I believe ‘empowerment’ can only be self-determined. What I find empowering, you may not. And vice-versa. There seems to be much debate online on whether nudity, porn and promiscuity is empowering or degrading to women. Again, I believe only the individual can be the judge of that. I’ve collated a list on why I personally find these forms of self expression a positive and powerful experience.

NUDITY

We live in a world where male leaders control women’s bodies and reproductive rights. Uploading nude photographs is a rebellion against the patriarchy and the male-dominated media. I decide how I’m depicted. I shape the narrative that the audience receives.

I’ve enjoyed being photographed and filmed nude since I was 16-years-old. It’s always felt like a celebration to me. I’ve posed nude for a bunch of men’s magazines and acted in films that required nudity. I post nude photos on my website and blog. And at 39, I don’t plan to stop any time soon.

Why should I be ashamed of my body? Why can’t I upload nude photos online without being judged?

PORN

I collect thousands of erotic images and vintage porn clips. I not only find them absolutely stunning to look at. They’re also a wonderful accessory to my masturbatory sessions and sex-life. I’ve learnt so much about sexual creativity whilst consuming porn. I get ideas about positions. I get ideas for my writing. I watch porn every single day. It’s a positive and life-affirming part of my existence.

VULGARITY

I’m drawn to vulgarity in art and in life. I’m drawn to it’s rawness and it’s truth. A vulgar woman is often labeled: rough, cheap and nasty. I’ve been labeled all three. It’s a form of oppression. It’s a way to push women down and dismiss their dirtiness. I have no interest in being a fucking flower. I embrace my filth and vulgarness as a female. Women need to stop pretending that they don’t have filth inside of them. Filth is beautiful. Embrace it.

PROMISCUITY

I hate the word ‘promiscuity’. The term should be gender-neutral but unfortunately, it’s not. I personally, have never heard the term used in reference to a man. I’ve only heard it used in a derogative manner to describe a woman that has the audacity to love and enjoy lots of sex.

Which brings me to my next point. Am I promiscuous? Yes I am. I like to fuck, I like variety. End of story. According to society women descend in value when they’ve been around the block. Well I don’t. I ascend in value. I decide.

I will conclude with a quote by John Berger, from his book Ways of Seeing. He writes:

“You painted a naked woman because you enjoyed looking at her, put a mirror in her hand and you called the painting ‘Vanity’, thus morally condemning the woman whose nakedness you had depicted for your own pleasure.”