POV: You’re Watching Porn Made For Men

The discussion of porn in the feminist movement was a major contribution to the feminist sex wars in the 80s and 90s, which split feminist scholars into anti-porn and pro-sex categories (Stewart, 2019). A main anti-porn argument stated that porn not only caused harm to women but is harmful in and of itself due to its subordination of women (Stewart, 2019). In general, third and fourth-wave feminists do not hold the same anti-pornography behaviours as second-wave feminists, prompting many feminist scholars to call for a re-evaluation of the type of pornography being consumed by women (Stewart, 2019)-namely, whether the porn women are watching truly embodies the female sexual experience, whether mainstream porn carries anti-women connotations, and whether this can be altered to diminish female subordination in pornography. As in every facet of society, women have had to pave a way for themselves through the male-dominated infrastructure, thus it was only a matter of time until women re-evaluated and reimagined the world of pornography. This has resulted in the creation of “feminist porn”, which centers the “female gaze” and experience.

What is feminist porn and how does it capture the female gaze?

Feminist porn is a genre of pornography that portrays various body types, ages, genders, and sexualities, includes boundaries and protection, challenges stereotypes and maintains a sense of realism; all while ensuring ethical processes off-screen (Altmann & Altman, 2022). Another key aspect of feminist porn is the inclusion of the female gaze, which is a concept grown from film theory (Altmann & Altman, 2022). The female gaze discusses the differences in heterosexual male perspectives versus heterosexual female perspectives in film, and how those differences are portrayed using language, camera angles, character perspectives and the fetishization of women (Altmann & Altman, 2022). In feminist pornography, the female gaze is used to capture aspects of female desire and portrays a sense of connectedness, intimacy, passion, longing and communication that is not found in mainstream porn (Stewart, 2019).

Why is feminist porn necessary?

Feminist porn allows those searching for an online sexual outlet to find media that caters to their beliefs as well as their needs. A very prominent aspect of mainstream pornography is its catering to the male gaze. Corsianos argues that most porn scripts are written by heterosexual men and intended for a heterosexual male audience (2007). A necessary feature of the male gaze is the objectification of women, which Corsianos states as being emphasized through the similar features many female porn actors have, such as long hair, thinness, makeup, breast implants, and high heels, creating an ideal of what they “should” look like (2007). This creates a default of the man being the looker, and the woman being the object of observation. To counteract this default, the narratives must flip; in comes the concept of feminist porn. Feminist porn not only facilitates the female gaze but allows for a shift from the heterosexual male-dominated scene of pornography to a more inclusive, broad and less intimidating environment.

Okay, but what does feminist porn consist of?

Feminist porn includes diversity in terms of body shapes and sizes, age, sexuality, gender, pairings, race, ethnicity and disability (Steber, 2020). This allows for many more women, men, and gender non-conforming individuals to find actors that they resonate with, creating a more fluid and connected sensual experience when watching porn. Feminist porn has worked to dismantle the hurtful stereotypes enforced by the mainstream porn industry, such as unachievable expectations regarding weight, body hair, sexual ability, female submission and male aggression. Additionally, many feminist pornographers define good porn for women as one that includes all aspects of female sexuality. As defined by Stewart, this includes the portrayal of her desires, her pleasure, her experience of sex, and her orgasm (2019). Not only does feminist porn focus on creating porn for women, but it has sought to unsettle and expand the conventional definitions of sex (Stewart, 2019) by creating porn that resonates with people who hold minority genders and sexualities. As opposed to centring porn around the male orgasm, feminist porn expresses the many varieties of pleasure experienced by other people. In terms of female-to-female sex representation in pornography, mainstream lesbian sex is depicted in a way that attracts the straight male audience, as opposed to the authentic queer experience (Brehas, 2021). Corsianos explains mainstream lesbian porn to be constructed as “the straight male’s fantasy”, one in which women are seen to seek lesbianism not as a form of self-pleasure and empowerment, but as a tool to please the male audience (2007).

How does feminism in porn translate off-screen?

A key aspect of feminist porn is its concern about the rights and safety of its actors off-screen (Stewart, 2019). Feminist porn ensures fair and equitable treatment for its participants, allowing for a more comfortable, welcoming, safe and empowering environment (Stewart, 2019). Consent is an issue prevalent both on and off-screen in feminist porn and is achieved through a discussion of boundaries, health concerns, protection and limits (Steber, 2020). During the scene, feminist porn does not depict any non-consensual sex acts or vastly different power dynamics common to see in mainstream porn (Steber, 2020). Feminist porn instead ensures that the consent from the actors and the consent throughout the scene provides empowerment to all involved, regardless of any differences (Steber, 2020). This is not to say that feminist porn consists of “vanilla” porn. There are productions of kink and BDSM feminist porn that ensure that consent is present through all aspects of filming. As with all scenes produced in feminist porn, limits and boundaries are set in advance and whilst filming. Additionally, the emphasis is less on genital-focused aspects seen in mainstream porn, but more on the connection between the actors (Steber, 2020).

Should we all be watching feminist porn?

The goal of feminist porn is to represent the female sexual experience that is overlooked in favour of the male experience in mainstream pornography. For those who are underrepresented in the media, feminist porn is a welcome advance in the realm of pornography as it provides representation of minority groups while representing various experiences neglected in mainstream pornography. In terms of who should watch feminist porn, it varies on preference, subjectivity and availability. Feminist porn has worked to emphasize the female sexual experience, and although there has been progress to diversify actors in the porn industry, misrepresentation, or lack of representation may occur. The represented sexual experiences may also hold aspects of sexuality that do not align with everyone’s definition of feminism. Finally, due to the amount of feminist pornography in comparison to mainstream pornography, it may be hard to find the specific sexual scenes one craves (Corsianos 2007). Yet, if you are more concerned with consent and the ethical aspects of pornography, feminist porn might be the one for you. Feminist porn ensures that values and beliefs are not compromised when consuming pornographic materials by regarding ethics and consent as the highest priority. Overall, it is not a question of if we should all be watching feminist pornography but whether or not mainstream porn should adopt the progressive practices integral to its mission.

Feminist porn uses the female gaze to capture and portray the feminine sexual experience overlooked in mainstream porn. Feminist porn also focuses on diversity, authenticity, empowerment, and consent, allowing for the representation of marginalized groups. From the consent process on and off camera to the less aggressive and more sensual portrayal of sex, feminist porn ensures that the dominant, heterosexual male experience is not the only one highlighted in pornography. Feminist porn has allowed the field of pornography to include the viewpoints, wants and needs of many more individuals, yet there is still much more that must be accomplished. The porn industry must reevaluate the negative stereotypes, expectations and sexual experiences it promotes and emphasize the importance of consent, representation and safety in pornography. In tandem with feminist porn, this can allow for a more welcoming, safe, inclusive and healthy environment for sexual expression. 

Sonya Gill (she/her), BAH Psychology Class of 2025, Queen's University

References

Altmann, G., & Altman, G. (2022, April 20). What Is The Female Gaze? The Female Gaze.

Retrieved November 12, 2023, from https://www.thefemalegaze.com/what-is-the-female-gaze/

Brehas, A. (2021, September 22). ,. , - YouTube. Retrieved November 12, 2023, from      https://archermagazine.com.au/2014/12/feminist-pornography-beyond-the-male-gaze/

Corsianos, M. (2007). Mainstream pornography and "women": Questioning sexual agency.

Critical Sociology, 33(5), 863-885. https://doi.org/10.1163/156916307X230359

Steber, C. (2020, July 28). Sex Experts Explain Everything You Need To Know About

Feminist Porn. Bustle. https://www.bustle.com/wellness/feminist-porn-sex-experts-differs-mainstream

Stewart, R. S. (2019). Is Feminist Porn Possible? Sexuality and Culture, 23(1), 254-270.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12119-018-9553-z

The Future of Male Birth Control

            Hormonal patches, intrauterine devices (IUDs), NuvaRings, contraceptive sponges, cervical caps, tubal ligation, and the pill. What common theme unites these items? They are all examples of different contraceptive methods. Moreover, another important factor that these items share is that they are all forms of female birth control. Being some of the most common forms of contraception, this helps to illustrate how women unfairly bear most of the contraceptive burden. Currently, there is a striking disparity between the number of contraceptive methods available for women compared to men, as women have numerous different birth control options, while men only have two: condoms or vasectomies (Ahmed et al., 2024, p. 1653). Despite researchers' ongoing efforts since the 1970s to formulate a male contraceptive pill, there is still no hormonal contraceptive available for men (Dismore et al., 2016). This raises an important question, if it usually takes two individuals to conceive a child, why are women continually forced to assume responsibility for pregnancy prevention planning?

            This blog will explore some of the arguments in favour of increased male contraceptive options, while also highlighting arguments that oppose the development of novel male contraceptives. It is important to note this blog will use the term ‘male’ when referring to individuals who produce sperm, and ‘female’ for individuals who produce eggs, although it is recognized that not all individuals who use male or female contraceptives will identify with these terms.

            One of the main arguments in support of increased male contraceptive options is that they would allow for contraceptive responsibility to be shared more equally between partners (Peterson, et al., 2019). Rather than forcing women to assume the majority of contraceptive responsibilities, male contraceptives would help to alleviate some of the burden on women, while also providing another way to further support women’s contraceptive use beyond simply financial, logistical, and socioemotional means  (Nguyen, 2024). Results from a recent study in the United States found that most men (approximately 7 out of 10) shared common attitudes that decisions about when to have children should be made by both partners and that children should be a shared responsibility among partners (Nguyen, 2024). Furthermore, this study found an independent correlation between these beliefs about shared responsibilities and men’s willingness to take male birth control in the future (Nguyen, 2024). These findings illustrate the importance of changing narratives from contraceptive usage being a woman’s responsibility to instead being a shared duty, as this could further influence greater male contraceptive usage willingness (Nguyen, 2024).

            Additionally, supporting the development of additional male contraceptives could also help reduce the rates of unplanned pregnancies. Introducing more male contraceptive options would allow men to have more control in preventing unintended pregnancies, beyond wearing a condom or getting a vasectomy (Peterson et al., 2019). Currently, rates of unplanned pregnancies around the world are very high, with studies suggesting that nearly 44% of all pregnancies are unintentional (Abbe et al., 2020). Research on women who had unplanned pregnancies reveals that many of them did not use contraceptives, or they used unreliable methods such as withdrawal (Abbe et al., 2020). One of the prominent reasons why women reported a lack of reliable contraceptive usage is due to their associated side effects and health concerns (Abbe et al., 2020). Moreover, when women stop using contraceptives, this increases the risk of pregnancies, especially due to the lack of presence of male contraceptives. Recent studies suggest that new male contraceptive options could have a positive impact on unplanned pregnancies, as they have the potential to reduce rates in the United States by 3.5-5%, and by over 30% in other developing regions of the world (Abbe et al., 2020).

            On the other hand, a concern of increased male contraceptive options is their potential side effects. Although side effects are an important consideration when developing novel contraceptives, it is important to remember that some of the first contraceptives available for women had associated side effects and risks that outweighed the overall benefits of the contraceptive (Nguyen, 2024). This illustrates a double standard whereby women are expected to tolerate the side effects associated with contraceptives, but many trials for new male contraceptives are quickly discontinued in the presence of side effects. For example, one study that tested the efficacy of a hormonal male injection contraceptive, which showed promising results for sperm suppression in its preliminary trials, was ultimately discontinued due to concerns of potential side effects including acne, increased libido, mood disorders, and pain at the sight of injection – all of which are common side effects of female contraception (Nguyen, 2024). The constant discontinuation of research in the presence of side effects further proves how society has unfairly normalized the side effects associated with birth control for women (Donegan, 2019). Furthermore, another study that assessed men’s willingness to use various forms of new male birth control found that men had a very low anticipated willingness to tolerate potential side effects (Martins & Boraas, 2023). Specifically, less than 10% of the men in the study said they would be willing to tolerate side effects including acne, mood swings, fatigue, headaches, weight gain of 10 to 20 pounds, and/or increased/decreased libido, which are present in various forms of hormonal female birth control (Martins & Boraas, 2023).

Another argument that opposes the development of new male contraceptives concerns their predicted low uptake. One of the major reasons for the lack of funding and resources allocated towards male contraceptive research and their development is due to the belief that men would not use them (Nguyen, 2024). Global findings suggest that existing male contraceptives, comprising of condoms and vasectomies, only account for approximately 8.9% of contraceptive use (Peterson et al., 2019). Furthermore, vasectomies are less often selected as a primary form of contraception compared to other forms of female sterilization methods (Nguyen, 2024). One study from 2008 found that only 6% of couples in the United States who used contraception relied on vasectomies, whereas 17% of couples relied on tubal ligation or other forms of female sterilization (Nguyen, 2024). Even though vasectomy procedures are objectively safer and simpler than female sterilization methods, there is still a significant disparity in their rate of usage (Nguyen, 2024). Moreover, this illustrates the concern that even if additional forms of male contraceptives are developed, men might not choose to use them.

            Overall, the debate surrounding the development of additional male contraceptive options is ongoing. Although it is valid to show concerns about the potential risks of new male contraceptives, it is also important to actively address misinformed assumptions about side effects and biases towards who bears the burden of contraception and its side effects (Peterson et al., 2019). This can be achieved through implementing awareness programs aimed at educating men about the safety of male birth control and its minimal side effects (Ahmed et al., 2024). In order to increase men’s interest and willingness to use prospective male birth control, education will be a crucial factor. Through promoting a greater awareness of novel male contraceptives among men, and exposing men to women’s experiences and challenges with contraception, we can begin to foster a society that shares contraceptive responsibilities more equally.

Jordan Ross (she/her), fourth year psychology major.

References

Abbe, C. R., Page, S. T., & Thirumalai, A. (2020). Male contraception. The Yale Journal of Biology & Medicine, 93(4), 603–613.

Ahmed, H., Memon, A., Hoda, F., & Alvares, J. (2024). The male birth control pill – A new approach to family planning and population control. The International Journal of Health Planning and Management, 39(5), 1652–1657. https://doi.org/10.1002/hpm.3823

Dismore, L., Van Wersch, A., & Swainston, K. (2016). Social constructions of the male contraception pill: When are we going to break the vicious circle? Journal of Health Psychology, 21(5), 788–797. https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105314539528

Donegan, M. (2019, June 6). It's time for men to step up and share responsibility for birth control. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/jun/05/male-birth-control-step-up-responsibility

Martins, S. L., & Boraas, C. M. (2023). Willingness to use novel reversible methods of male birth control: a community-based survey of cisgender men in the United States. Contraception and Reproductive Medicine, 8(1), 41–41. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40834-023-00242-y

Nguyen, B. T. (2024). Male contraceptive acceptability versus male acceptance of contraceptive responsibility. Andrology (Oxford), 12(7), 1585–1589. https://doi.org/10.1111/andr.13719

Peterson, L. M., Campbell, M. A. T., & Laky, Z. E. (2019). The Next Frontier for Men’s Contraceptive Choice: College Men’s Willingness to Pursue Male Hormonal Contraception. Psychology of Men & Masculinity, 20(2), 226–237. https://doi.org/10.1037/men0000174