Sex (and Sexuality) in the News: Weekly Roundup — Nov 13, 2023
Unsplash: Jonathan Borba
Stay informed and entertained with our curated weekly roundup of 'Sex (and sexuality) in the News.' Explore articles, updates, and trends related to human intimacy, relationships, and identity, including insights into legislation, law, and censorship, as well as engaging topics such as enhancing your sex life and experiencing deeper levels of pleasure. Article summaries were co-written with the help of ChatGPT.
Olly Alexander joins 1300+ LGBTQIA+ people calling for Palestine ceasefire
In a remarkable show of international solidarity, the LGBTQIA+ advocacy groups Voices4 London and The Outside Project have garnered hundreds of signatures, including high-profile figures like popstar Olly Alexander, in an open letter supporting Palestine. The statement calls for solidarity with the Palestinian liberation movement, an immediate ceasefire, and an end to the occupation of Palestine.
The LGBTQIA+ community emphasizes that advocating for Palestinian rights aligns with supporting the rights of queer individuals worldwide. The letter has gained over 1300 signatures from individuals globally, amplifying the growing momentum for humanitarian intervention in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Read the full letter here. Add your name here.
QueerAF • Marty Davies
City ordinance banning public homosexuality reaches rutherford county libraries
In Murfreesboro, Tennessee, a municipal ordinance targeting "indecent behavior" is now being used to remove LGBTQ+ themed books from the local library. City officials have withdrawn four titles and introduced a tiered library card system, restricting access to nonfiction content. The ordinance, criticized for its vague definition of indecency linking to the ban on public homosexuality, has also been used against local Pride events. Legal challenges by the ACLU on behalf of BoroPride are underway. Tennessee's broader legislative landscape this year has seen the passage of anti-LGBTQ+ statutes, reflecting a concerning trend of restrictions on free speech and expression for the LGBTQ+ community within the state.
Erin in the Morning • Erin Reed
Beducated unraveling the orgasm gap It’s not her, it’s you
Beducated Magazine sheds light on the persistent "orgasm gap" between men and women, emphasizing the disparity during partnered sex and the reasons behind it. A recent survey by the online sex education resource reveals that men are almost twice as likely to orgasm during heterosexual sex compared to women. However, the gap disappears during masturbation. The article points to a lack of communication and pleasure-based sex education as contributing factors. Julia Svirid, Beducated’s In-House Sex Coach, notes that women often fake orgasms due to societal expectations and lack of communication skills. The survey highlights the need for a shift in sex education towards pleasure-based learning, empowering individuals to communicate preferences and boundaries with confidence.
StoreErotica • Lilly Jenner
Related:
State of intimacy: A report on sex, love, and modern relationships
In its State of Intimacy Report, Arya, a couple's wellness platform, explores the landscape of modern relationships, focusing on desires, connections, and erotic exploration. The report suggests that routine in intimate or sex lives, even if frequent, may lead to lower desire and satisfaction over time. The data emphasizes the importance of exploring new sexual and intimate experiences for long-term relationship satisfaction. The findings reveal that couples engaging in curated nights of play experience sustained interest, debunking the notion of sexual monotony.
Additionally, the report highlights the significance of communication, emotional connection, and trust in enhancing exploration and satisfaction in intimate relationships. The data also dispels misconceptions, showing that users of various experience levels find guided erotic exploration satisfying.
Arya
Women’s sexual desire: Does it change over time?
Exploring the nuanced landscape of women's sexual desire, the article features insights from Dr. Laura Vowels, an in-house sex and relationship therapist. Key factors shaping changes in women's desire include menopause, hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy, and the evolution of desire within long-term relationships. Dr. Vowels emphasizes communication and prioritizing the sexual relationship to navigate shifts in desire over time. While hormonal influences on desire remain complex, the article suggests potential solutions. Addressing the misconception about the impact of regular sex on menopause, the article advocates for understanding both biological and psychological factors influencing desire. It encourages ongoing exploration, variety, and communication to sustain sexual curiosity in monogamous relationships, and offers guidance on navigating body image challenges, post-childbirth intimacy, and staying mindful of evolving sexual desires.
The Oh Collective
Do prostitution laws affect rape rates? Evidence from Europe
Analyzing the impact of prostitution laws on rape rates in Europe, this article examines the societal effects of legalizing or prohibiting commercial sex. Contrary to the U.S. government's view of prostitution as inherently harmful, the research suggests that liberalizing prostitution decreases rape rates, while prohibiting it significantly increases them.
The study examines legal changes in 31 European countries from 1990 to 2017, finding that liberalization leads to a notable decline in rape rates, whereas prohibition results in a substantial increase. The study attributes these effects to the substitution impact, asserting that legalizing sex work enhances its supply, affordability, and safety, thereby reducing rape rates, while banning it creates scarcity, driving costs up and increasing health and safety risks. The research further explores various prostitution policy models and their differential impacts on rape rates, highlighting the nuanced relationship between legal frameworks and sexual violence.
CATO Institute • Huasheng Gao and Vanya Petrova
Only 1 in 10 asexual people feel comfortable to be out at work
Examining the experiences of asexual individuals in the U.K., the report "Ace In The UK" reveals that only one in ten asexual people feel comfortable being open about their identity at work. Co-authored by asexual activist Yasmin Benoit and LGBTQ charity Stonewall, the report highlights the discrimination faced by asexual individuals in society, healthcare, and the workplace. Asexual people, comprising 1-2% of the population, encounter hostile work environments, sexual harassment, and intrusive questions.
The study emphasizes the need for workplace support and recommends including asexual people in diversity, equity, and inclusion training. Stonewall advocates for amending the Equality Act to better protect asexual communities. The report underscores the impact of overly sexualized workplace cultures, which contribute to asexual individuals feeling hesitant to be open about their identity, leading to exclusion and challenges in professional settings.
Forbes • Jamie Wareham
After 16 years, the feminist publication Jezebel is shutting down
Jezebel, an influential online feminist publication, is shutting down after 16 years, as announced by G/O Media CEO Jim Spanfeller in a memo. Spanfeller cited misalignment between Jezebel's focus and the broader network's business model and audience. Despite attempting to sell the publication to over two dozen potential buyers, the decision to "suspend" Jezebel was made. The closure is accompanied by layoffs affecting 23 G/O Media employees. Jezebel, founded in 2007 as part of Gawker Media, played a significant role in covering reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ issues in recent years. The move follows a trend of feminist publications ceasing operations amid challenges to bodily autonomy, and tensions between G/O Media management and editorial teams have been widely reported.
them • Abby Monteil
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