Actress and lifestyle guru Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop brand hasn’t shied away from tackling controversial issues over the past decade – first online, then in print and at their annual wellness summits. Goop’s latest book, The Sex Issue, celebrates feminism in a risqué volume that covers subjects as diverse as vegan-friendly condoms, sex addiction, ethical porn and the female orgasm.
Along with advice from experts, tongue-in-cheek polls and tips on how to set your love life on fire, the book paves the way for some seriously frank conversations about a host of sex-related subjects.
The Issues in The Sex Issue
While the book’s feminist remit is fairly wide ranging, in her introduction, Paltrow says its premise is about “knowing yourselfâ€. To this end (she says) she has created the ultimate “sex laundry listâ€, where readers can find out whatever they want to know about the topic. Chances are there are also quite a few things in there that people might not even know they want to know…
Here’s a rundown on a few of the issues the book covers.
Favourite places to get down to it: Although this kind of list is not entirely original, the Goop staffers (who comprise the poll) must be an interesting bunch to have at a dinner party judging by some of their responses. Pirate ship? Rainforest? The mind boggles…
Play together and stay together: When a sex coach talks toys you can bet Barbie and Ken don’t make the cut. However, anal plugs, jade eggs, fake fur mirkins and glass dildos do. Prepare to play – and be educated.
Orgasmic meditation: This partnered practice involves one partner stroking the other’s clitoris for a session of 15 minutes, with no other purpose than to be entirely present in the experience. OM has the capacity to take practitioners beyond the female orgasm and enter an enlightened and continuous “state of orgasmâ€. It also enables the men who practice to achieve deeper, more intimate connections with women.
The problem of porn: While the existence of the adult film industry itself is arguably not a problem, the fact that it’s dominated at production level by males is. The book features a female porn producer, who offers her views on the lack of gender and race diversity in an industry that accounts for a third of all Internet traffic.
Treatment for sex addicts – and others: With #MeToo gaining ever more traction, the book profiles a number of treatment centres that offer programmes for bona fide sex addicts and those who are committed to changing potentially relationship threatening behaviour.
Pleasure by prostate: Who knew the way to a man’s heart could be through his prostate, via his anus? You, if you read this book. Enough said; we don’t want to spoil your erotic fun.
Dairy-free sex: Dedicated vegans may well be horrified to learn that many lubricated condoms contain dairy. Goop’s experts offer advice on using water-based lubricants that, unlike silicone-based lubes won’t cause skin irritations or compromise your vegan principles.
The above is just a small selection of what’s covered in this undeniably engaging book. So if you’re looking to brush up on your bondage, unlock your sensuality through a sacred snake ceremony (yes, it’s a thing), or follow the female orgasm further than it’s ever been before, girls, this one’s for you!
Juliette Karaman-van Schaardenburg is a director at TurnOn Britain and a qualified OneTaste coach and Orgasmic Meditation trainer. She works with both couples and singles, teaching them how to tap into the power of the female orgasm and use it to fuel their lives and relationships.
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