Recent sexual politics have been organised around a politics of identity and difference. For many in the urban metropolis of Western societies sexuality has become central to knowing who we are, informing our sense of self and personal identity. Increasingly it has become an intrinsic part of our lived and expressed identities to a greater, degree, than say class, status, gender and ethnicity. All have appeared on the political stage to claim their rights and social space.
Sexuality is about style, taste, play, performance and personal preference.
On one hand these movements of affirmation and difference emphasis a specific style or personal preference while simultaneously forging distinct communities which offer a sense of belonging, pride and political solidarity. The gay and lesbian mardi gras in Sydney has become and enormously successful and popular cultural event which attracts support from a much wider community than just those who participate. Sexuality has become a potent political axis around which contemporary social struggles are waged.