Editing Sexuality in Battlestar Galactica (TOS)

{{disline|For sexuality in the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]], see: [[Sexuality in Battlestar Galactica (RDM)]].}}
[[File:TOS - SOSW - Steam Purge.jpg|thumb|{{TOS|Starbuck}} experiences a cathartic steam purge {{OS|Saga of a Star World}}.]]
'''Sexuality in the [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]]''' echoes many of the sentiments of classic Western science fiction of the early to late twentieth-century, particularly the late 1970s CE, when the series debuted.

Such relationships were purely heterosexual in nature, with an emphasis of certain males (i.e. {{TOS|Starbuck}}, [[Sire]] [[Uri]], and Count [[Iblis]]) seeking the partnership of various females, but typically independent (and unbeknownst) to the other females.

== Character Development and Romantic Themes ==

According to actor [[Dirk Benedict]], who portrayed {{TOS|Starbuck}}, the character was designed as an "upbeat character with a sense of humor and who enjoys life." Benedict described Starbuck as "very excitable, a passionate con man" who would "cheat, but he's never malicious or out to hurt anybody."<ref group="commentary" name="benedict_starlog_starbuck_character_description">{{cite magazine|author=David Houston|title=Apolo and Starbuck are Two Crazy Kind of Guys|magazine=[[Starlog]]|issue=18|page=27|date=December 1978|publisher=Starlog Communications}}</ref> 

Actress [[Maren Jensen]], who portrayed [[Athena (TOS)|Athena]], discussed the evolution of female characters in science fiction television, noting that her role represented a departure from traditional portrayals of women in the genre. Jensen emphasized that Athena was conceived as more than just a romantic interest, reflecting changing attitudes toward women's roles in both society and entertainment during the late 1970s.<ref group="commentary" name="jensen_starlog_athena_character_development">{{cite magazine|author=Ed Naha|title=Maren Jensen: Adama's Daughter Grows Up|magazine=[[Starlog]]|issue=19|page=28-31|date=February 1979|publisher=Starlog Communications}}</ref>

== Polygamy and Monogamy ==

Both polygamy and monogamy are known to the Colonials. Polygamy itself is a mating practice that dates as far back as the [[Religion in the Twelve Colonies (TOS)|Lords of Kobol]] with each lord having multiple wives in a time before the exodus from {{TOS|Kobol}}. Such wives were typically "very young" according to the [[Book of the Word]] {{OS|The Living Legend, Part I}}. It remains unstated whether or not bisexual sex acts were involved in these polygamous relationships.

Yet despite this, monogamy appears to be the default mating practice of the Colonies, as many Colonials were [[Seal]]ed to only one mate, among them:
* [[Apollo (TOS)|Apollo]] and [[Serina]] {{OS|Lost Planet of the Gods, Part II}}
* [[Adama (TOS)|Adama]] and [[Ila]] {{OS|Saga of a Star World}}
* [[Sire]] [[Uri]] and [[Siress Uri]]

== Un-Sealed practices ==

Although monogamy apparently reigns on the Colonies, many Colonial males such as Starbuck, [[Chameleon]], and Sire Uri tend to regale themselves with multiple female companions. 

Being the primary "swash-bucking" character, Starbuck tends to engage in flirtatious relationships with the various women he has come across, including: {{TOS|Athena}}, [[Aurora (TOS)|Aurora]] {{OS|Take the Celestra}}, [[Cassiopeia]], [[Miri]] {{OS|The Young Lords}}, [[Miriam]], [[Noday]], and even attempted to flirt with [[Sheba]] {{OS|The Living Legend, Part I}}.

In addition, it is indicated that women also regaled themselves with multiple male companions. In "[[War of the Gods, Part II]]," [[Iblis]] comments to Starbuck that Sheba should not limit herself to one man, when Starbuck notes that Sheba seemed to dump Iblis in favor of Apollo during a [[The Fleet (TOS)|Fleet]] celebration.

Also, sexual relationships seem to be fairly fancy-free, as [[Siress]] [[Blassie]] takes a sexual interest in Chameleon, who arranges for his affairs after it was "proven" that Chameleon was not Starbuck's father {{OS|The Man with Nine Lives}}.

== Socialators ==

[[Socialator]]s are a form of sexual companion serving the Colonies. Their vocation is sanctified by "the elders," whose gender was never directly specified either way. People practicing this vocation are viewed with disdain by religious groups like the [[Otori Sect]] and, judging by Cassiopeia's quick defense of the vocation to Starbuck, others {{OS|Saga of a Star World}}.

== Religious implications ==

The most religious of the Twelve Colonies, the [[Gemini|Gemonese]], treat contact between the sexes very differently than members from other Colonies. The aforementioned Otori Sect's high priests permit contact between the genders during the [[High Worship of the Sunstorm]], which occurs every seven [[yahren]] {{OS|Saga of a Star World}}.

== References ==

=== Commentary and Interviews ===
{{reflist|group=commentary}}

[[Category: A to Z]]
[[Category: Colonial Society]]
[[Category: Colonial Society (TOS)]]
[[Category: 1980]]
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