Gender and Sexuality in Human Beings

Gender and Sexuality
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Introduction
Gender and sexuality are some of the most sensitive topics that touch emotional and intimate aspects of human beings. In modern society, when it comes to gender and sexuality, two options ring in mind; male or female, gay or straight. Society continues to sideline other sexual orientations that are viewed to be against cultural norms. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons often face discrimination and violence. They are not recognized, disrespected, or subjected to living in silence within their communities. The film Portrait of a Lady on Fire narrates power in two women in love. It portrays the practice of lesbianism between the two main characters. A similar instance is witnessed in the film Andy Warhol's My Hustler, which also portrays instances of gay men trying to attract the attention of the audience. Notably, from the two films, instances of gender inequalities and homosexuality are still contentious issues in modern society.
Women are known to be having unique predicament qualities hence making it hard to understand them. In the film Portrait of a Lady on Fire, we encounter several instances of women's predicaments. Héloïse proves to be a very difficult woman to handle. She refused to be painted by Marianne. All the previous attempts by a male artist to paint her were futile because she refused to pose and smile for the paintings. The purpose of the painting was to tempt the eye and secure the hand of a wealthy Milanese suitor. Due to her difficult behavior, the painter, Marianne, is forced to work under unusual conditions to succeed with her mission. She's forced to accompany her on her daily routine walks along with the surrounding environments, be able to capture her in memory, and paint her afterward in secret. The self-assertion nature of feminists is witnessed in modern society. Women have freedom of choice. They are liberal and articulate people who are capable of making their own informed decisions on important issues in society (Harris,2020).
In most relationships, women tend to express strong emotional attachments through love and affection. The queer love of Marianne and Héloïse is full of affection. The two women openly displayed their desires for one another as they held each other and kissed near the lake. The two ladies get along so well, getting so close each passing day and finally falling in love. They have a perfect egalitarian relationship, and they did not consider their lesbianism as taboo, considering the issue of homosexuality and society's expectation. The love story of the two was so deep and could stand against all the odds. These kinds of queer relationships are also affected by gender roles, race, culture, money, age, personality, and class. These factors are not unique to homosexuality alone but also hetero...