Jane Sexes It Up: True Confessions of Feminist Desire

by Merri Lisa Johnson (Editor)

In Jane Sexes It Up, 20 young, progressive feminists reflect on the limitations they think are imposed by establishment feminism on their bodies and their behavior. In these essays, headed up by editor Merri Lisa Johnson’s “Generation X Does the Sex Wars,” the writers confess their seemingly antifeminist longings and question what role feminist ideals should play in women’s sexuality. In “Spanking and the Single Girl,” Chris Daley wonders whether it’s acceptable to play the submissive role in an S/M exchange. In “Vulvodynia — How Porn Made Me a Woman,” Katinka Hooijer reveals her affection for porn and the inner conflict her predilection inspires. Sex toy store owner Sarah Smith declares a “dildo revolution” — for women and men, gay and straight — in her essay of the same name. Whatever the angle, the authors all champion a sex-positive feminism.

Genres: Feminism, Nonfiction, Sexuality, Gender, Sex Work, Essays, Gender Studies

416 pages, Paperback

First published February 15, 2002

Reviews

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jane sexes it up: True confessions of feminist desire, is a book consisting of essays talking about the pressure that feminists experience when it comes to sexual desires. It explores what is potentially seen as rather "un-feminist" and what makes it seem so.
For me, these essays were not the best or well written that I've happened to read, but, the content within some of these essays, really make you sit and think. I consider myself to be a feminist, and some of these discussions, have never even crossed my mind. There were many questions in here, such as, can a feminist enjoy S&M? Should a dedicated feminist get married? And one of the most interesting questions, can lesbians be feminists and still enjoy using dildo's? I enjoyed the majority of these essays, written by courageous and unapologetic people, and I think anyone that is interested in third-wave feminism, should certainly give this book a read.

[Lola Down · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jane Sexes It UP has many essays by self-proclaimed third-wave feminists, but was written in the 90's and early 2000's. It seems dated and it deals with issues that, frankly, aren't real issues for me as a feminist. Is it wrong to masturbate to fantasies of being a man and cumming on a woman's face? Um, no. Is it wrong to jill it to the violence of "Fight Club"? No again. I commend the book for trying to enlist men into the ranks of feminism, but the book is written primarily by upper-middle class, white, women of privilege who are, it seems, unaware of their privilege. Sure, stripping and being an "escort" in college can be a choice for these women, but their writing seems oblivious of the multitudes for whom sex-work is a necessity, exploitation (not quaintly by "the male gaze") is a daily encounter, and sex is a form of socio-economic oppression, not just oppression by a patriarchy.

[Lola Montgomery Marley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book in San Francisco on my first big solo trip overseas. Finding myself seated between a South American priest and an Orthodox Jewish boy on the flight home (not kidding), I debated whether they would be offended by my book of feminist essays decorated by a topless girl wearing a dildo. I left my book in my bag for a while before deciding that I might just as easily be offended by their reading material.
Did you ever hear the one about the Catholic Priest, the Orthodox Jew and the Feminist Showgirl? True story.
Was it the priest who would become Pope Francis? I'll never tell.

[Liz · Rating 1 out of 5]

I reached the word "anarcha-orgasmic" and immediately stopped reading.

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jane Sexes It Up: True Confessions of Feminist Desire is a series of essays about the tension between being seriously dedicated to feminism and potentially "un-feminist" sexual desires. For example, does a serious feminist enter into the institution of marriage? Stay in an abusive domestic relationship? Enjoy S&M? Can lesbians be feminist and enjoy dildos? The courageously confessional contributors to this volume (mostly women and one gay man) try to re-work feminism so that these tensions can be resolved. Not one argues for changing her sexual desires. Some essays argue this better than others; some feel like feminism is being stretched in order to justify one's own proclivities. To feel oriented, readers need a familiarity with the historical development of feminism (what's second wave vs. third wave) and academic ideas and language in a women's studies department (e.g. gender performativity, heteronormativity). Note the f-word, among others, appears quite often. I think this volume helped me see the distinctions within feminist theory.

[Kathy Mead · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was truly one of the best books I have read. Before this book I had declared that I was NOT a Feminist. After reading the opinions of Third Wave Feminists I found that maybe I AM. I can not sympathize with what I view as a man-hating feminism. I quite enjoy men. I enjoy my role as a woman amongst men. I even feel that maybe it's better to be a woman in today's world. Does that make me a feminist? Well, maybe it does!

[Sylvia Teters-McCrae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book at a used book store in Long Beach, California with no previous knowledge of the book or any of the contributors I purchased it because of the $6 price tag and my interest in feminist/sexual theory. This book can be a little dated in moments as it was written in 90s/2000s but I think most of it still really holds up. This book had so many contributions and moments I could relate to, so many things that I learned and things that I can reflect on. Being a feminist and understanding my own sexual desire has been a bumpy road throughout my life and this book proved to me I’m not alone in that at all. Sexuality is kept so much in the shadows and it was great to read this book of like minded feminists talk openly about experiences with sex work, sexual desire and being a feminist. I haven’t really read much of any feminist theory ever and this book opened up a whole new world! I would recommend!

[Steven Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Checked this out from my local library, on a challenge to read something outside my comfort zone. I was expecting man-hating, feminazi drivel, but instead found the stories sad, intriguing and from a perspective (a woman's) point of view that is so different from mine. The lifestyles mentioned might not be to everyone's taste (lesbian, bi, hetero, etc.), the different relationships offer insight into the joys and heartaches of that lifestyle.

As a amateur writer of pedantic zombie fiction with a bisexual protagonist, some of the stories gave me something that I lack - insight into the life of a bisexual woman from her point of view.

Not a book I would read again, but well worth the time to read. Human sexuality, even if that choice is not something I would choose, is fascinating.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, I overall did enjoy this book. I went through a gauntlet of opinions/reactions/feelings throughout the course of reading the essays. Some I found repulsively biased, others I found merely curious by the statements made and opinions shared, and well, simply others just made me really want to go out and have sex with women. Hmmmm.
Regardless, it was an educational and enlightening experience to read this book, and Ms. Johnson is an exceptional writer herself, having compiled one of my favourite essays.

And to conclude, a lovely quote from the book:
"You never realise how much a girl defines herself by her penetrability until your pussy lips shut down the show."

[Spicy T AKA Mr. Tea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It's hot! Some really good essays asking some really good questions about sex and feminism. When I read this, I really needed to read something that was inspiring and open minded to sex and the various forms it takes. (Being really ambiguous here.) I guess it reaffirmed for me that sex, kinky sex, and sex work are self-defining and empowering aspects for not only the folks who wrote about their experiences within the anthology, but all individuals who think beyond monogamy, procreation, and heteronormative relationships. Once I started I couldn't stop.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

After having questions about my personal feelings towards porn and the sex industry--mostly a realization that I have been pretty sheltered and am kind of a prude when it comes to discussing sexuality openly.

The articles were hit and miss for me, but there are some really great perspectives about rethinking mainstream desire. Some felt like they were defenses of being a heterosexual feminist, which was a little boring. The more interesting stuff to me was about defining the phallus vs penis, empowering sex...

A good place to pick and choose which issues you have questions about.

[Poly Styrene · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a mixed bag of essays about feminist sexuality. Some of the essays really worked and some didn't. Many of the women contributing to this text were around the same age and from similar socioeconomic backgrounds. I think a more diverse group of women would have served to make this a really interesting read. I would recommend picking it up if you're in the mood for some marginally racy, not-too-challenging feminist literature

[Maya Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this anthology as an in-depth look at sex-positive feminisms. It dealt with sex and sexuality both in and outside of relationships, sex work, sexual desire, kinkiness/fetishism, the sexual body, etc. As with any anthology, I related to and liked some essays more than others, but I think I took something away from all of them.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book as one of my required texts for a summer course. I have done nothing but reference and reference it since I got the book. The collection is well worth the read and really attempts to understand "third wave" feminism and what form it is taking or has taken.

[Chelsea Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

i love raunchy feminist writings. this is a large book of several different perspectives on women, sexuality, marriage, theory, etc. i can turn to just about any page and find something underlined, highlighted, and starred. :)

[Caty · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good intro to "sex positive feminism"--whatever that is--and some of the essays did get me intellectually hot, but I feel like I'd read them before. Maybe because feminist theory grows in dog years.

[Kate Michel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of essays outlines the sometimes contradictory desires of third wave feminists. There is such variety here that I'm sure most feminists would find some essay or passage to identify with or be enlightened by. A good read--not exactly Earth shattering, but enjoyable.

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not love this book. I only read maybe half the essays but they all struck me as being way too personal and anecdotal in tone for a book I thought was going to be more academic and analytical. That said, it got me thinking some. (This was for a book club)

[Mari hernandez]

Coming soon.....

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

yes! i've been waiting for a book just like this..

[Stephany Joy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hit or miss the whole way through.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

really interesting collection of essays on feminism and sexuality/desire.

[Dianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixing up the summer with women's studies books...quite an intersting and learning read.

[Casey Face · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like most anthologies some authors hit and some authors miss. The hit to miss ratio lends this collection a rating of 4.

[Lisa]

Starting this next. A gift from a friend.

[Ruby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes yes yes!

[Katrin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked 80% of the essays. Some were a little out there for me. All in all, a relevant collection on post feminism.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I kind of went into this book knowing that I would disagree with this brand of “sex-positive” feminism. The problem I have with liberal feminism is that it is too centered around the individual’s personal feelings, which serves only a particular demographic of women rather than all women.

One writer tries to justify her porn consumption by stating that because porn is a space where even the most transgressive fetishes, tucked away in the deepest recess of our unconscious, are made alive, it confirms that none of her thoughts are bad. Ergo, this is feminist. This “anything goes” attitude just doesn’t cut it for me. I understand there is a deep cultural issue where women associate sex with shame. Yet I don’t think uncritical support of an industry mired in controversies over child pornography, racial stereotyping, revenge porn, incest, bestiality, trafficking, rape, etc. is the proper approach to imagining true female liberation just because it makes you personally feel good. If other women or children have to pay the price for your intimate pleasure, that’s not progressive or feminist. It’s just selfish.

From Susan G. Cole: “In spite of hopes to the contrary, pornography and mass culture are working to collapse sexuality with rape, reinforcing patterns of male dominance and female submission so that many young people believe this is simply the way sex is. This means that many of the rapists of the future will believe they are behaving within socially accepted norms.”

There’s also some academic navel-gazing over whether or not this or that can be viewed as feminist. Another bad take that I saw was that anorexia was a means to upend male ownership of our bodies. Arguably, an anorexic is not the stuff of male fantasy, because anorexic bodies are angular rather than curvy (breasts, hips = symbols of femininity). The author admits, though, that the limitation of this argument is that you could quite literally die from pursuing this act of resistance. Having suffered from body dysmorphia and disordered eating, I have to say that my attempts at maintaining thinness were never about demonstrating control over the patriarchy. It's an interesting argument to make, just not very convincing. Like, do you think men care when we starve ourselves? “Hahaha, I’ve consumed 500 less calories today. That’ll show Bobby what a sexist pig he is.” Sounds ridiculous. Besides, thinness IS the mainstream beauty standard, so we’re not actually breaking any boundaries here.

Despite my criticisms, I wanted to be open minded about reading the perspectives of lib-feminists. There were some essays about consent, surveillance, sex-work, and shame that I found compelling and agreed with. By and large I think it's important to for women to feel like they've been given an active rather than passive role in the choices they make, but it's important to recognize that those choices don't exist in a vacuum and could cause real harm.

[Danyel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this brilliantly crafted collection of essays. The writings contained in this booked reflected on how feminism sometimes acts as a form of social control that places limitations on how women can feel, think and use their bodies. This book takes a profound look at on what role feminism and feminist ideals should play on desire. This book lie so many before makes it clear that a one size fits all feminism will leave many women disenfranchised and marginalized in many spaces, but most importantly, in the vast and complicated terrain of sex and sexuality. For far too long women have not had a legitimate space to speak with authority about their bodies and about sex. This collection discusses how desire sometimes gets bogged down under the complicated weight of the various identities and roles women prescribed to. It is an excellent interesting read. Go on Jane, keeping sexing it up!!!

[Brendan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yeeeeeeehawwwww