Genitals, genital obsession, and genital “preference”
Misconception: It is a common misconception that supersexuality is simply attraction to a certain genetalia set. Of course, if this were true, supersexuals would be open to relationships with transgender individuals, but this is not the case. Supers are, like anyone else, attracted to people. As previously stated, gender AND sex are integral to super orientations.
The Fallacy: Once superphobes assert that supersexuality is a preference, they can go on to attack the strawman by calling them transphobic or genital fetisists. They can argue that this “preference” can be unlearned- which eventually leads to the rape rhetoric that plagues superphobic spaces. The fallacy therefore must be stopped from the beginning, as meaningful conversation cannot take place with someone who appeals to this “preference” assumption.
What Does It Mean To Be Sex AND Gender Attracted? This is where much of the confusion starts. Unlike other sexualities, here gender expression is just 1/2 of the equation. Most supers are attracted to either a masculine or feminine gender identity (this does not necessarily mean their partner will openly express the stereotypes of their gender identity). But this attraction is directly linked to their sex-based attraction, hence why supersexuals are exclusively attracted to cisgender people.
But Isn’t Sex Just Genetalia? No, which is the main problem with the reactionary argument that supers are simply “genetalia fetishists”. Biological sex is physically expressed in everything from bone structure, height, vocal range, body hair, limb size, and muscle composition, among other things including genetalia. The lack of coehesion which may lead to sexual dysphoria can occur when ANY of these factors (often without the conscious knowledge of the super) are not present to a reasonable degree. To expect a super to participate in sex based on the genetalia involved alone is to deeply misunderstand and invalidate their sexuality. The same can be said for expecting them to particapate based on the gender of the partner alone.
What Should I Do When I See Superphobic Rhetoric?
Always educate. When you see a superphobe saying “supersexuality is a genital preference/obsession/fetish” stop before they can escalate into rape or conversion rhetoric. Teach them that supers aren’t soley attracted to genitals, but gender as well as biological sex. Teach them that this is a fixed sexuality and NOT a preference. And teach them that Super Love Is Love!
Remember to drop any questions you have on the lesson! See ya in a bit, everyone <3
