“If we could truly depict women’s desire, we might come to understand how it secretly rules the world" - writes author Erica Jong in her foreword for “A Woman's Right To Pleasure,” a groundbreaking new book by BlackBook, Dr. Marashi and LELO. And we couldn't agree more.
For most of history, the female experience has been presented by and explored through the voices, views and laws of men. Whether it was John Cleland or Alfred Kinsey writing about it, Gustave Courbet painting it, or politicians passing legislation about it, the female body has often been dictated, controlled and censored by everyone but women. Not anymore. On the A Woman's Right To Pleasure podcast, EDITOR IN CHIEF ALEXANDRA WEISS AND pornographer and writer Stoya sit down with the bold and brave womxn who are changing these narratives through their work. Guests include artist Marilyn Minter and filmmaker-turned-sexologist Liz Golwyn, Pussy Riot activist Nadya Tolokonnikova and punk legend Alice Bag — and many more. The series presents an unapologetic look at what it means to be a womxn: representation, education, history, art, punk, activism, equality, empowerment, pain and of course, pleasure. In Tolokonnikova's words: "This is our radical act of resistance against a history that has suppressed us for far too long. Now is our time to tell the world."
ON EPISODE ONE, Alexandra Weiss AND STOYA are joined by writer, filmmaker and host of “The Sex Ed podcast,” Liz Goldwyn, and legendary visual artist Marilyn Minter. In this episode, THEY discuss the male gaze in art and pornography, the female gaze, the controversy and history of female pubic hair, the current state of the porn industry with sites like PornHub and OnlyFans, ecosexuality and goddess worship, the shame and stigma surrounding pornography, female sexual fantasies and their relationship with the patriarchy, censorship, slut-shaming, the illusion of social media and owning your power.
ON EPISODE TWO, WEISS AND STOYA Are joined by artist, activist and founder of Pussy Riot, Nadya Tolokonnikova, and legendary punk musician Alice Bag. In this episode, we discuss punk rock, the power of female rage, art as a tool for activism, advice for young activists, sexuality in ‘70s L.A., the differences in the female experience in the United States and Russia, cat-calling, slut-shaming, masturbation, menopause and being a feminist at every age. LISTEN TO EPISODE TWO HERE.
ON EPISODE THREE, WEISS AND STOYA SIT DOWN WITH ARTIST AND ACTIVIST SOPHIA WALLACE. In this episode, we discuss the representation of the female body in pornography and art history, motherhood, the censorship of the female body, objectification, desire, the language we use to discuss female sexuality, queer sexuality, what it means to be “cliterate” and pleasure as a political act. LISTEN TO EPISODE THREE HERE.
LISTEN A SUBSCRIBE TO THE A WOMAN’S RIGHT TO PLEASURE PODCAST HERE.
