Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus, sociologist and sexologist, writes her sex advice and gender commentary blog. The sex blog includes relationship advice, free sex education videos, sex tips, sex-positive mindfulness, and podcast interviews.
In this ongoing short video series, I address how women's sexuality is being impacted by a Trump presidency...and what we can personally do to regain our power. Part 2 is about grabbing 'em by the pussy...with a few adorable pussy cats to accompany the message.
Read MoreWhat more can I say, than what is in the title?! This will be an ongoing series -- this one is about women and their lost libidos. Take a look for the next one minute and 20 seconds :)
Read More
Ebook on Female Sexuality by Dr. Diana Hoppe & Dr. Jenn.I'm proud to announce the release of my first ebook, with my co-author Dr. Diana Hoppe. Dr. Diana is a board certified OB/GYN, and we've merged our perspectives on women's sexuality to write Am I Normal? A Woman's Guide to Female Sexuality. We think all women could benefit from reading this short ebook, but it is specifically targeted to younger women from 18 - 30 years of age.
Chapter one explores the history (and herstory) of women's genitals, and chapter two teaches you the low down about down there. In chapter three you get to take the time to reflect on your own sexual journey. Chapters four through six guide you through the messages you learned about sex and gender growing up, body image and self-esteem, and sensuality and masturbation. Each chapter is followed by a worksheet to guide your journey through exploring your own sexuality.
This is available through Amazon Kindle, and also in a variety of other formats through Smashwords. Please let me know what you think!
~Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus, San Diego, CA -- Sex Therapist, Sociologist, Sexuality Speaker, Sexologist
(I just posted this blog to Pacific San Diego Magazine's blogger series.)
Rush Limbaugh’s recent “slut-bashing” incident brought to light how we Americans perceive and experience our sexuality. If you missed this or want the full story, read about Limbaugh’s slut slandering of a female Georgetown law student, in response to her testifying before Congress about access to birth control. The incident is fraught with controversy, so for now, let’s just look at the use of the word “slut.”
Slut Walk San DiegoWhat is a “slut?” Generally, it is a derogatory word used for a woman who is considered too sexual. This begs the question, what does “too sexual” mean, and who decides how much sex is too much for an adult woman? It’s a funny world we live in, where women are highly desired for their sexuality, but criticized, by both women and men, if they want to be in control of that sexuality.
Why is there such a low threshold for acceptable sexual expression for women compared to men? I know a lot of men who like sex, and wish that women were encouraged to like it as much as them! However, there is a distinct gender difference in who is allowed to be sexual without stigma. Research shows that women often report a lower than truthful number of sexual partners. Men, on the other hand, report a higher number. Clearly, both genders have internalized what is appropriate sexual behavior.
Why does it matter if we call a girl or woman a slut? When a woman is labeled a slut, the stigma can be very real in its impact and consequences. For example, labeling a high school girl a slut has long been one of the top insults that can be hurled, and can negatively impact the girl’s reputation, enjoyment of high school, and circle of friends. This hasn’t changed in the 20 years since I was in high school, and with the recent recognition of the dangers of bullying, perhaps this is something to which we should pay more attention.
I believe there is so much controversy around “sluts” because sex is powerful and provocative. People make a lot of decisions based on their sex drive, some empowering and some pretty damn foolish (e.g., look at the fall of so many male politicians and religious leaders who can’t keep their dicks in their pants). I think sexual women have long been the scapegoats of powerful men. Our sexual decisions sometimes have big consequences, but labeling women for choosing to be sexual, when it benefits the women AND men, shouldn’t be one of those consequences.
I think a slut is a woman who seeks sexual experiences and enjoys being sexual. That doesn’t sound so bad to me. Last year, the “Slut Walk” movement in many major cities was a way to reclaim women’s sexual expression, and stop blaming sexual assault on women’s fashion choices. San Diego proudly hosted a Slut Walk in June, 2011. Perhaps a chant of “Two, Four, Six, Eight. Women are Sexual and Sluts are Great!” is something we should all take to the streets.
~Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus, San Diego, CA -- Sex Therapist, Marriage Counselor, Sexologist, College Sexual Health Speaker
Dr. Jenn is a sociologist and relationship & sexuality speaker who challenges our cultural beliefs around sex, sexual consent, gender roles, and health intimacy, with a mindfulness and compassionate approach. Her site includes a sex blog, free sex education videos, sexuality speaking information, and mindfulness resources.
