Classical fantasies and ancient sexual realities

August 30, 2007

Two leading Australian historians of sexuality are visiting the University of New England tomorrow (Friday 31 August) to present their recent research findings on sexuality in the ancient world and its echoes down the ages.

Robert Aldrich, who is Professor of European History at the University of Sydney and the author or editor of several books on the history of homosexuality, will explore some of the ways in which the idea of "Greek love" has inspired homosexual fantasies over the last couple of centuries in a paper titled "Classical fantasies and the modern homosexual".

"Many homosexuals journeyed to the Mediterranean to visit the ruins of antiquity and to search for sexual partners among the peasants and artisans, and they recorded their loves and lusts in literature and art," Professor Aldrich said. "They evoked the nobility of 'Greek love' in order to make sense of homosexual desire, and to defend it in the face of social scorn."

Dr Alastair Blanshard, who also lectures at the University of Sydney, will complement Professor Aldrich's paper by presenting the latest findings about the practice and significance of gay sex in the ancient world. Dr Blanshard is the author of Hercules: An Heroic Life. His paper will be titled "What's new about Greek homosexuality?"

Tomorrow's seminar will be in the Paul Barrett Lecture Theatre in the Psychology Building at 1 pm. For more information contact Dr Gail Hawkes on (02) 6773 2277 or e-mail: ghawkes@une.edu.au.

Dr Blanshard and Professor Aldrich are in Armidale at the invitation of the University of New England Sexualities Research Group (UNESEX). UNESEX was launched in 2003 as a cross-disciplinary research grouping focused on the cultural aspects of sexuality. The group has organised many public events over the past five years and has run an annual academic seminar series at UNE since 2005. More recently, it has initiated a highly successful film night program.

The visit of Professor Aldrich and Dr Blanshard is also being sponsored by the UNE Ally Network. Launched in 2005, the Ally Network is a program that works to raise awareness about the issues faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex staff and students.

Posted by Jim Scanlan at August 30, 2007 10:50 AM