Abstract
Heterosexuality as an idea and a practice exists only as a result of a constant interplay between what counts as normal and what is relegated to the illicit. This paper will explore a contemporary social phenomenon—pornification—that is potentially refiguring normative boundaries, and consider how this might be reorganising heteronormativity. Here I use a case study—SEXPO Health, Sexuality and Lifestyle Expos—through which to examine an instance of the ‘pornification of the mainstream’. It will be argued here that in the case of SEXPO, while many of the acts and expressions of heterosexual practice are changing shape, a heteronormative culture remains front and centre
Notes
1. I would like to acknowledge the significant contribution of Associate Professor Jane Haggis in the construction of this paper. Jane acted as an invaluable sounding board for thinking through the ideas presented here, and provided feedback on the structure and content of the article.