When I first heard about Masturbation Month, I assumed it was just another digital invention, like a holiday designed to get people talking. However, I soon learned that this awareness month was actually established way back in 1995. It was a direct response to a remark made by Dr. Joycelyn Elders, the then U.S. Surgeon General, who suggested that masturbation is a natural part of human sexuality and that children should be educated on the subject. Unsurprisingly, she was dismissed from her position by the Clinton administration. Oh, the irony!
Thus, International Masturbation Month emerged—a celebration of self-pleasure and empowerment. But let’s be honest, as a passionate feminist, I can’t help but think it would be even more beneficial if we dubbed it International Women’s Masturbation Month. Women rarely discuss their own experiences with self-pleasure, while men seem to have an endless dialogue around it. Popular culture is saturated with depictions of male self-love, while female experiences often remain in the shadows.
Sure, we could delve into the reasons behind this disparity, but we’re all too aware of the institutional sexism that shapes our realities. I could pen an entire series on the culture of shame that women face from a young age—how societal norms, advertising, and even governmental actions contribute to the silence around women’s sexuality. For now, let’s acknowledge that the conversation surrounding women’s pleasure is sorely lacking.
Let’s skip the heavy stuff and get to the heart of the matter: you deserve to explore and enjoy your own body. It’s your right as a human being. You’re not obligated to indulge in self-pleasure if it doesn’t interest you, but you shouldn’t feel guilty about it either. Your body belongs to you, and it’s essential to discover what feels good for you. If you haven’t taken the time to connect with yourself in this way, you might be surprised by what you find—especially as you grow older and care less about societal expectations.
When women gather, conversations rarely revolve around how often they achieve orgasm. While there might be lighthearted discussions about sex toys and adult themes, the act of masturbation itself often remains taboo. It’s time we challenge that. If you’re uncomfortable talking about it, that’s perfectly fine. But wouldn’t it be great if we could make this topic less stigmatized?
There’s a growing movement encouraging women to embrace their bodies and sexuality. This is a vital step towards self-acceptance. Imagine how empowering it would be if women were encouraged to celebrate their sexuality as a pathway to self-love. Masturbation is a personal journey; what brings you pleasure is uniquely yours. Recognizing that your pleasure is valid can significantly boost your confidence.
Everywhere we look, media and marketing bombard us with unrealistic portrayals of how we should look and feel. This manufactured idea of sexuality can be confusing and unattainable. However, what’s real is you. Embracing your authentic self is the key to confidence, and that journey begins with understanding your desires and needs.
So, as we reflect on this month, let’s celebrate our bodies, our pleasures, and our rights. If you want to dive deeper into the topic of home insemination and pregnancy, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination from the NIH. And for those interested in at-home insemination kits, you can find reputable options at Make A Mom.
To wrap it up, this month is a reminder that everyone deserves to enjoy their own body without shame. Take the time to discover what makes you feel good—your empowerment starts here.
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