“In many cultures, eating is a sexual and gendered experience throughout life.” Carole M. Coounihan
The role of gender and sexuality is an emerging topic when considering food studies. Typically food studies have been viewed under the light of a heterosexual scope. Many scholars and theorists are starting to consider the cultural practices of people outside the heterosexual norm.
In Julia Ehrhardt’s essay about Queering Food studies in Chicana writing, she talks about how Food is used as a metaphor for sexual desires as well as oppression. She talks about how the kitchen is a safe place to express your sexuality and desires. She also mentions several accounts of women who experience a negative feeling surrounding certain foods. One of the women talks about how her controlling father used food as a way to punish her for being gay. Because of his demeaning ways, she develops a negative response toward certain foods. The mind and body are deeply connected, the negative connection between food and emotion is powerful.
It is fascinating to think about how food can empower us or oppress us. Food can be wielded like a weapon as well which can change our tangible connection to it. These Chicana writers enlighten us through their beautiful metaphorical poems and their fiery imagery to help us connect with the passion they feel. Their artistic expression help us to open our minds.
Ehrhardt, J. (2019). Toward Queering Food Studies: Foodways, Heteronormativity, And Hungry Women In Chicana Lesbian Writting. In C. Counihan & 970381217 753417170 P. V. Esterik (Authors), Food and culture: A reader (pp. 163-176). New York and London: Routledge.
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