What does it mean to be sexually promiscuous? I am a 20-year-old woman who has had to think about this question often. What makes me a slut? Am I a slut because I like sex? Or am I a slut because I am vocal about what I want and like? I’ve been called a slut in a demeaning way, in a friendly joking way and even in the bedroom. In all the different ways and settings I have been called this word, I have noticed my different reactions. One is anger at (mostly) men who have tried to use the word against me, and the other reaction, that I think is more powerful than anger, strength.
I like sex a lot. I am not ashamed of this statement. I am lucky enough to feel confident with who I am and feel comfortable with my sexuality. Not all women can experience this or say they feel this way. A slut is described as “a woman who has many casual sexual partners.” What does that even mean!? How many is “many”? The fact that this definition is so vague shows how society views women’s sex lives. This is saying, “keep the number low and quiet. Don’t sleep with too many men, but also you cannot be a prude, inexperienced sexual partner.” How can I be a virgin and at the same time sensual and risqué? The answer: not possible.
Women should never feel ashamed about how many sexual partners they have had. We are putting women down when we should be helping them love their bodies and embrace who they are. All women should feel confident and free to express their sexuality as they please. We have multiple words that help confine our sexuality into a box. Slut, whore, tramp, floozy, hussy, hooker, etc.
The time of women being shoved in the unreasonable idea of purity until marriage is over. The time of women being unaware of their bodies and letting men dominate our sexual lives is over. Call me what you like. Call me all the names in the book because none of it means a thing. I am a slut, and I am proud. We are taking back the word. Men no longer dominate sex; we want in too! Why do women have to still feel this strong sense of systematic oppression over an activity that men can do, an activity that is natural and healthy? The last time I checked, I was the other consenting partner in the act of sex. Sex is not done to me; I do it. And for all the women who still put each other down, take a good, long, hard look at yourself. We already have men putting these unreasonable standards on us, so we cannot afford to tear each other down. Boost up each other. Support your fellow slut!
No one can shame you or take away your right to be a slut. Take the word away from them and make it ours! I am a slut and I am proud! Read it out with me! I call to my fellow sluts! Embrace your slutiness and love your sexuality!
Bridgette Boone: A proud slut.
This article first appeared in the Friday, March 2, 2018, Edition of The Echo.