Sex Lives in Second Life: Virtual Gender Constraints

In the article Sex Lives in Second Life by Robert Alan Brookey and Kristopher L. Cannon, they aim to, “offer an alternative to the liberatory perspective on gender and sexuality in cyberspace” (Brookey & Canon 2009, p. 149). Additionally, in using a “liberatory perspective”, they critique SL in cyberspace as a liberatory environment, where it would seem people have more freedom and power (agency) to express and explore non-heteronormative gender roles.  

However, their arguments focus on SL women as sexual objects and the marginalization of LGBTQ users. While this is a fascinating extension of gender theories posited by Judith Butler, John Sloop, and Michel Foucault, it is ultimately disappointing, as it reiterates heteronormativity and the notion of the existence of only two genders: male and female.

Butler’s notion of gender trouble asserts that the lack of fluidity in gender identities creates gender trouble for any gender identity or performative act that lies outside the boundaries of heteronormativity. Sloop's concept of disciplining gender focuses on how, "public discourse and media representations have served to reinforce dominant norms and constrain or 'discipline' any behavior that blurs or subverts conventional gender boundaries" (Sloop 2004). Foucault’s theory of the docile body asserts that, “individuals align their sexual practices with established norms, and actively assumed the responsibility for their own sexual health” (p. 148). 

In looking at support for Brookey's and Canon's arguments, I researched sexual objectification of women and marginalization of LGBTQ identities in SL. Here is what I found:

1) Women as sexual objects in SL is the norm. The clothing is revealing and tight-fitting and make-up and hair are overdone and exaggerated. As Brookey and Canon mention in their article, the SL "Post 6 Grrls" models are an excellent example of how this objectification pervades cyberspace (p. 151).

The following picture is an example of the SL Post 6 Grrls, which is tame compared to many:

2) Dating sites in SL promote heteronormativity and sexual objectification as well, as seen in this IMVU video:

3) Lastly, I was able to locate only one video offering tutorials and advice on “Transgender in Second Life”. While it’s not expertly produced (poor audio/editing), it does allow an invitation for transgendered people to join SL as a way to “fit in” to a world outside of RL. It even promotes the SL Transgender Outreach Center, the SL Hate Crime & Suicide Memorial, and the SL Annual “New Orleans Style” Transgender Celebration. It's really unfortunate there aren't more SL resources promoting sexual liberation and gender fluidity; after all, gender is not finite in the real world. Why should it be in SL?