Sex-positive feminism is a movement that seeks to challenge traditional narratives surrounding sexuality. Initially coined in the 1980s, it aims to empower women to make informed choices about their bodies.
Feminist ideology is constantly evolving—it has been for decades, if not over a century.
Sex-positive feminism is rooted in the belief that sexual expression is a fundamental aspect of human identity and that women should be free from societal judgment or repression—just like men have been forever. It aims to dismantle oppressive, patriarchal structures and promote a more inclusive and open-minded approach to sexuality and sexual expression.
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Sex-Positive Feminism Definition
Simply, it is a progressive perspective within the broader feminist movement that advocates for the affirmation of sexual diversity, freedom of sexual expression, and the rejection of slut-shaming and sex negativity. At its core, sex-positive feminism encourages people to embrace any sort of consensual fucking—that includes between dedicated partner(s), kink and BDSM sex play, group sex, the exploration of fetishes… whatever gets you off. It’s all okay so long as everyone is on board and having a good time.
Additionally, sex-positive feminism addresses issues related to reproductive rights, consent, and the importance of fucking up the patriarchy—women have the right to enjoy sex, too!
What the Fuck is the Patriarchy, Exactly?
The patriarchy refers to a social system where power and authority are predominantly held by men, and societal structures are organized in a way that benefits and prioritizes men over women.
This system is characterized by the reinforcement of traditional gender roles, where men typically hold positions of power in various aspects of life, including politics, economics, and social institutions. The patriarchy also limits opportunities for women and perpetuates gender inequities and discrimination.
An easy reference can be found in the 2023 smash hit movie Barbie. Barbieland was a world dominated by women… and in turn, Ken only stepped into his “power” once he and Barbie left and entered the “real world.”
We prefer our Barbie dream house over a Mojo Dojo Casa any day.
Ken Turns Barbie’s Dreamhouse into Ken’s Mojo Dojo Casa House | Top Clips via Youtube
Key Principles of Sex-Positive Feminism
Consent & Agency
A strong emphasis is placed on consent and agency, as sex-positive feminism asserts that individuals have the right to make decisions about their bodily autonomy and the type of sex they want to have. This includes advocating for comprehensive sex education that is centered on communication, respect, and the clear establishment and understanding of personal boundaries.
Dismantling Shame and Stigma
Sex-positive feminists challenge societal norms that perpetuate stigma or shame about any sort of sex. They argue that embracing diverse sexual identities, experiences, and activities results in a healthier and more inclusive society. This involves saying “fuck you” to slut shaming and policing women’s bodies. Plus, it promotes the idea that any sort of non-normative sex is perfectly normal… for instance, do you love Shibari? Awesome! Enjoy anal? More power to you! Want to have your ass smacked with a riding crop? Tally ho!
Nia True, kink-affirming counselor, and Juicy Pink Box contributor, notes, “How can any of us experience physical agency if we aren’t allowed to explore and enjoy our own bodies fully, or feel shame when we do?”
Photo: Dennis Ho For Juicy Pink Box
Addressing Intersectionality
Sex-positivity also recognizes the intersectionality of various identities, including race, class, gender, and sexual orientation. It acknowledges that different groups face unique challenges regarding sexual liberation. It strives to create a more inclusive movement that accounts for the wide-ranging experiences of ALL people. Sex-positive feminism establishes a safe and positive zone for sex.
Nia True states, “Patriarchal ideas about a man being the initiator and the woman being a passive recipient of sex puts unnecessary pressure on men to ‘perform’ in particular ways. It’s also disempowering to women. Patriarchal constructs also heteronormatively exclude other gender identities, sexual orientations, and relationship structures. That is completely shitty.”
What Is a Woman?
The answer is quite simple. A woman is any individual who identifies as female, irrespective of their assigned sex at birth. Realize that gender identity is a deeply personal and intrinsic sense of being male, female, or another gender. And a woman is someone who aligns with the female gender.
In contemporary discussions on gender, it is essential to recognize and respect self-identification as a crucial aspect of one’s identity. This perspective acknowledges the diversity of experiences and expressions within the category of womanhood. It emphasizes that an individual’s internal sense of self, rather than solely biological factors, determines it.
Your ideas about your own gender might shift over time, and that’s perfectly alright.
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Reproductive Rights and Bodily Autonomy
Sex-positive feminists advocate for and support full-spectrum reproductive rights and bodily autonomy. This includes access to contraception, safe and legal abortion, and addressing systemic barriers that disproportionately affect marginalized communities.
Additionally, sex-positive feminism has earned credit for shattering taboos around things like periods, which for fuck’s sake, are completely normal and natural. (Louder for the people in the back!)
Media Literacy and Sex-Positive Feminism
This movement encourages critical media literacy and challenges harmful representations of sexuality in the media. It promotes a more accurate and diverse portrayal of sexual experiences and thereby counteracts harmful stereotypes. Sex-positive feminism looks to create a more realistic understanding of human sexuality.
Enter Critiques and Controversies
While there is considerable traction and support for sex-positive feminism, we would be remiss not to address some controversies…
Critics argue that the movement can inadvertently place privilege on certain forms of sexuality over others—and also neglect the sexual experiences or identities of marginalized groups, such as transwomen.
Additionally, concerns have been raised about the commercialization and commodification of sex within a capitalist framework, for instance, the legalization of sex work.
Photo: Maryia Plashchynskaya via Pexels
Sex-Positive Feminism is About Much More Than Getting Off
It’s easy to look at the term “sex-positive” feminism and think it simply means being down for sex—in whatever form, with anyone, and wherever. Yes, that sounds empowering (and, ahem, awesome), but it goes far deeper at the end of the day.
Sex-positive feminism separates privilege from pleasure, normalizes the sexuality of women, promotes bodily autonomy and safe sex, establishes a culture where women’s bodies and trans bodies are not regulated or policed and creates shame-free zones… no matter how you like to fuck.
