Sex-positive feminism is also called pro-sex feminism, sex-radical feminism or sexually liberal feminism. The sex-positive feminist movement was started in the early 1980’s and was set up in response to anti-pornography feminist. Advocates of the sex- positive movement are Ellen Willis, Susie Bright, Patrick Califia and Gail Rubin.
Catharine Mackinnon, Andrea Dworkin, Robin Morgan and Dorchen Leidholdt were prominent anti-pornography feminists. They believe that pornography is an example of oppression of women, which is opposite to what the sex-positive feminist believe.
Thus creating the beginning of the "
Feminist Sex Wars" in the early 1980's.
Gayle Rubin an acclaimed sex-positive feminist purports: "There have been two strains of feminist thought on the subject. One tendency has critized the restrictions on women's sexual behaviour and denounced the high costs imposed on women for being sexually active.
"This tradition of feminist sexual thought has called for liberation that would work for women as well as for men. The second tendency has considered sexual liberalization to be inherently a mere extension of male privilege. This tradition resonates with conservative, anti-sexual discourse."
However some sex-positive feminists are not against other feminists but are attacking the patriarchal control of women's sexuality.
They also purport: " that in the area of sexuality, government blatantly discriminate against women."
The ideology behind sex-positive feminism is sexual freedom of women is essential. They will fight any legislation or social efforts to control individual's sexual activity. Sex-positive feminist will fight the government or other feminist who they see as trying to control people's sexuality.
They believe that as long as it between two consenting adults it is no-one business what you do in your sex life.
Sex-positive feminist are not only for women they support sexual minority groups with the idea of building a united front with groups are who are targeted by sex-negativity.
The male sex is not viewed as the enemy with the sex-positive feminist, instead they welcomed into the group as they acknowledge all of human sexuality.
They believe that pornography should not be over regulated, as it is just another way patriarchal limiting sexual expression.
Some anti-censorship activists, feminist scholars, sex radicals, producers of pornography and erotica are brought together under the umbrella sex-positive feminist ideology.
Biography
Author:
Lucy Brookes
Website:
http://www.lucybrookes-writer.co.uk
Lucy Brookes is a feminist author interested in women studies.
