Sexuality in turian culture

== Moral concepts of sex ==
While to an individualist species like humanity, matters of sex and sexuality are often considered personal, private affairs, the collectivist turians view them as a microcosm of the moral integrity and health of their society. According to turian philosophy, when the morals of individuals are permitted to slide it weakens society as a whole. A healthy society is thus one in which individuals collectively adhere to a strict moral code, exercising discipline in every area of life for the betterment of all. The turians consider sex and morality to be strongly intertwined, and integral for instilling societal order. With that said, they are by no means a prudish society; they approach sex very openly when compared to humanity, almost viewing it as an act of patriotic duty. 
=== Dominant and submissive roles ===
As turians are naturally hierarchical creatures, their inborn inclination to establish dominant and submissive roles permeates all aspects of their society. One of the pillars of turian culture is the societal expectation that higher-ranking individuals should lead and protect lower-ranking individuals, while the latter should obey and support the former. This belief extends beyond the empire's political infrastructure and into the social and sexual relationships of individual turians. A higher-ranking individual is expected to be the dominant party in a relationship. Conversely, a lower-ranking individual is expected to be the submissive party. While this imbalanced power dynamic has the potential for serious abuse, it is largely curbed by the societal belief that higher-ranked individuals have a duty of care towards their lower-ranked partners. As such, the legal punishment for sexual abuse is incredibly strict; those found guilty are often stripped of their higher rank and sentenced to years of hard labour for the state. Sexual abuse is considered to be a dangerous consequence of individuals prioritising themselves over others - a serious taboo in turian culture which directly undermines a higher-ranked individual's right to command.
With regards to sex, the only time it is considered moral for an individual to submit to another wholly is when they are outranked. Higher-ranking individuals who willingly allow themselves to be dominated by lower-ranking individuals are considered sexually perverse, their behaviour viewed as a corruption of the natural order. As such, turians will often use accusations of sexual deviance, whether real or imagined, to slander individuals in positions of power whom they consider weak or ineffectual at commanding others. This is most commonly an act of political protest against ruling primarchae or generals. One famous example was during the Mehrkurian Coup, when supporters of Astraea Mehrkuri and later her husband, Antraxes, accused Desolas Arterius II of habitually submitting to his lower-ranking husband on state matters. Satirical artists who supported this viewpoint often depicted Desolas being sexually dominated by Nihlus, implying that Desolas' radical political policies were a result of Nihlus controlling him in the bedroom. In truth, Desolas and Nihlus had a relatively normal sexual dynamic, with Desolas being the dominant party in all aspects of their marriage.
=== Transactional sex ===
While considered to be taboo by society's moral standards, some lower-ranking turians are known to use sex as currency in exchange for promotion. Individuals who engage in such behaviour are colloquially known as scorta gradui ("rank whores", lit. "whores for rank"). Using sex as a means of social advancement is viewed as a form of nepotism, which in itself is vilified for its undermining of the hierarchy's "sacred meritocracy". While turians believe there is nothing inherently wrong with a higher-ranking individual having sex with a lower-ranking one - one person will also be the dominant party in any turian relationship - being the direct superior of one's sexual partner is viewed negatively as it opens up the potential for preferential treatment over their peers. The bottom line is that sex should be treated as a purely private affair between two consenting individuals and have no bearing on one's legal status or position in their working environment. 
There are some exceptions to this rule, however. Bonded turians who serve in the same branch of the military are permitted to serve in the same unit on medical grounds, should they choose to, as severance syndrome can have a major impact on their mental and physical health. But even then, the higher-ranking bonded partner is expected to conduct themselves with the utmost professionalism and not show their mate any preferential treatment while on duty. An example of this is Fidellion Victus and his late bonded wife, Sarena Arterius, the former of whom was the latter's direct superior. Sarena had chosen to transfer to her husband's unit in the Armiger Legion as he was her bondmate. However, she had already earned her place as an Armiger Havoc soldier and distinguished herself in many operations before this transfer; her relationship had no bearing on her position within the legion. Fidellion was careful to treat his wife like any other subordinate and never promoted her himself, earning him and Sarena much respect from their peers.
=== Promiscuity ===
Like asari maidens, young turians are known for their promiscuity. However, rather than discourage such behaviour, turian society actively encourages it. Turian society is a highly militarised entity that defines an individual's value by their utility to the state. When individuals can perform their duties more consistently and to a higher standard, it betters the whole of society. In this regard, sex is viewed not just as a means of regulating stress levels but of forging close bonds between comrades, and encouraging individuals to work hard for the betterment of those they are connected to. The only time promiscuity is frowned upon is when the individual in question is married, albeit this has less to do with upsetting one's spouse and more to do with dishonouring the spouse's family.
=== Martial sex and adultery ===
Category:Turian Culture
Category:Lore