Queering Primate Research: How Bias Shapes the Study of Same-Sex Behavior in Bonobos and Other Great Apes
By
Kirsty E. Graham
Summary
This review article examines the historical and scientific treatment of same-sex sexual behavior (SSSB) in nonhuman great apes, particularly bonobos. The authors critique how SSSB in female bonobos has often been dismissed as "greeting behavior" or "affiliation" rather than recognized as sexual, while similar behavior in male chimpanzees is more readily labeled as sexual. They argue this differential treatment reflects anthropocentric biases and propose queering the research approach to expand understanding of both same-sex and mixed-sex sexual behaviors across species.
Source
bskyQueering Primate Research: How Bias Shapes the Study of Same-Sex Behavior in Bonobos and Other Great Apesonlinelibrary.wiley.comKey quotes
· 3 pulledWe outline historical interpretations of same-sex sexual behavior in bonobos and propose ways of queering this research that expand the study of both same-sex and mixed-sex sexual behavior among nonhuman great apes.
The differential treatment of sexual behavior among nonhuman great apes reveals deep-seated anthropocentric biases in primatology.
By queering our approach, we can move beyond simplistic categorizations and better understand the full spectrum of sexual behaviors in our closest relatives.
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