My Top 5 Favorite Sexy Ass Feminists

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General Transcript: My Top 5 Favorite Sexy Ass Feminists

Hello everyone, thank you for joining me for today's video on sexy ass feminists!

I wanted to discuss this topic because I think there is this antiquated idea that sexuality and feminism are mutually exclusive, and that a woman must be modest to be respected. And before we move on, let’s be clear: I’m not talking “looking sexy” or “just having lots of sex”. Sexuality is not something merely for the gaze or consumption of another. I’m talking women who are in ownership of, confident in, and unapologetic about their personal sexuality. And this is inclusive of women of all ages, cultures, shapes, backgrounds, etc. Feminism is not supporting the rights and liberation of women who fit a certain prudent social construct. That’s easy. But it’s not progress. Instead, we have to accept that some women are extremely sexually expressive, and recognize that this doesn’t dismiss them from being powerful, meaningful, and revolutionary voices in the feminist movement. And to prove this point, I’d like to share with you my personal top five sexy ass feminists.

Those were my personal top 5 sexy ass feminists. And just to be clear, not every feminist needs—or should be—as sexually bold and brazen as these examples. Nor does a woman have to be this openly expressive to be in her own sexual power. That is not the message of this video… I’m arguing that in whatever capacity or degree, a woman should never feel ashamed or disempowered for being a sexual creature—because as humans, we all are. And if you don’t control your own sexuality, then someone else can and may. And nothing is more feminist than being in complete ownership of one’s self, in mind, body, and soul.

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Cleopatra is one of history’s most famous and mysterious women. She was brilliant, ambitious, and charismatic… and she used her feminine powers to maintain and expand her political power in Egypt. In order to win over the affections of Julius Caesar, she had herself delivered to him in his personal chambers, dressed in royal garb, rolled in a Persian carpet (or some argue in a linen bag), but all the same Caesar was instantly smitten. After the murder of Caesar, she set her eyes on Mark Anthony. For their first meeting, Cleopatra sailed to Anthony on a river barge with billowing purple sails filled with flowers and scented with exotic perfumes while she reclined on deck surrounded by her servants and gold. Again, he was instantly under her spell. Cleopatra was irresistibly intelligence and charming, and at the same time was uninhibited in her sexuality. She saw herself as a goddess and was known to dress flamboyantly and use makeup to glamorize herself. She was unapologetic, a true sensual being, and a feminist before the term existed as one of the earliest female state leaders in history.

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Josephine Baker was an African American turned French citizen during the jazz age. She was a prolific singer and entertainer who challenged the sexual status quo during her erotic, stripped-down dance performances, and matched that fervor with her deeply committed social activism. Though born impoverished with a difficult childhood, Josephine eventually became billed as “the highest-paid chorus girl in vaudeville.” In her world-famous, exotic and provocative banana routine, Baker challenged stereotypes about race, gender and sexuality, and advanced her career in ways unprecedented for women, especially black women, of that time. She was uninhibited about her sexual desires and audiences found her irresistible. Off stage, she won a medal for her role in the Nazi resistance movement, refused to play to segregated crowds or clubs in the U.S., and was the only woman to speak at the March On Washington with Martin Luther King Jr. Josephine Baker owned her body and gave power to sexuality, and as a result also gave a critical voice to the black female minority.  

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Pam Grier is the original bad-ass female action hero who revolutionized cinema. Synonymous with Blaxploitation films in the 1970s, Grier was able to use these sexually charged roles to her advantage. In these films, she fused feminist sensibilities, Black Nationalist radicalism, and vigilante justice to help shift the perception of women from passive sexual objects to powerful leading characters. Often times nude or scantily clad, Grier’s empowered performances weren’t passive or merely for the male gaze. Rather, she was proof that woman could be many things at once: sexy, strong, smart, and fearless… she was the hunter, not the prey, and Grier even performed her own stunts. Pulling from her own experience of multiple rapes and racism, she attached a political voice to sexuality for women and in her own words, proved “A woman can still wear her high heels and still fix the plumbing.” She was proud in her heritage, outspoken about inequality, and a true Feminist icon.

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Madonna is a pop music icon, sex symbol, and the world’s best selling female recording artist. Since the early 80s, Madonna has been creating lyrics, imagery, and artistic content that pushes the boundaries of what’s considered acceptable for women. She openly explores the topic of sex in her music, and though oftentimes demonized because of it, has inspired women around the globe by proving a woman can be fully feminine and sexual and still be in complete control of her own life. She challenges the antiquated idea that feminist need to be sexually modest, and even acknowledged this in her recent Billboard Women in Music speech where she expressed that if it’s feminist to repress your sexuality, then she’s a bad feminist. Throughout her career, she has embodied the concept that being openly sexual can be powerful, dismantling the patriarchal concept that female sexuality is reserved solely for the consumption of men, and is otherwise shameful objectification.

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Lux ATL is a pole dancer with a PhD, a former English professor and lifelong exotic dancer. She is an activist for female empowerment through radical expression of the sensual self, and as a teacher of sensual dance, allows women to take ownership of their bodies and strip away the shame associated with sex and eroticism. Through her work as a writer and speaker, Lux seeks to revolutionize the way womanhood is regarded in our culture. Her message of empowerment from within promotes a shift in women from fear and guilt to living in one’s utmost power and potential. She also challenges the idea of pitting women against each other and instead has created a community where women support and uplift each other with the common goal of love and feminist uprising.

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Those were my personal top 5 sexy ass feminists. And just to be clear, not every feminist needs—or should be—as sexually bold and brazen as these examples. Nor does a woman have to be this openly expressive to be in her own sexual power. That is not the message of this video… I’m arguing that in whatever capacity or degree, a woman should never feel ashamed or disempowered for being a sexual creature—because as humans, we all are. And if you don’t control your own sexuality, then someone else can and may. And nothing is more feminist than being in complete ownership of one’s self, in mind, body, and soul.

So as I said before, these are my personal top 5. But I wanna hear who you would include in your list! Comment below, and maybe we’ll have to do a Sexy Ass Feminists part 2 video! Also, I’ll put a link below to my shop at Pole Parlour.com if you’d like to get your own Sexy Ass Feminist tank. And if you enjoy this content, please subscribe, share, and keep on being a bad bitch.