We hear a lot of of debate around sex and sexuality from our political leaders these days. Proposed legislation in areas like reproductive rights and education are constantly in the news. And while that debate may seem intense today, it isn’t new. Americans have long argued over which kinds of sex are, and aren’t “acceptable.”

You need to understand the past to understand the present, as the saying goes. And according to historian Rebecca L. Davis, there are a lot of misconceptions about the past. She joins us today to talk about her new book Fierce Desires: A New History of Sex and Sexuality in America. She’ll explain the surprising ways Americans have understood intimate relations and even share a touching story that took place right here in Connecticut.

GUEST:


Rebecca L. Davis: Miller Family Endowed Early Career Professor of History at the University of Delaware and Professor of Women and Gender Studies. Her latest book is Fierce Desires: A New History of Sex and Sexuality in America.

You can listen to the interview with Jason Stanley that Professor Davis mentioned in this episode on our website.

We hear a lot of of debate around sex and sexuality from our political leaders these days. Proposed legislation in areas like reproductive rights and education are constantly in the news. And while that debate may seem intense today, it isn&rsquo;t new. Americans have long argued over which kinds of sex are, and aren&rsquo;t &ldquo;acceptable.&rdquo;
You need to understand the past to understand the present, as the saying goes. And according to historian <a href="https://www.rebeccaldavis.com/">Rebecca L. Davis</a>, there are a lot of misconceptions about the past. She joins us today to talk about her new book <a href="https://wwnorton.com/books/9781631496578">Fierce Desires: A New History of Sex and Sexuality in America</a>. She&rsquo;ll explain the surprising ways Americans have understood intimate relations and even share a touching story that took place right here in Connecticut.
GUEST:
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Rebecca L. Davis: Miller Family Endowed Early Career Professor of History at the University of Delaware and Professor of Women and Gender Studies. Her latest book is <a href="https://wwnorton.com/books/9781631496578">Fierce Desires: A New History of Sex and Sexuality in America</a>.
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You can listen to the interview with Jason Stanley that Professor Davis mentioned in this episode <a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/disrupted/2024-10-11/exploring-connections-between-fascism-and-attacks-on-education-with-jason-stanley">on our website</a>.

Disrupted is about the changes we all encounter and the forces driving those changes. Some disruptions spark joy and possibility. Others move us to take action and re-evaluate our world. But the show isn't just about those disruptions; it’s about embracing them, exploring new perspectives, and feeling more connected to ourselves and our communities. Host and political scientist Khalilah Brown-Dean creates a place where changemakers come together to help us see the world differently and challenge us to grow together.

Visit ctpublic.org/disrupted for more! 

Disrupted is about the changes we all encounter and the forces driving those changes. Some disruptions spark joy and possibility. Others move us to take action and re-evaluate our world. But the show isn't just about those disruptions; it’s about embracing them, exploring new perspectives, and feeling more connected to ourselves and our communities. Host and political scientist Khalilah Brown-Dean creates a place where changemakers come together to help us see the world differently and challenge us to grow together.
Visit <a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/disrupted">ctpublic.org/disrupted</a> for more!

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