Straight Nation: Heteronormativity and other exigencies of postcolonial nationalism draws on the increasing presence of nationalism as a political rationality once again. Through his research, Dr Mano shows how nationalism works hand-in-glove with sexuality as a political force invested in generating threats to maintain a status quo.
In modern day Singapore, this is manifested through the privileging of heterosexual norms as markers of “model Singaporeans”, something which has consequences for more people than just sexual minorities. Thorough analysis of texts and cultural artefacts, Dr Mano poses that the link between sexuality and nation is vital in producing queered figures who are displaced from the national imaginary.
Marriage and reproduction rights are carefully controlled in Singapore through a range of laws including housing, employment, and immigration laws. Dr Mano argues that paying attention to how these rights are distributed shows the racialized dimensions of nationalism that emerge through the governance of sexuality. While Euro-American white “expats” are encouraged to settle and build families, Southeast or South Asian “migrant workers” are forbidden from doing so under threat of deportation.