As we gathered materials that communicate genetics and sexuality to three different audiences (peer scientists, non-scientist adults, and 3rd graders), we discovered that the pieces, whether directly or indirectly, can have conversations with one another. Below, we provide specific examples on how meaningful dialogue on sexuality can happen across scientific and non-scientific mediums.
Dialogue between Non-scientific and Scientific
The National Public Radio (NPR) article was a response to the scientific article on genetics and sexuality by Ganna et al. (2019). While Ganna et al. (2019) conveys the findings of the raw data to the scientific community, the NPR piece communicates their finding to the lay audience. Furthermore, the NPR piece gives a more holistic view of the social and historical context of this genetics research on sexuality by detailing how this study debunks the previous myth of an existing "gay gene." While the scientific article objectively describes the limitations of the research, the NPR article brings in a more personal voice to the limitations of the research by including audio responses by one of the co-authors Benjamin Neale. He discussed the limitations of science, specifically the inability of science to predict an individual's sexuality. Overall, The NPR article provides a more holistic approach to interpreting the scientific article. Both sources show the limitations of science in understanding a complex subject as sexuality.
Both Ganna et al (2019) and the art exhibitions by TIFA Working Studios communicate the topic of sexuality with similar goals but in different ways. Ganna et al. shows the complexity of sexuality through data and analysis of surveys and genetic materials. The art exhibition shows the complexity of sexuality through various visual representations of love. It is apparent that their languages and mediums differ, but despite coming from different angles, they share similar approaches by having international collaborations to communicate the complexities of sexuality in hopes to de-stigmatize this topic.
Dialogue between Non-scientific Pieces
Within the 3rd grader's section, we selected two pieces: Cartoons with LGBT representation and coloring pages of Infographics on sexuality. The cartoons create a friendly way to introduce sexuality to a child who is around 8 years old. Cartoons entertain and inform, and with a topic as complex as sexuality, cartoons provide a familiar and often accepting message. For instance, in the long-running Arthur show, the children’s favorite teacher is marrying someone of the same-sex, but the kids are concerned primarily for Mr. Ratburn’s happiness, which helps to instill acceptance in children. In addition, the coloring pages of infographics on sexuality helps to expand upon a child’s knowledge of sexuality. For instance, by coloring in this infographic on their own, they may ask questions about their own identity. However, if that is too advanced for their age, they can apply some of the concepts of sexuality, such as liking someone of the same sex while interacting with their work. Together, both pieces build acceptance and a better understanding of sexuality in a social and personal context.
Dialogue between Scientific Pieces
Two scientific pieces that we have included are: Straight, Gay, or in Between and Genetics and Sexuality. The first of which is an online survey that collects data for Dr. Robert Epstein, a distinguished research psychologist. The test estimates where the respondent falls on the continuum. Ultimately, this test counters the binary of heterosexual and homosexual and emphasizes that sexual orientation exists on a continuum. In the documentary "Genetics and Sexuality,” Dr. Dean Hamer does not explicitly state that sexuality is binary, but his language and emphasis on “men” and “women” and “heterosexual” and “homosexual” do reinforce binaries. The film also illustrates how these binaries have prevailed in studying sexuality. Both works try to better our understanding of the role of science in sexuality. However, the self-reporting survey helps to emphasize the diversity of sexuality. Yet, the recent documentary (2015) provides insight into the seemingly unavoidable binaries, as simplifying phenotypes “helps” scientists have a “better” measurement. Together, these two sources help to expand our understanding of sexuality, while highlighting current strengths and limitations.