Mark Hay

Writer, Freelance

Mark Hay is a writer on culture, faith, identity politics and sexuality. His work has appeared in Esquire and The Economist, among others. He is based in Brooklyn, New York.

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Written by Mark Hay

A Persian miniature painting of two people embracing on a patterned background, with intricate details and soft colours.

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Sex and sexuality

Islamic sexology

Popular stereotypes of Islam as a prudish religion ignore rich traditions of freewheeling, explicit erotica and advice

Mark Hay

Baroque painting depicting classical figures and a centaur abducting women with cherub and horse in background.

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Sex and sexuality

Fantasies of forced sex are common. Do they enable rape culture?

Mark Hay

People in colourful traditional costumes and masks, holding staffs, participating in a cultural or religious procession.

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Religion

Not your Tibetan Buddhism

Behind the beatific image of Tibetan Buddhism lies a dark, complicated reality. But is it one the Western gaze wants to see?

Mark Hay

Abstract digital artwork of a person in a sheer purple top with vibrant, neon colours highlighting their face and surroundings.

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Information and communication

Datagasm

Ever-faster feedback loops and micro-targeted digital porn are pushing human sexuality into some seriously weird places

Mark Hay