In Defense of Porn

I identify as a sex positive feminist. I believe in the empowerment of exploring sexuality and desire, and having consensual sex in the fashion that you choose. Any fantasy, object or technique that intrigues you should be introduced and explored, so you can create an informed opinion on what you like and don’t like.

I also identify as a rape crisis advocate. I volunteer as a medical advocate, working one on one with survivors in hospital emergency rooms, usually within a short time of their rape experience. I also volunteer on a rape hotline, taking calls from survivors looking for resources, or for an ear to listen and reassure them that their healing will happen.

I don’t ever see my two identities conflicting, but in September, when I was at the Chicago SlutWalk march, there was a group (Stop Patriarchy) that was passing out literature that said that enjoying porn directly correlates to a rape culture:

Things You Can Do Today To End the Enslavement & Degradation of Women:

- STOP WATCHING PORN! Porn destroys the lives of women used in it. Porn corrupts the humanity of those who watch it. Porn fills society with the deadly notion that women are sex objects & that sex is about domination & degradation. If you can’t imagine SEX without porn, you’re FUCKED!

I understand that this opinion is a second wave feminist idea, and as a third wave feminist, I believe that this is an antiquated idea. There is some mainstream porn, mostly the ones that show up on free porn websites, that are cruel, disgusting, and degrading of all the actors, not just the women. I do see problems with how some BDSM porn scenes do not show a negotiation scene, or show any after care. However, this is not the only form of porn being produced.

There is a number of independent porn production companies that employ a wide arrange of porn actors, in all genders, body types, races, and sexual orientations, and these companies distributes porn that is safe, fun, and sexy. I personally love the production companies Dirty Diaries, Indie Porn Revolution, Crash Pad Series, as well as many others.

From Crash Pad Series:

Here you’ll find real dyke porn, lesbians, femme on femme, boi, stud, genderqueer and trans-masculine performers, transwomen, transmen, queer men and women engaging in authentic queer sexuality, whether it is with safer sex, strap-on sex, cocksucking, kink and bdsm, gender play and fluidity, and always authentic orgasms.

I know that rape culture is propagated by the media, in various forms, and I know that pornography plays a part in this, but I don’t think that all pornography is created equal. I would rather watch porn, and learn what interests and appeals to me (or doesn’t), than to be close minded to any porn. Bold statements such as “Porn corrupts the humanity of those who watch it” is incredibly offensive to everyone, as it seems to claim that no one is in control of their own power or desire, and that if we watch porn, we’ll all turn into abusive, misogynist rapists.

I believe in the power of enjoying porn, and just like any other fantasy media, such as television shows or video games, it is important to know the distinction between real life and what I am watching. I don’t think it “corrupts my humanity”, nor does it make me think “that sex is about degradation & domination”. It is part of my sexual menu, and will remain something to be enjoyed, and a way to learn about intriguing positions, dynamics, fantasies and acts.

Sex-Positive Fundamentals

Sex-positive perspectives asserts that:

- Consensual sex is the opposite of rape. As rape is a negative force both personally and in society, sex can be a positive force in both personal development and in society at large.

- Communication, consent and pleasure are necessary components of sexual health.

- Sexual health includes engaging in sexual acts that are safe, sane and consensual.

- Consensual sexual expression is a basic human right, regardless of the form that expression takes.

- Sexual assault, pregnancy and STI transmission prevention are necessary components of healthy sexuality education.

- People have the right to accurate and straightforward sexual health information.

- Is it inappropriate to judge others’ consensual choices regarding how they have sex, who to hae sex with, or how they define their sexual orientation and identity.

This list was compiled by Rape Victim Advocates in Chicago, IL. www.rapevictimadvocates.org

LOVE… breathing after rape

Rape Victim Advocates is partnering with UnSilenced Woman Press to create a chapbook, LOVE…breathing after rape, edited by Veronica Precious Bohanan that addresses life after rape by highlighting the stories of survivors who actively choose to love, heal and thrive.  We are seeking survival accounts about:

• How you grew to love yourself and others
• How you became sex-positive and a healthy sexual being
• How do you speak out against rape
• How your relationship with your body evolved
• What has been your mental, physical and emotional well-being regime
• What is your evolving process of healing
• What is your process of disclosing your experiences to lovers
• A survival letter to yourself, the person(s) who assaulted you, your current/past lovers, and/or to other girls, adolescents and women who may or may not have experienced such violation.

The submissions can be poetry, prose, short stories, journal entries, creative non-fiction, and/or black & white or gray-scale original visual images.  Written submissions should not exceed 350 words and can be sent electronically as attached PDFs or in the body of an email to veronica@unsilencedwomanpress.com.  The submission deadline is Monday, March 22, 2012 at 12 pm. 

Selected will be featured at a special performance event during Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) on Thursday, April 12 and/or printed in the chapbook.  More details about the event and a full calendar of all Rape Victim Advocates events during SAAM will be including in our March News & Updates.