Positively depicting sex and sexuality

Talk

By: Anime Feminist November 20, 201730 Comments

Sex isn’t a four letter word, and all forms of sexuality (including asexuality and romantic interest) are part of the human experience. It’s only natural that those things will be part of our media. The conversation about when and how to talk about sex, or to have sexy characters (especially female characters) in an ethical and non-exploitative way, gets way more complicated.

Where do you define the line between sexiness and exploitation? Does it have to do with art, camera, or writing?
Do you have different requirements for depictions of intimacy between characters versus character designs for the audience? If so, what?
Can fanservice be ethical? If so, how?
Is it possible to strike a balance between the male gaze and a complete lack of sexual content?

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