October 2024 Social Theory Book Club

Welcome to the October 2024 Social Theory Book Club!

Come join us for an engaging discussion on:

Refusing Compulsory Sexuality by Sherronda J. Brown

Refusing Compulsory Sexuality is a book by editor and essayist Sherronda J. Brown. The book takes an incisive look at how anti-Blackness, white supremacy, patriarchy, heteronormativity, and capitalism enact harm against asexual people, contextualizing acephobia within a racial framework.

With chapters on desire, f*ckability, utility, refusal, and possibilities, Refusing Compulsory Sexuality discusses topics of deep relevance to ace and a-spec communities. It centers the Black asexual experience—and demands visibility in a world that pathologizes and denies asexuality, denigrates queerness, and specifically sexualizes Black people.

Whether you're a skilled reader or just starting out, this is a space to delve into thought-provoking ideas and connect with others wanting to engage in political and social theory.

This meeting is in person, to nurture vibrant conversations and a dynamic exchange of ideas to foster a sense of community.

We encourage you to review what the text is saying as you work through the book on your own. Take notes on what you're unsure of, what you think the author is trying to say, and what you agree or disagree with.

Every person's understanding and input during the meeting will help shape the dialogue and create value out of our discussion. You will never be the only person who might be confused or who finds the text difficult. If you find the book too challenging and you do not finish, it is still encouraged that you come to the meeting at the end of the month. It's okay if you think you don't understand it, because you'll come to book club and learn as much as you can!

Additional readings:

Ace: What Asexuality Reveals About Desire, Society, and the Meaning of Sex by Angela Chen

Bi: The Hidden Culture, History, and Science of Bisexuality: The Hidden Culture, History, and Science of Bisexuality by Julia Shaw

Disability Intimacy: Essays on Love, Care, and Desire by Alice Wong (Editor)

Additional readings will be included for each month if people want to expand their understanding and knowledge on a particular topic. If possible, other types of media may be shared as well. None of the additional materials will be necessary to understand the discussion at the book club meeting and are purely supplemental for members to further one's own knowledge on topics.

Mark your calendars and get ready for our October meeting for the Social Theory Bookclub!

Host or Publisher Social Theory Book Club