Alba Sáez-Lumbreras

Social media shapes social interactions, exposing women to cyber-sexual exploitation and judgment. In October 2022, streamer Amouranth reported abuse by her partner, sparking public reactions. This study analyzed posts from 5 days around the report using thematic analysis. Most responses minimized the case, blamed the victim, or criticized platforms, while some defended her with feminist or paternalistic arguments. Findings highlight how online/offline dualism justifies cyber-sexual violence, especially against female streamers as counter-stereotypical victims. Yet, online spaces also enable resistance and support. The study discusses theoretical and practical implications.

Social media shapes social interactions, exposing women to cyber-sexual exploitation and judgment. In October 2022, streamer Amouranth reported abuse by her partner, sparking public reactions. This study analyzed posts from five days around the report using thematic analysis. Most responses minimized the case, blamed the victim, or criticized platforms, while some defended her with feminist or paternalistic arguments. Findings highlight how online/offline dualism justifies cyber-sexual violence, especially against female streamers as counter-stereotypical victims. Yet, online spaces also enable resistance and support. The study discusses theoretical and practical implications.

This study examines the perceptions of LBQ+ and heterosexual feminist cis women, regarding how they define feminism and perceive the relationship between the feminist and LGBTIQA+ movement in the context of progressive trans rights legislation in Spain (Trans Law, approved in 2023). Two two-hour focus groups were conducted with 12 feminist cis women, 6 of whom were LBQ+ and 6 heterosexuals. Data was analyzed through reflexive thematic analysis, identifying 3 themes: Feminism, conflicts in the feminist movement concerning the Trans Law and intergroup collaboration. While both groups held similar definitions of feminism, LBQ+ women emphasized the importance of an intersectional perspective. Both groups expressed interest in addressing gender inequalities and forming alliances but differed in their analysis of these alliances. Heterosexual women focused on alliance challenges and threats, while LBQ+ women emphasized the need of empathy and collaboration. Heterosexual women expressed mixed feelings toward the proposed Trans Law, whereas LBQ+ cis women expressed clear support for the law and the protection of trans rights. Participants suggested actions to promote the allyship (e.g. creating common spaces and confronting LGBTIQA+phobic aggressions). While both groups express willingness to collaborate, differences and challenges are inherent in diverse feminism. Such differences should be embraced as opportunities for debate and effective collaboration, to reduce conflict and promote social transformation. It demonstrates the potential of alliances between movements to address gender-related social inequalities as a global challenge.

Sexuality is a central aspect of human beings, and adolescence is a crucial period of transition from childhood to adulthood where sexual awakening occurs. As a critical aspect of life, adolescents should have quality sexual education to guide them through this transition. However, currently, educational institutions often lack structured and standardized sexual education programs that go beyond medicalized models focused on sexual and reproductive health and contraceptive use. A qualitative design using in-depth interviews with an ethnographic perspective to obtain detailed information considering the context. The Venegas model on sexual-affective education was referenced. This model identifies four significant areas: gender, sexuality, love/affection, and body. A qualitative design based on in-depth interviews was chosen to obtain detailed information about the issues mentioned. Forty semi-structured interviews were conducted with adolescents aged 13 to 20 in two groups: students of compulsory secondary education and vocational training. Results showed boys tend to prioritize physical aspects of sexuality, such as masturbation and intercourse, whereas girls tend to focus more on emotional connections and concern about contraception. Pornography, patriarchal cultural patterns, sexism, and traditional gender roles shaped these initial experiences. Meanings and practices were revealed to be conditioned by a sexist model of attraction, body dissatisfaction, and learning through pornography, which was related to experiences of normalized control and sexual violence in relationships. Some positive advancements resulting from feminist achievements were also discovered, such as understanding the value of consent, empathy, and the appreciation of alternative models of masculinity by some girls. These results highlight the importance of developing sexual education programs from a psychosocial and feminist perspective. Such programs should aim to transform cultural norms and attitudes surrounding sexuality, promoting agency and healthier and more equitable relationships among adolescents.