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[annbrighthaus-blog]

Erotica, for those who don’t already partake, is any work of art with sex as a central focus – and the reason for consumption – that does not cross the line into pornography. This includes photography, literature, dance, sculpture, film, and really any medium that captures the human form and appetites in a compelling and sexy way. The definition is a bit vague. And pornography is hard to define as well, as the Supreme Court can attest, so erotica has, in some circles, garnered a reputation for being more sophisticated pornography, and in others, it’s just diet-porn. The recent SESTA/FOSTA acts further illustrate how difficult and problematic it is define pornography and other levels of sexual content.

However, erotica serves an important purpose for a great deal of the population, and can enhance your erotic ardor in ways that regular, garden-variety porn cannot (though porn can be great, too), because sometimes it’s fun to take a minimalist approach and leave the rest to your imagination. Exploring erotica can enrich your feminist sex life, partnered or not, so whether you’re new to erotica or an erotica diehard, read our recommendations for our favorite feminist erotica and some hands-free toys, too!

A Brief History of Erotica

Once upon a time, long before 50 Shades of Gray became a household name, dinosaurs roamed the earth. And soon after, dino-porn probably came along. Porn has likely existed as long as humans have. It’s a tale as old as time; with each new technological invention comes the aftermath of how it can be used for sexual purposes. The printing press was invented and immediately came the list of books that were to be banned; with the daguerreotypecame pictures of erotic acts for the first time (rather than drawings). Soon after, government officials around the world took to seizing any lewd photos they found. Erotica has a rich and varied history, and sex geeks or history buffs will definitely want to check out The Whores of Yore, a sex positive website that advocates on behalf of sex workers. Not only is there fascinating information on sex, sex work, and old-timey sex phrases, the NSFW photos dating back from the 1800s are beguiling on both intellectual and sexual levels. Typically, the pictures are geared toward people attracted to women, but it is fun for anyone to see how many activities that some might categorize as new and edgy are, in fact, old and traditional.

Why You May Want to Give Our Favorite Feminist Erotica a Try

Why should you branch out from your regularly-scheduled porn regimen? Lots of reasons! For instance, maybe your interests lie in more intense fantasies – fantasies you’re not sure you’d feel comfortable watching actually occur. Erotic literature can help get your creative juices flowing and be a good testing ground, without having an image in your head that you can’t un-see. Plus, your imagination is vast and often far more delectable than what can be conceivably performed by porn actors on a porn-flick budget.

Further, people of demisexual orientation may find a greater affinity toward erotic literature than porn. In a book, you can build a strong emotional tie to a character, something much more meaningful than a pizza deliverer bringing hot sausage and an order of buffalo wangs to your door. The sex scenes often have more depth, even if they are casual in nature. And, just like porn, erotica contains multitudes. If you can dream it, chances are, it already exists. Into BBW who are into shapeshifters? Yep, that’s a thing. Lesbian werewolves with penises? Goofy, pun-laden, Santa smut? Campy, absurdist tales of a gay dinosaur? Check, check, and check. On screen, these would all be totally ridiculous. But in your mind’s eye, there’s only a very good chance that they’ll be ridiculous. Yet, sex and desire as a whole could benefit from a bit less gravity, a bit more humor, and a lot more acceptance.

Also, as it can be hard to find porn that feels welcoming to people with vulvas, and erotica is not fundamentally different. Marquis de Sade, a French writer from the 1700s, wrote books so brutal that the term sadism was coined for them. So, it’s good to know going in what you like and what’s off the table. But now, there’s a lot more readily-available, femme-friendly reads.

If you’re looking for something academic, look no further than Anais Nin; in particular, Delta of Venus. Part memoir and part short-story anthology, this book pioneered the way for literary erotica to make its way in to the mainstream. It is very ahead of its time as far as steering clear of slut-shaming and being sex positive. The Proof of the Honey by Salwa Al Neimi is a lightly erotic book that stars a young, Syrian academic who journeys through her own sensual self-realization. Tipping the Velvet by Sarah Waters is an exquisite historical-fiction-style dive into gender roles, sexuality, and a lesbian relationship framed in the asphyxiating backdrop of Victorian-era England. More straightforward erotica, such as Curvy Girls: Erotica for Women and Take Me There: Trans and Genderqueer Erotica are also some of our favorite feminist erotica titles. Lastly, Nancy Friday’s My Secret Garden is a compilation of real women’s fantasies and reads as hot today as it did back in the 1970s when it was first published.

If you look for free online stories, the old adage “you get what you pay for” definitely applies here. Skip free sites like literotica.com, which don’t maintain editors or style guidelines and are often riddled with typos, plot holes, and even name changes – and those things can really wreck the mood. That caveat aside, the Sugarbutch Chronicles are a fun, queer, kinky ride. Bust has a great publication called one-handed reads. Whatever you do with your other hand while you read is your business.

Like too many other things in 2018, a lot of books in this genre don’t have appropriately labeled trigger warnings or blur the line of consent. It’s best to find an author you love and trust, and stick with them, if you’d prefer to avoid those waters.

Sometimes, reading non-fiction, “how-to” type books can be enough to get you in the mood. If you’re interested in learning how to top or learning how to bottom, these books provide admission into the kink scene and enough explicit details that you will likely know by the end whether or not you’d be into it. Or, give Sex for One by Betty Dodson a read, which is a turn on to all the ways you can explore self-pleasure and your body, with concrete techniques for you to try.

Some Accompaniments

Spend some quality time with yourself, a good book, and a good toy – perhaps something hands-free. That way, there’s nothing between you and that next steamy chapter. Why not try the Stronic G Pulsator by Fun Factory? A totally unique vibrator that has the capacity to thrust, leaving your hands to your favorite book while it pulsates away. Both your g-spot and your brain will be stimulated.

Folks with penises could cuddle up with a good book and the Pocket Pulse by Hot Octopuss! This toy is a stroker that has hands-free capability once the user is erect.

People with vulvas can keep their nose in a book and an Eva II by Dame between their legs for hands-free clitoral stimulation. Also fun for partnered sex, this cute little vibrator has three vibration settings and is waterproof for those who like to read and play in the tub.

Vibrant Has All the Body Safe Toys (and Books) You Need

Vibrant has an array of body-safe sex toys for every body. Check out our curated collection of toys and books, too! Or, chat with us, and we can help recommend the product that’s perfect for you. We’re available 9am-9pm EST daily on our website chat (just push the purple button at the bottom right!) or call us at 866-316-VIBE(8423).

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[nicclectic]

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[nestbytamara]

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[annbrighthaus-blog]

Sex toys empower you. You might not automatically associate sex toys with empowerment, but getting in touch with your sexual pleasure can be extremely empowering, not to mention enlightening! Once you’ve discovered these seven insightful ways sex toys empower you, you will be free to enjoy your sex toys guilt-free and confidently.

#1 – You’re Not Afraid of Expressing Yourself

Even though society routinely tells us to feel ashamed of our sexuality, as a sex toy owner, you’ve decided to forego the outdated social norm. You don’t ignore your instinctual naughty need to pleasure yourself and to discover what makes you tick south of the border. Good for you; sexpress yourself!

#2 – Sex Toys = Judgment-Free Orgasms

Here’s another benefit to having late booty calls with your vibe and another way sex toys empower you: no judgments.

That’s right, you can have sex with whichever sex toy you choose to – any way you want, whenever you want, without a single ounce of judgment because your toy doesn’t care. Once you’ve shed those fears of judgment through solo sex, you can incorporate your newly found awesomeness when having sex with partners!

Doesn’t that feel good? Mmmhmm, like really really good.

#3 – Sex Toys Eliminate the Bullsh*t

Try as we might, many of us can’t seem to have sex without catching feelings; so, what’s a lonely person to do when feeling frisky? Enter sex toys. They are the perfect option for orgasms without emotional baggage or complicated attachments that are associated with relationships. Sounds like a win, win for this single lady.

#4 – Sex Toys Help You Care About Others

As you build your toy collection, you’ll start to notice that specific novelty brands or companies donate a portion of their sale proceeds to charity groups. Some lines have been known to aid in breast cancer research and provide funding for the disabled and LGBTQIA community. Soon you’ll find yourself patronizing with those brands/companies to benefit others. Psst! When you shop at Vibrant, you’re supporting Planned Parenthood. Finally, you can do good and feel good at the same time!

#5 – You Become a Safe Sex Superhero

Once you become a sex toy Jedi, steering clear of sex toys made out of mystery materials that could compromise your health becomes second nature. You make it your mission to purchase only nontoxic, body-safe, sex toys and practice hygienic toy cleaning habits. And you’ve always got condoms, dental dams, and your favorite lube on hand.

You also take comfort in knowing an afternoon quickie with a powerful bullet vibe won’t result in an unwanted STD, STI, or pregnancy. OMG, you’re so damn responsible!

#6 – Sex Toys Make You Smarter

Once you delve into the world of sex toys, you’ll learn amazing things about the human body that didn’t even cross your mind before. For instance, sex toys such as Kegel exercisersare helping women rediscover the importance of having a strong pelvic floor for overall wellness. Wow, sex toys empower you and your health! You might want to try the Elvie Kegel Exerciser pictured below, which is high-tech, rechargeable, and body safe. The accompanying app helps you to engage with your pelvic floor and train your muscles through fun, quick, five-minute exercises that build the strength of your pelvic floor over time!  It not only will help you to control your bladder better, but it will also help you to have stronger, more intense orgasms.

Just a decade ago this issue was mainly targeted towards pregnant women, but now, as a society, we’re starting to fully understand that a stable pelvic floor will also give you a more satisfying sexual experience and deter bladder incontinence problems later on in life. Check out this guide to kegel exercises if you’re curious how to work your pelvic floor muscles right now!

#7 – You Become an Authority on Self Pleasure

As mentioned before, sex toys permit freedom of self, which in turn shines a light on your own powers like never before.

Yes, it’s a beautiful thing to have a sexual partner, but you can still have an active and fantastic sex life without one! Sex toys will definitely prove that theory correct as you learn how to give yourself the best orgasms possible through solo play.

[flawlessgurlonthemove]

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[jumpwhere-blog]

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[m-christianclothing]

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[accuratebodylanguage]

Be VIBRANT.  Be SENSATIONAL!  

Be a FLY-GIRL and live your life in living color!

❓ How do you live your life in color❓

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[thegutsandtheglory]

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[jaffeineishun]

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