Sex:
Joker and Harley's sex life is another point of contention for many
people; whether or not it actually exists being subject to debate. This
is because it had generally been accepted The Joker was asexual, that his
interest did not lie with sex in any form and that his pleasure was fulfilled
in more perverse ways (such as causing destruction and mayhem). I
agree with this; but also believe sex happens between Joker and Harley.
In the beginning, it probably didn't for some time. But, as with Joker's
feelings toward Harley, as time passed Joker's libido was possibly stirred
and awakened. To say that ‘Harley is gorgeous, who wouldn't want her’, is
far too simplistic when it comes to Joker because he does not operate on
that sort of normal level. Naturally, he would be aware of her attractiveness
and its use, but I believe his desire to engage sexually with her is more
about how attractive he finds her as a possession; as his very own living
doll. It is another way of experiencing his power over her and revelling
in it and I'm sure Joker would think up plenty of twisted ways to explore
just how far his hold on Harley went in this way, and seeing her prove it
would excite and titillate him.
Several references have been made to their use of a whoopee cushion as
a sex toy in such a way that it is clear its use has already been established
- that is, it's been used. They have been shown to share a bed several times
and Harley's failed attempts at seduction take place in such a way that
it is apparent she has succeeded in the past - the language she uses and
the way she engages with him does not suggest she's always drawn blanks.
The most famous, in Mad Love, where Harley says things like: "oh sweetie
- I've got the whoopie cushion!" and "don'tcha wanna rev up your Harley?"
are two examples. Not: "Oh sweetie, we could use the whoopie cushion!" or
"I could be your Harley! Vroom vroom!" The differences are subtle, but there.
Additionally, in Harley Quinn, it is said that they spent their nights
together and when Harley says they went back to share "a night of pure joy"
she does not say "we finally consummated our love!". Also worthy of note here
is that while Harley describes what sounds like the effects of a drug, this
is not the same thing as saying “I can’t remember what happened”. In fact,
the impression is strongly given that she remembers very well. Poison Ivy’s
remark of “drugged you, huh?” is also not Ivy saying that she doesn’t think
sex happened – just that she thinks Harley was drugged.
It is important to remember no one is privy to what goes on between Joker
and Harley behind closed doors except the two of them. I consider it an
absolute certainty sex between them happens, possibly with more regularity
as the years go by (Harley is persistent, after all, and a quick learner).
Not that it happens in any normal way or even in ways that are always safe
for Harley, and she is probably the initiator most of the time, then subjected
to being passive and submissive. But that it does exist and is probably
as rude and disturbing (if pleasurable) a shock to Joker as his feelings
for her.
But further to this, is the fact that most of society is focused on traditional
forms of sex to the point we tend not to see sexualised behaviour in other
manifestations. To me it is apparent that the relationship between Joker
and Harley is a *highly* sexualised one that is mutually gratifying. There
might not be a lot of missionary position style copulating, but it is clear
that other forms of sexualised play form the basis of their relationship.
There is the power exchange, for a start. Those who are involved in such
relationships understand full well that this can be enormously gratifying
on its own. There is the pleasure Harley clearly gets as a 'performer' for
Joker and the delight Joker takes in making her run in circles for him. Just
because there might not be a great deal of traditional sex does not mean
sexual pleasure is not taken in other ways. In fact, I believe this is something
Harley learns how to do over the years - from as little as a touch or a look
from Joker. Joker himself, being something of a sensualist and pansexual,
has demonstrated on many different occasions he gets perverse pleasure from
all sorts of things and this would be true of Harley as well.