What Is Porn for Women, Exactly? Exploring Genres of Adult Content
Pornography is a contentious subject on its own- rife with the heated trappings of discussion about sexuality, gender, and eroticism.
Pornography is a $97 billion dollar industry. Yes, billion, with a “b”. With an estimated 37% of the internet devoted to different types of eroticism and pornographic material. So to still believe that good-natured, everyday people don’t consume porn, requires some mental gymnastics worthy of Simone Biles a la Rio 2016 performance standards.
The fact is that frankly- people watch porn. Men, women, transgendered, black, white, Asian, heterosexual, homosexual, pansexual, LBGTQIA+… People, people watch porn. A lot of it. Porndoe, a website dedicated to providing porn for the people en masse, is a perfect example of just how many genres and tastes make up the wide world of erotica. So it should come as no surprise that there is an entire industry dedicated to making porn for women, as well as important sub-genres and satellite erotica platforms dedicated to delivering whatever type of pornography it is that interests you most. The question remains though- what type of pornography are you interested in?
Porn for Women and the Mainstream
If you’ve ever caught a glimpse of ‘mainstream porn’ from the erotic golden age of the 1970s, you’re likely to find some pretty familiar storylines. Busty Blonde Seeks Handyman. Good Secretary Gone Bad. Or who can forget the classic “Furry Man Becomes Obsessed With His Own Genitals”?
The point is that mainstream pornography hasn’t really changed much in the last few decades. In a largely male-dominated industry- as far as producers, directors, and distributors go- mainstream pornography is known for consistently being on the cutting edge of technology, but it hasn’t really changed its narrative. Even if society has. The fact is that outside of general film quality, we’re still left with the same tired scenarios. Women being pounded like a freezer-burnt piece of beef, only after a cursory exchange of trite remarks and less than stellar acting has transpired.
It’s important to note that even if you’re a hardcore feminist or non-binary egalitarian- if mainstream porn is what does it for you, that’s perfectly okay, and there’s nothing wrong with it. The thing about “mainstream” porn isn’t that it’s what’s consumed by the majority of adult content users, but that it’s enjoyed by the majority of adult content users. Which is perfectly fine, if you’re into that sort of thing. For the rest, it’s also okay that they want something a bit different.
Feminist Pornography
A genre set apart for its dedication to gender equality, feminist porn looks to encourage the narrative of women in their pursuit of freedom and equality when considering sexuality and pleasure. Bringing into stark focus the ethics of sex work, and ethical practice regarding the needs and desires of its performers. Often through the lens of female lead storylines and a greater diversity of filmed archetypes.
Things like using realistic bodies and relatable context. Using sex and gender expression to explore new themes and sexual arousals. Giving power to the players when it comes to genuine satisfaction. Feminist porn has sometimes been equated with amateur titles, in the way that it allows viewers to see performers genuinely enjoying the sex they’re having, oftentimes choosing more organic scenes as opposed to heavily scripted ones.
Ethical Pornography
Ethical pornography is still nascent in the community, with some companies hesitant to get behind this particular brand. Instead, adhering to specific standards in respect to the wages and working conditions of their performers. Allowing the actors to say “when and who” as opposed to constructing a false sense of chemistry between costars.
Because ethical porn is more a commentary on how the porn is created, and less so a suggestion of what is being shown, makes it a genre that is capable of fitting into a number of other pornographic paradigms. Allowing viewers to indulge in their sexual fantasies without the concern that there may be exploitative practices propelling them.
Amateur and Queer Porn
Queer porn is oftentimes considered adult content that depicts performers with various gender identities and sexual orientations engaging in sexual acts the explore and indulge the ideas of pleasure and desire in unique and underrepresented ways. With a focus on interpersonal eroticism and individual arousal. Queer porn is a wonderful genre for anyone who is wanting to explore what sexuality means to them.
Often lumped in amongst amateur genres, queer porn works hard to fully represent authenticity. Including the sexual acts of “gender normative” performers, or even heterosexuals. Using areas of individual comfort as a safe platform to start exploring other types of sexual context. Showcasing all genders and sexual preferences as a norm, in a genuine and desirable context. Queer pornography often following ethical porn guidelines when it comes to worker considerations and scene creation. Giving everyone the chance to see that love is love, and sex is awesome.
June 24th, 2020
Posted in Articles
