Sexual intercourse is often described as the penetration of a man’s phallus into a woman’s vagina. Sex is assumed to always be between a man and a woman. Homosexual sex is many things, but to most, it is taboo, mysterious, and even physically impossible. People often wonder how sex would be achievable if one of the two “required” participants are missing. Specifically, how is sex possible if there is no phallus to be inserted into any existing vagina? Sex between two females is hardly considered as legitimate sex due to its lack of penetration. Despite this, lesbian pornography tops the list of most searched terms in the famous pornography website, Pornhub (Pulley). It is a widespread phenomenon wherein heterosexual males find phallic pleasures in watching two assumedly “heterosexual” women kiss, touch, finger, and eat out one another. But god forbid these two women hold hands.
Second wave feminism opposes pornography in all forms for it believes that it commodifies and sexualizes females. Porn utilizes the female body for its male consumers to devour; it adheres to the patriarchy which objectifies the female body. Second wave feminism also did not include lesbians under their jurisdiction. Lesbian Feminism was created during the 70’s to break the stereotype of lesbians and to fight against the patriarchy (Atkins 117). However, as time evolved, third wave feminism arose. It differs from the second wave for it became intersectional and inclusive. Due to this radicalization, third wave feminism also finds pornography empowering for women for it believes that women, just like men, have the right to freely express and live out their sexuality (Martin 36). In a postmodernist society such as today, women are encouraged to fully embrace their sexual sides just as men are allowed to do so. Lesbian pornography has also found a place in the new wave of feminism for it symbolized lesbian representation and acceptance of fetishization. Lesbian sex is, in a way, progressive for it succeeded in a predominantly heterosexual industry.
As inclusive as third wave feminism is, there lies a problem in its support of porn in general - their stance on pornography goes against the feminist rhetoric. Is porn not detrimental to the cause against sexual objectification of women in a patriarchal society? Pornography is not empowering; it is a dangerous industry that reinforces unrealistic and, often, sexist ideals. Pornography is designed for men; women may enjoy it or even pleasure themselves to it but it even its “women category” was not designed for them. Even lesbian porn - something that is considered for the enjoyment of lesbians - is widely watched by men for they find pleasure in two women engaging sexually. These women aren’t even viewed as “lesbians” so, really, where is the representation there? They’re both viewed as two sexual objects existing merely for the man’s pleasure. Porn, most especially lesbian porn, does nothing but supplement a man’s phallic desires which, in turn, strengthens the patriarchy. Lesbian culture is commodified for the pleasure of the heterosexual man. Heterosexual women and lesbians are in no way regaining their own sexualities through an industry that objectifies them and their bodies. Porn has never empowered women, it is using women for their own capitalistic needs.
*All photos are mine.
References
Atkins, Dawn. Lesbian sex scandals: sexual practices, identities, and politics. Harrington Park Press, 1999.
Martin, Nina. "Porn Empowerment: Negotiating Sex Work and Third Wave Feminism." Atlantis: Critical Studies in Gender, Culture & Social Justice [Online], 31.2 (2007): 31-41. Web. 21 Feb. 2018
Pulley, Anna. “Why lesbian porn dominates 10 Years Of Pornhub data” Salon.com, Alternet.org, 18 Sept. 2017. www.salon.com/2017/09/17/why-does-lesbian-porn-dominate-milf-and-much-more-in-10-years-of-pornhub-data_partner/.
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