting up walls and start getting laid! *Information included from the World Institute on Disability, The Tennessean, National Academy of Social Insurance, Verywell Mind, and Vice

LEVITICUS 18:22

By Maddy Hu

never understood religion My family attended Oakland Chinese Church and the only memories I have are playing on the cement floor and running in the hallways, hiding in the bathroom I didn’t get what it meant to be holy, thought religion was stupid Heaven just a place and god just a word I told my mom I didn’t believe in any of it Said I was sinful That when I die, I won’t end up in the same place as her

hen I was back home, she asked if I was a lesbian I laughed at first, realized the concern on her face Heart stopped, shaking hands “No” “Thank God” We sat in silence She knew I was lying, but she didn’t say anything She only said she prays I find a good man to treat me right I always wondered why I never could have the relationship I wanted with my mother I love her dearly, but a devout follower of the Lord, he came first, and I second She in heaven and me in hell

y first religious experience started at the water We sat on your dock at night We smoked a joint, and I pretended to know how to inhale as the smoke exited my nostrils I think you noticed, but you didn’t say anything, kissed me anyways, asked what my relationship to my father was like Grasping hands, running out of breath, skin on skin—heaven

realized that to pray you have to clasp your hands together How many times holding your hand felt like a prayer Reaching towards holiness and heaven Leading me to salvation 23