Cultural Messages of Sex Discussion

This discussion was created by Naveh Halperin and Nicole Mazzeo of Pleasure Pie.

Key

• Popcorn Style - Let people speak when they have something to say, in no particular order. Not everyone needs to speak.​

Discussion Outline

• Introductions:
  • Everyone goes around and says their name, the pronouns they use, and one thing that makes them anxious when they think of Sex.
• Group guidelines:
• We're going to be talking about some sensitive things here. What are some guidelines that we can establish for this space, in order to help make it more comfortable, safe, and conducive to the type of discussion that we want to have? (Popcorn style)
• Discussion questions:
  • How have porn, sex scenes in movies, books, and music affected your relationship to sex?
    • Specific examples are cool, but no pressure.
    • Give everyone some silent time to jot down to themselves what they can think of.
    • Come back to the group and share some reflections. Go around in a circle so each person speaks.
    • • ​Have any of these things been helpful? Confusing? Harmful?
      • What was this like for you?
  • What would you like our culture and the media to say/show about sex? (Popcorn style)
  • What is something you can do to help more our culture and/or the media toward the way you want sex to be presented? (Popcorn style)​
    • Ask this in a way that is genuinely looking for suggestions and curious about people's ideas/strategies, not pushing people to commit to activism that they aren't feeling inclined to do.
  • What is one thing you would want to say to the world about sex or sexuality that's different from what you see the media saying?
    • Pass out small pieces of paper for people to write thoughts, illustrations, poems, lists, etc. on.
    • Take a moment for everyone to jot this down.
    • Share popcorn style!
• Reflections: What has talking about this stuff during this meeting felt like for you? (Popcorn style)