G-0LV06DT3SY Sex Positivity and Why It's Important - Breaking Free Authentically: The Sex Positive Relationship Podcast

Episode 2

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Published on:

20th Jul 2022

Sex Positivity and Why It's Important

Episode 2: Sex Positivity and Why It's Important

Explicit

What is Sex Positivity?

  • Taking a look at an article written by Morgan Mandriota called “All About Sex Positivity” https://psychcentral.com/health/sex-positivity-meaning
  • It's well written and has some great explanations and resources
  • “My personal working definition of ‘sex positivity’ is operating around the topics of human sexuality, health, and pleasure with respect and without shame or stigma. This includes gender identity, orientation, sex education, nudity, relationship styles, body positivity, safer sex, reproductive equity, and much more,” says Goody Howard, a resident sex educator for sexual hygiene and body care company Royal.
  • “Historically, it was common for sex to be viewed from a moralistic (based in sin) or medicalized (based in sickness or disease) framework. Through these lenses, otherwise natural and healthy sexual desires and behaviors are something to be repressed, controlled, or cured,” explains sociologist and certified sexologist Sarah Melancon, PhD with The Sex Toy Collective.
  • How I viewed sex and sexuality

Why is Sex Positivity important?

  • A sex positive approach realizes the potential life enhancing aspects of human sexuality, and presents sexuality as something that can be valued and celebrated, thereby giving people permission to consider their own sexuality. It is important to note that sex positivity is not sex promotion.

Why should we become sex-positive?

What is Sex Negativity?

Sex negative examples

Sex negativity is everywhere, and it’s easy to internalize. But it’s important to notice when it pops up so you can stop it in its tracks.

How can you tell if you or someone you know is sex-negative? Obvious and subtle signs of sex negativity may include:

  • using STIs or sexualities as punchlines (think: asking if someone’s rash is herpes or calling someone “gay” as a joke)
  • assuming anything that’s not heteronormative is a sign of a mental health condition
  • believing anal sex is only for people who identify as gay
  • “slut shaming” women (or shaming anyone engaging in consensual sexual behavior)
  • victim-blaming for sexual assault
  • advocating for punishment or violence toward sex workers or LGBTQIA+ people
  • considering sex and sexuality to be “dirty,” “sinful,” or other negative adjectives
  • referring to heterosexuality and being cisgender as “normal,” “natural,” or “regular”
  • making negative comments about another person’s body, partner, style, or identity

 

How do you embrace sex positivity?

  • Another simple thing women can do to evolve their own sex positivity is to talk about it. Share your sex-positive outlook with others (when and where appropriate). Our community of #WiseWomen is helping to break the stigma of sexual discussion by making these conversations normal.

How to be sex positive:

*Value your sexuality

*Share and respect pronouns

*Question your reactions toward sex

If you notice your own sex negativity popping up when faced with another person’s sexuality or identity, Melancon recommends asking yourself the following questions:

  • What about their behavior is upsetting, and why?
  • What “kind” of person engages in this behavior or has these fantasies?
  • What would it mean about you if you enjoyed this sexual behavior?

“Often, we project our own insecurities and shame onto others, so judgment of others can actually be a window into our own deeper issues,” she adds.

*Advocate for sex-positive policies and organizations

*Learn more about sex positivity

Many resources exist to help you along your sex-positivity journey. Consider reading these sex-positive books:

*See a sex therapist

What are the benefits of sex positivity?

  • authenticity
  • better mental health
  • feeling empowered
  • no longer judging others
  • freedom
  • joy
  • the ability to be more honest in your relationships

Why is it harmful to not be sex-positive?

  • might not respect others and their choices
  • feelings of superiority
  • difficulty enjoying your sexuality
  • feeling stuck
  • difficulty talking about sex even to your partner
  • attaching shame and guilt


Research Links


Breaking Free Authentically: The Sex Positive Relationship Podcast website

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About the Podcast

Breaking Free Authentically: The Sex Positive Relationship Podcast
The Sex Positive Relationship Podcast
Learning how to Break Free from religious and social programming to truly live a life of authenticity and pleasure. We look at how shifting our mindset about Sex and Sexuality can radically change our relationships and allow them to be more fun, honest, safe, connected, ethical and authentic. We delve into Sex Positivity and what that is while also looking at things like Love Languages, Attachment Styles, and Boundaries to help us Break Free from relationship myths that are keeping us stuck in a world that isn't quite the right fit. We long for true authentic connections and the ability to completely be ourselves. Let's start living!
Follow me on Instagram @karinebedardcoaching

About your host

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Karine Bedard

You've heard, “Sex is wrong! Relationships are supposed to be hard work!”

What you probably didn’t learn is that sex is empowering and that relationships can be free, and fun, and empowered all at the same time! Karine kicks shame and guilt to the curb so that you can live your most authentic life the way that you want to.

She never in her wildest dreams imagined living the Empowered, Sexy, and Authentic life that she lives right now. Discovering Sex Positivity was the catalyst that allowed her to step out and explore a whole new world of possibilities! She is a Bible School Graduate turned Playboy Enthusiast! While studying the “worst of the worst”, she found her people.

Life is not always what we’ve been taught. Karine uses her magnetism, deep love of people and intuition to release her clients from the societal and religious boxes that they have been programmed into. She wants to inspire people to live their truth and discover their often deeply buried sexual desires and bring them to life in a safe and ethical way that empowers them and their relationships.

She is normalizing Ethical Non-Monogamy. She wants couples to step out and discover the beauty and power of true honesty, authenticity, and confidence in relationships. Looking at the world through a Sex Positive lens will absolutely shift how you understand relationships.

She uses her magnetism and transparency to make you feel safe and seen. Her intuition allows her to see exactly what is holding you back in life and her ability to really see you makes you feel accepted and safe with her. Through her openness and vulnerability she is able to transform your fears into joy and excitement. She is the best at bringing you safely into this Sex Positive world without fear or regret. She guides you every step of the way.

She wants more for you than the script you’ve been fed, “Find your soulmate, marry them, and be monogamous forever!” There is so much more than this in life. Step out and finally Break Free!