Heterosexual Desire wasn’t a defined thing until 1868.
Something remarkably similar happened with heterosexuals, who, at the end of the 19th Century, went from merely being there to being known.
Here’s a fascinating concept presented by the BBC – the “invention of heterosexuality.” In this article, writer Brandon Ambrosino presents the idea that prior to 1868, the idea of what a “heterosexual” was was a vastly different thing. It was only in the late 19th century that heterosexual desire was defined as being the same as reproductive intercourse, despite the fact that heterosexuality is merely a sexual preference (one of several).
Interestingly, this was also presented on the PBS show, Frontline by Jonathan Katz, who wrote The Invention of Heterosexuality. Historian Hanne Blank also writes about this in her book Straight: The Surprisingly Short History of Heterosexuality.
There’s something here!
If you’re working with challenges around your gender or sexuality, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I’m here to help you embrace who you truly are and have the life (and the sex!) you deserve.