From Shame to Celebration: How Masturbation Became a Feminist Act of Defiance

For centuries, masturbation was cloaked in silence, shame, and misinformation. Women, in particular, were taught to fear their own bodies and desires, with masturbation branded as sinful or pathological. This cultural repression served to control female sexuality and maintain patriarchal power structures. But in the latter half of the 20th century, a wave of feminist activism challenged these narratives, transforming masturbation into a radical act of self-love and defiance.

At the heart of this transformation were consciousness-raising groups—circles where women gathered to share their sexual experiences openly for the first time. These groups shattered isolation, normalized diverse sexual realities, and built solidarity. Women discovered that masturbation was not only natural but essential for sexual health and empowerment.

One particularly powerful tool was the use of mirrors and genital imagery in workshops. By looking directly at their own bodies and sharing images, women reclaimed ownership of their sexuality. Repeating taboo words aloud until they lost their sting became a ritual of liberation, turning language into a weapon against shame.

Bodysex workshops took this activism into the realm of embodied experience. These gatherings combined education, play, and community, encouraging women to explore masturbation openly and joyfully. The use of carved vegetables as toys symbolized creativity and accessibility, inviting women to experiment without fear.

Through these practices, masturbation was reframed from a private, shameful act into a public celebration of autonomy and pleasure. This shift had profound implications not only for individual well-being but for broader cultural attitudes toward female sexuality.

The feminist reclamation of masturbation also highlighted the importance of intersectionality, recognizing that experiences of shame and empowerment vary across race, class, and sexual orientation. Inclusive dialogue helped expand the movement’s reach and impact.

Today, the legacy of this activism lives on in workshops, literature, and online communities that continue to encourage sexual self-love and dismantle stigma. By understanding this history, individuals can appreciate masturbation not just as a personal act but as part of a collective journey toward freedom and equality.

Embracing masturbation as a feminist act invites us to rewrite the stories we tell about our bodies, desires, and identities. It is an invitation to celebrate pleasure as a birthright and to live without shame.

Sources: Dodson & Ross official site, Joyful Self Love workshops, feminist historical archives 1 3