Global Identities: Theorizing Transnational Studies of Sexuality

With the article "Global Identities: Theorizing Transnational Studies of Sexuality," by Grewal and Kaplin, I must acknowledge that I was very perplexed by the true ideology of transnationalism and the numerous definitions and connotations that it could be identified with. Previously, I had never fully grasped the concept of transnationalism, and always related it to the understanding of other countries, cultures, and intersectionality. However, I now understand the transnationalism is just another word for "globalization," the IMF, the World Bank, and other forms of exploitation and capitalism. In the article, the authors defined the fourth definition of transnationalism as pertaining to "a form of neocolonialism." I find it very compelling, the authors' utilization of the term "neocolonialism" as opposed to the popular term "postcolonialism." (as if Western domination and exploitation of communities of color is a thing of the past). In the area of Women's Studies, I was aware of the intersectionality of race, class, gender, sexuality, and world politics. However, I was never able to fully grasp the connection of transnationalism and sexuality. Though the authors provide key indication of not abandoning the term altogether, they do imply the overuse of the term-which, in my opinion can take on a variety of meanings based on one's race, gender, sexuality, religion, and social environment.

On the issue of sexuality, the authors goes into of different spheres and how the issue is not included into issues of race, class, and religion. Too often do I hear various religions institutions utilize religious text as a means to define sexuality-specifically when it comes to members of the gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender/transexual communities. Normally one can walk into various sermons/lectures, and hear members of the clergy condemn homosexuality and "it's evils." Then when sexuality is discussed in the area of the social sciences, it is always related to the sexuality of other cultures (specifically people of color). I also enjoyed how the authors utilized the current issue of human trafficking and it's relationship transnationalism. It appears that transnationalism consists of the freedoms to transcend into other cultures and nations, as long as one has the right to fully exploit and control the societies that reside in those specific areas.