Male Same-Sex Sexuality in Cross-Cultural Perspective

The talk will examine how male same-sex sexuality is expressed and conceptualized in two different cultures, Samoa and among the Istmo Zapotec in Oaxaca, Mexico, contrasting this with Euro-American culture. It will also discuss cross-culturally invariant aspects of male same-sex sexuality which emerge regardless of cultural differences.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the variety of ways in which male same-sex sexuality is expressed and conceptualized cross-culturally
• Understand the cross-culturally universal aspects of male same-sex sexuality

Presenter Bio:

Paul L. Vasey is a Professor and Research Chair at the University of Lethbridge. His research focuses on sexual orientation, sex differences, and gender diversity from a comparative perspective. He has conducted long-term research on female homosexual behavior in Japanese macaques from Arahiyama, Japan. For over two decades he has also conducted fieldwork in Samoa, where he works with a group of feminine, same-sex attracted males, known locally as fa’afafine. In 2015, he launched yet another field-site in the Istmo region of Oaxaca, Mexico, where he works with another group of feminine, same-sex attracted males, known locally as muxes. He has published well over 100 refereed articles in journals such as Archives of Sexual Behavior, Proceedings of the National Academy of Science and Proceedings of the Royal Society. He is funded by Canada’s social science (SSHRC) and natural science (NSERC) research agencies. His work has been featured in hundreds of newspapers and magazines such as New York Times and Oprah, as well as in various documentaries such as National Geographic and Discovery Channel.

Therapy First has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7505. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Therapy First is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. This webinar provide 1.5 hours of CE credits.