A conversation with Erotic Film Director Erika Lust, Performer & Intimacy Coordinator Maria Riot, and Sex Health Educator Tessy Vanderhaeghe.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes. “Heldischer Tanz” performed by the Gisa Geert Group. Photo by Dora Kallmus (aka Madam D’Ora), Vienna 1924. “Heldischer Tanz” translates as “more heroic dance.” Source: un regard oblique.

Hey, I totally get why many women and feminists are vehemently opposed to pornography.

If my only exposure to it were mainstream sites like Pornhub, then I would be too. In fact, I’m just as disgusted and horrified as any ‘feminazi’ by the lessons about sex and body image the industry provides, and by its treatment of its workers. Cishet men’s tastes being just as diverse as any other demographic’s too, then I’m not even turned on by most of the content out there either, despite almost all of it supposedly being specifically tailored towards my male gaze.

But.

I also firmly believe that whatever the medium, most human beings will always be drawn to erotic imagery and depictions of sex between consenting adults. That because of that instinctive urge, it would be unrealistic and incredibly naive to ban it. That we shouldn’t ban it anyway, because it’s a good thing. And, in particular, that most if not all of opponents’ problems with it would be solved by actors being paid adequately (i.e., it shouldn’t be free), by intimacy coordinators being required by law, and by concerted efforts to appeal to all sexualities and body types.

In other words, “feminist pornography.” Which very much does exist, and is absolutely not the joke it’s often made out to be.

So much so, that I’ve actually been subscribing to one such site for several years. Make even more jokes about that if you want, but yeah—it really is one hell of a turn-on knowing that the performers are making a decent living, are genuinely enjoying their work, that my financial support goes towards films with a much wider range of body types and sexualities than just those that appeal to me personally, and that they’re all designed for a female partner’s enjoyment just as much as my own.

I know, right? How embarrassing! How could I ever live it down if this peccadillo of mine got out?

Or indeed, that feminist films are still a turn-on even though they tend to be designed much more for women actually? Especially if they’re by or on a site produced or operated by Erika Lust, whose webinar on Thursday night I’ll leave you with the details of now:

Via the eventbrite page:

Dive into the world of ethical p*rnography with acclaimed adult filmmaker Erika Lust, performer and intimacy coordinator Maria Riot, and sexual health educator Tessy Vanderhaeghe! Join us for an insightful online webinar as we explore the complexities of this genre alongside the release of Erika’s groundbreaking new film, “Kazumi’s Party.”

In celebration of Erika’s 20th anniversary in the industry, this webinar aims to explore the evolution and future trajectory of this genre of adult film and how the boundaries of ethical p*rnography are changing and evolving.

Our speakers will explore the central question: “What is ethical p*rn and where are the boundaries?”, while addressing topics suh as the empowerment of women through the adult cinema.

Join us for a 40-minute discussion followed by a 20-minute Q&A session, where you can engage directly with our speakers. Register now to secure your spot and be part of this thought-provoking conversation!

If you can’t make the webinar, please consider watching her (age-restricted) TED Talk from last year instead.

Ultimately, through efforts like hers, and public support, my hope is that one day there won’t any need to add the prefix “feminist” before “pornography” anymore, just like it already feels so awkward and completely unnecessary to use “female” before “doctor” say.

Or maybe I too am being naive and unrealistic?

“The reaction to having a woman in a condom ad is exactly why we need women in condom ads.”

Either way, supporting that cause with (what is now) US$119.40 on a yearly subscription seems a small price to find out. But, if you think that money is actually harming women, then please do read some more about Erika Lust, peruse some of her work, and let me know why. I mean that genuinely. While, not going to lie, I’m still very skeptical that anyone will be able to come up with any legitimate criticisms, I’m also on an explicit mission to respectfully consider alternative viewpoints in 2024, so I look forward to hearing yours. Cheers!

Related Posts:

• “Japan is Famously—or Notoriously—Known for its People Not Being Able to Say No.”
• Pornography Actors are People too. Greater, not Less Access to Their Work Will Help Remind the Korean Public of That.
• Why, oh Why, do we Need Mosaics on Women’s Nipples?
• “I am a Woman Who Buys Condoms.”
• Why Does Korea Have so Many of Those Damn Smutty Ads?
• Busting the Myth of Jeju Island’s Topless Divers

If you reside in South Korea, you can donate via wire transfer: Turnbull James Edward (Kookmin Bank/국민은행, 563401-01-214324)