Is watching porn wrong? Could it be positive part of our sexual repertoire - or should it remain a grubby secret like we learnt as teenagers? We invited our friends at ethical porn platform CHEEX to share their unique perspective on the horny topic of sexual freedom, and whether porn counts as part of our sexual wellness regime. 

What Does Sexual Freedom mean? 

In general, sexual freedom means being able to communicate needs, wishes, and boundaries, which are important to finding sexual freedom. Through these practices, safe space can be established. It is also essential to free oneself from societal pressures, deeply ingrained gender stereotypes, and expectations. To reach sexual liberation people should be the freest version of themselves and at ease with their sexual desires. 

Are We Sexually Liberated? 

It’s 2022 and sexual freedom is as relevant as ever. On the one hand, we have an abundance of sexually liberated platforms. There are podcasts, articles, and books openly discussing sex, sexuality, nudity, and all types of preferences. Many people talk about their favourite porn sites, sexual positions, and sex toys. Sex-parties, numerous sexual wellness sites, and bondage classes are available. Events for the LGBTQI+ community, and organizations that are working towards creating safe spaces for BIPoC LGBTQI+ people are expanding. The feminist discourse is also becoming more and more intersectional.

On the other hand... 

• Sex and nudity are heavily censored on social media, especially the female body. This is evident through the rise of movements such as #freethenipple or #uncensoredme.
• In 70 countries, LGBTQI+ relationships are still illegal. Hungary recently has passed a law prohibiting young people from informing themselves on homosexuality.
• Poland has created ‘LGBTQI+ free zones’ and the German Bundestag denied the ‘Self-determination Act,’ consequently, holding onto a transphobic law.
• Many porn-tubes still have videos of underaged people and rape videos up, and sex-workers are being exploited.

What is Standing in Our Way? 

It is important to remember that power structures apply to sex and sexuality in the same way they do to every other aspect of life. This means that discrimination and intersectional discrimination play a big role in the sexual freedom of societies, as well as for individuals. So, are we taking inclusive steps forward in terms of sexual freedom, or merely reproducing repressive power structures?  This means that the heteronormative society, hyper-masculinity, discrimination, objectification, fetishization, sexist representations in the media including porn that are still embedded in today's education and society are current obstacles in our sexual liberation. Many people also feel shamed over their desires and wishes by their partners or society. A lot of this has to do with the stigmatization of preferences and watching porn. It also has a lot to do with the type of porn people are watching and which mannerisms this teaches them. 

Porn - A Double Sided Coin

Many people don’t want to associate their partner with the kind of videos they’ve been watching online ever since they were teenagers. The loving, beautiful, hard, tender sex you (want to) have with your partner has nothing to do with your own filthy behaviour, that you’ve learned to keep behind closed doors. A goal-oriented practice that aims for a short, private relief instead of a shared experience. During adolescence, the room was locked to secretly escape into a forbidden, dirty and naughty world. For a lot of people this feeling unconsciously continues into adulthood. 

But what if porn wasn't stigmatised anymore? What if the porn you watched didn’t reproduce oppressive structures? What if the porn you watched was made by people who are excited about their performances, and are also getting paid for them? And what if the porn you would watch could serve as an inspiration for yourself and for your relationship? 

Porn As Part Of Your Sexual Wellness Routine

What if there was a porn platform that functioned more as a safe space than anything else? One where you can explore your own sexuality, educate yourself about sex, be inspired to try new things, one that sparks your imagination and can start conversations with your partner(s). A site where sex is portrayed authentically and consensually and one where performers are paid for their work and not exploited. The potential positive aspects porn can have are often not talked about. On CHEEX, we present this type of content that can help you move away from societal norms that may inhibit your sexual freedom. We use the platform to show sex the way it should be: fun. We also ensure that diverse body shapes, gender identities, ethnic backgrounds age groups, abilities, and sexual orientations are presented, so that people can explore themselves. This means that platforms like CHEEX who promote an open, tolerant and progressive attitude towards sexuality, free from any shame or judgement, can assist in reshaping one’s mind on sexuality in a way that can be very liberating. 

Methods for Reaching Sexual Liberation 

Watching stimulating content that inspires you can add to your sexual wellness, which can strengthen your sexual liberation. This means that watching fair porn is vital. Yet, there are also many other methods that can help in reaching sexual liberation and these can also fun in combination with watching porn. Another way is educating people on sex and sexuality in order to overcome stigmas. This could also ensure that not only certain societal niches are educated and sexually free, but instead society as a whole. Additionally, the judgement and discrimination towards sexualities and sexual preferences have to stop, as well as censorship. If you’re ever in need of some help in with sexual liberation CHEEX will gladly help, since we combine stimulation and education to assist your journey to more sexual freedom. 

Want more?

• Enhance your orgasms with our natural, sex toy-friendly Lube.
• Find out how director Erika Lust promotes consent and communication on an ethical porn set.
• Do you like watching porn? Do you consider it a part of our sexual routine - or not? Share your perspective on our free, anonymous forum, HANX Life.