University of Michigan Professor to Present ‘What is Sex For?’ Oct. 14 at Cal Poly

University of Michigan Professor David Halperin will present “What is Sex For?” at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 14, in Chumash Auditorium in the University Union at Cal Poly.

Halperin will explore the logic, or illogic, behind the common assumption that sex is for love — or, more precisely, that sex with your love-object aims at being loved by that person. He will suggest that erotic desire is stranger, more mysterious, and more queer than modern sexual culture takes it to be.

Halperin is the University of Michigan W.H. Auden Distinguished University Professor. He teaches history and theory of sexuality.

He focuses his scholarly pursuits on the history and theory of homosexuality; classical studies and its relation to contemporary cultural history; gay men's cultural practices and subjectivity; and HIV/AIDS.

Halperin has published extensively on these topics. His works include “How to Be Gay,” “Gay Shame,” and“What Do Gay Men Want? An Essay on Sex, Risk and Subjectivity.”He earned his bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College and doctorate from Stanford.

His lecture is supported by the Community Foundation of San Luis Obispo County Growing Together Fund and Cal Poly. This event is free and open to the public.