June 17th, 2009 / 7:25 am
Author Spotlight

Getting to Know Furry Girl & Feminisnt

Susie Bright was plugging this on her facebook yesterday, and it popped up in the feed on my page, and it seemed pretty neat. This is all NSFW, so caveat whatever. …

FG explains herself:

I’m a pornographer, sex worker, atheist, and former “sex-positive feminist” who grew tired of trying to shoehorn my life into a feminist analysis. I have liberated myself from women’s liberation, and it feels glorious. I’m now sharing my observations as a politically-minded smut peddler, ethical slut, and staunch skeptic.

Got to love those ethical sluts. For the curious, that phrase is actually a standard and commonly used term, at least in circles where such ideas have real currency. It comes from Dossie Easton and Catherine A. Liszt’s book, The Ethical Slut: A Guide to Infinite Sexual Possibilities. (Interesting aside: That’s the edition of TES that I read and am familiar with, but a new book with the same title and a different subtitle, The Ethical Slut: A Practical Guide to Polyamory, Open Relationships and Other Adventures, was published just this March. It was written by Easton, in collaboration with a woman named Janet Hardy, and seems to be a revision of the first TES rather than a wholly original work.)

So, but back to Furry Girl and Feminisnt. Bright’s facebook post about this was interesting, because she was actually saying that she personally doesn’t deal too well with the “post-feminist” or “freedom-from-our-freedom” attitude that FG evinces. She finds herself, for better or worse, attached to a word she helped define and a movement she helped/helps to shape. Nonetheless, Bright was saying, FG’s position made sense to her, and she understands why FG has adopted it. Anyway, I went over to FG’s blog and the first thing I found was a book review of Philip D. Harvey’s The Government vs. Erotica: The Seige of Adam and Eve, which is about Harvey’s own experiences as a pornographer and frequent target of government prosecution.

“The Government vs. Erotica” is a look at the series of coordinated obscenity prosecutions of Philip Harvey, his company, Adam & Eve, and many of his employees. The government’s strategy was to indict Harvey and others in multiple districts around the country, bleeding them dry through a series of costly legal battles over bogus obscenity charges. It’s the kind of thing that has killed smaller companies with less means to defend themselves.

FG makes the book sound like it’s well worth reading, and Harvey seems like someone I’d like to know more about. What I’m especially pleased by, however, if FG’s cutting and prescient class-consciousness, and the way her substantial enthusiasm for the author, his book, and his cause doesn’t stop her from including a substantive critique of some of Harvey’s positions.

Harvey raises my blood pressure when he repeatedly reminds readers that the porn he was selling featured only mainstream adult content. I’m bothered by the false dichotomy set up in sentences such as “…depictions of positive sexuality between cheerfully consenting adults, without violence or degradation.” It’s the consenting adults bit that matters, not whether the performers are giggling or sobbing during the scene.

For non-industry readers, I can see how Harvey is trying to make himself look extra “upstanding” by refusing to carry porn that features anything “too dirty”, but he does the perv/porn community a disservice by dividing adult entertainment into “good” and “bad” based on whether or not it’s kinky, rather than by standards such as the labor conditions under which it was made. Anyone with any sense of sexual sophistication knows that “violence” and “degradation” are not mutually exclusive to “positive sexuality”.

This is an example of what we in the writing world like to call “a good piece of criticism.” It’s a very young blog (began in May of this year), and it’ll be interesting to see how it develops. I for one hope that FG keeps the lit-crit coming. Some other nifty things I’ve found on there so far: “Biography of a pornographic polemic,” and “How to not suck at interviewing me.

Also, of course, Furry Girl’s several porn sites, which include, EroticRed (menstruation), FurryGirl (unshaved), and TheSensualVegan (a store).

Tags: , ,

69 Comments

  1. ryan manning

      Not suitable/safe for work (NSFW), not work-suitable/safe (NWS), or not school-suitable (NSS) is Internet slang or shorthand.

  2. ryan manning

      Not suitable/safe for work (NSFW), not work-suitable/safe (NWS), or not school-suitable (NSS) is Internet slang or shorthand.

  3. Justin Taylor

      Thanks, Ryan. I wasn’t sure what I meant when I wrote that, but now it seems really clear.

  4. Justin Taylor

      Thanks, Ryan. I wasn’t sure what I meant when I wrote that, but now it seems really clear.

  5. pr

      Justin- I am with Susie in my attachment to the word feminist, and even though I live a monogamous life and find porn depressing, I think Susie is a living icon who only illuminates and pushes for a true morality in human interaction. Thanks for this piece on fg. Good quotes.

  6. pr

      Justin- I am with Susie in my attachment to the word feminist, and even though I live a monogamous life and find porn depressing, I think Susie is a living icon who only illuminates and pushes for a true morality in human interaction. Thanks for this piece on fg. Good quotes.

  7. ryan manning

      Susannah “Susie” Bright (also known as Susie Sexpert) (born March 25, 1958, Arlington, Virginia) is a writer, speaker, teacher, audio-show host, performer, all on the subject of sexuality.

  8. ryan manning

      Susannah “Susie” Bright (also known as Susie Sexpert) (born March 25, 1958, Arlington, Virginia) is a writer, speaker, teacher, audio-show host, performer, all on the subject of sexuality.

  9. ryan manning

      Justin Taylor is a central character on the American television series Queer As Folk, based on Nathan Maloney in the UK version.

  10. ryan manning

      Justin Taylor is a central character on the American television series Queer As Folk, based on Nathan Maloney in the UK version.

  11. ryan manning

      HTML, an initialism for Hypertext Mark-up Language, is the predominant markup language for web pages.

  12. ryan manning

      HTML, an initialism for Hypertext Mark-up Language, is the predominant markup language for web pages.

  13. ryan manning

      Sardonicism (from Latin: Risus sardonicus, a convulsive laughter) is the expression of derision, cynicism, or skeptical humor variously through comment, gesture, or writing.

  14. ryan manning

      Sardonicism (from Latin: Risus sardonicus, a convulsive laughter) is the expression of derision, cynicism, or skeptical humor variously through comment, gesture, or writing.

  15. ryan manning

      Insecurity is a feeling of general unease or nervousness that may be triggered by perceiving oneself to be unloved, inadequate or worthless (whether in a rational or an irrational manner).

  16. ryan manning

      Insecurity is a feeling of general unease or nervousness that may be triggered by perceiving oneself to be unloved, inadequate or worthless (whether in a rational or an irrational manner).

  17. ryan manning

      Suffrage (from the Latin suffragium, meaning “voting tablet”, and figuratively “right to vote”, and originally a term for the pastern bone used to cast votes) is the civil right to vote, or the exercise of that right.

  18. ryan manning

      Suffrage (from the Latin suffragium, meaning “voting tablet”, and figuratively “right to vote”, and originally a term for the pastern bone used to cast votes) is the civil right to vote, or the exercise of that right.

  19. ryan manning

      Pornography or porn is the depiction of explicit sexual subject matter for the purpose of sexually exciting the viewer.

  20. ryan manning

      Pornography or porn is the depiction of explicit sexual subject matter for the purpose of sexually exciting the viewer.

  21. ryan manning

      A girl is any female human from birth through childhood and adolescence to attainment of adulthood.

  22. ryan manning

      A girl is any female human from birth through childhood and adolescence to attainment of adulthood.

  23. ryan manning

      Caveat (pronounced /ˈkævɪæt/), the third-person singular present subjunctive of the Latin cavere, means “warning” (or more literally, “let him beware”, “let her beware” or “let it beware”).

  24. ryan manning

      Caveat (pronounced /ˈkævɪæt/), the third-person singular present subjunctive of the Latin cavere, means “warning” (or more literally, “let him beware”, “let her beware” or “let it beware”).

  25. ryan manning

      Caveat lector is a Latin phrase meaning “Let the reader beware”.
      Caveat emptor is a Latin phrase meaning “Let the buyer beware”.
      Caveat venditor is a Latin phrase meaning “Let the seller beware”.

  26. ryan manning

      Caveat lector is a Latin phrase meaning “Let the reader beware”.
      Caveat emptor is a Latin phrase meaning “Let the buyer beware”.
      Caveat venditor is a Latin phrase meaning “Let the seller beware”.

  27. ryan manning

      Kalamazoo (pronounced /ˌkæləməˈzuː/) is the largest city in the southwest region of the U.S. state of Michigan.

  28. ryan manning

      Kalamazoo (pronounced /ˌkæləməˈzuː/) is the largest city in the southwest region of the U.S. state of Michigan.

  29. ryan manning

      Calm is an adjective meaning peaceful, quiet; particularly used of the weather, free from wind or storm, or of the sea, as opposed to rough.

  30. ryan manning

      Calm is an adjective meaning peaceful, quiet; particularly used of the weather, free from wind or storm, or of the sea, as opposed to rough.

  31. ryan manning

      A ceasefire (or truce) is a temporary stoppage of any armed conflict, where each side of the conflict agrees with the other to suspend aggressive actions.

  32. Blake Butler

      ok dude, really

  33. ryan manning

      Capture the flag (CTF) is a traditional outdoor sport often played by children or sometimes adults where two teams each have a flag (or other marker) and the objective is to capture the other team’s flag, located at the team’s “base”, and bring it safely back to their own base.

  34. ryan manning

      A ceasefire (or truce) is a temporary stoppage of any armed conflict, where each side of the conflict agrees with the other to suspend aggressive actions.

  35. Blake Butler

      ok dude, really

  36. ryan manning

      Capture the flag (CTF) is a traditional outdoor sport often played by children or sometimes adults where two teams each have a flag (or other marker) and the objective is to capture the other team’s flag, located at the team’s “base”, and bring it safely back to their own base.

  37. ryan manning

      An eating disorder is to eat, or avoid eating, in a manner which negatively affects both one’s physical and mental health.

  38. ryan manning

      An eating disorder is to eat, or avoid eating, in a manner which negatively affects both one’s physical and mental health.

  39. ryan manning

      Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) (previously known as Dysmorphophobia and sometimes referred to as Body dysmorphia) (also known as “Dysmorphic syndrome,” and “Dysmorphophobia”) is a psychiatric disorder in which the affected person is excessively concerned about and preoccupied by an imagined or minor defect in his or her physical features.

  40. ryan manning

      Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) (previously known as Dysmorphophobia and sometimes referred to as Body dysmorphia) (also known as “Dysmorphic syndrome,” and “Dysmorphophobia”) is a psychiatric disorder in which the affected person is excessively concerned about and preoccupied by an imagined or minor defect in his or her physical features.

  41. ryan manning

      Perversion is a concept describing those types of human behavior that are perceived to be a serious deviation from what is considered to be orthodox or normal.

  42. ryan manning

      Sadism refers to gratification in the infliction of pain or humiliation upon another person.

  43. ryan manning

      Masochism refers to gratification from receiving the infliction of pain or humiliation.

  44. ryan manning

      Perversion is a concept describing those types of human behavior that are perceived to be a serious deviation from what is considered to be orthodox or normal.

  45. ryan manning

      Sadism refers to gratification in the infliction of pain or humiliation upon another person.

  46. ryan manning

      Masochism refers to gratification from receiving the infliction of pain or humiliation.

  47. ryan manning

      Persuasion is a form of social influence.

  48. ryan manning

      Persuasion is a form of social influence.

  49. Janey Smith

      When I was little–in the nineties–I got to see Susie Bright, Annie Sprinkle and Kathy Acker read together at a club called Slim’s in San Francisco.

      pr? Even though I gravitate more towards polyamorous relationships and I happen to really enjoy a lot of pornography, I’m with you. I think that Susie Bright is really important and fun.

  50. Janey Smith

      When I was little–in the nineties–I got to see Susie Bright, Annie Sprinkle and Kathy Acker read together at a club called Slim’s in San Francisco.

      pr? Even though I gravitate more towards polyamorous relationships and I happen to really enjoy a lot of pornography, I’m with you. I think that Susie Bright is really important and fun.

  51. pr

      Susie Bright Annie Sprinkle and Kathy Acker! I love it. All three contributed to that issue of Research called Angry Women which beyond owning, I actually know where it lives! That must have been a wonderful evening.I used to enjoy porn, but I just stopped. Sort of like my love for cheese omelets. But Susie is a huge thinker. You should download her book on Andrea Dworkin (man, another post I am supposed to do…) – it’s so well thought out.

      I plan on posting from that Research sometime.

  52. pr

      Susie Bright Annie Sprinkle and Kathy Acker! I love it. All three contributed to that issue of Research called Angry Women which beyond owning, I actually know where it lives! That must have been a wonderful evening.I used to enjoy porn, but I just stopped. Sort of like my love for cheese omelets. But Susie is a huge thinker. You should download her book on Andrea Dworkin (man, another post I am supposed to do…) – it’s so well thought out.

      I plan on posting from that Research sometime.

  53. Nathan (Nate) Tyree

      Annie Sprinkle is supracool

  54. Nathan (Nate) Tyree

      Annie Sprinkle is supracool

  55. Nathan (Nate) Tyree

      This is a great post.

      I consider myself a sex positive feminist (I know, I know, a lot of people don’t think dudes can be feminists, but I am one. Always have been).

  56. Nathan (Nate) Tyree

      This is a great post.

      I consider myself a sex positive feminist (I know, I know, a lot of people don’t think dudes can be feminists, but I am one. Always have been).

  57. Nathan (Nate) Tyree

      What ever happened to Camile Paglia?

  58. Nathan (Nate) Tyree

      I think I just mangled her name

  59. Nathan (Nate) Tyree

      What ever happened to Camile Paglia?

  60. Nathan (Nate) Tyree

      I think I just mangled her name

  61. Janey Smith

      That would be so cool! Andrea Dworkin is a total trip.Peter Sotos talks about Andrea Dworkin a lot. It’s funny that Sotos has not received the slightest attention here on the GIANT. I really like his books.

      I feel kind of dopey. Like I’m all high or something.

  62. Janey Smith

      That would be so cool! Andrea Dworkin is a total trip.Peter Sotos talks about Andrea Dworkin a lot. It’s funny that Sotos has not received the slightest attention here on the GIANT. I really like his books.

      I feel kind of dopey. Like I’m all high or something.

  63. pr

      If you believe that woman should be able to vote, control their reproductive systems, go to Harvard, have jobs– uh, yeah, that makes you a feminist, male or female, in my mind.

      Camille Paglia (sp?) was never my favorite. I gave her very little time, though. She was too academic for me and too- angry? mean- spirited? I read her 15 years ago but didn’t finish the book. I’m sure she’s more interesting than what I know of her.

  64. pr

      If you believe that woman should be able to vote, control their reproductive systems, go to Harvard, have jobs– uh, yeah, that makes you a feminist, male or female, in my mind.

      Camille Paglia (sp?) was never my favorite. I gave her very little time, though. She was too academic for me and too- angry? mean- spirited? I read her 15 years ago but didn’t finish the book. I’m sure she’s more interesting than what I know of her.

  65. Signe C.

      eroticred=limit found

  66. Signe C.

      eroticred=limit found

  67. Janet Hardy

      Janet Hardy here — a Google alert pointed me toward your blog when you started talking about Ethical Slut. “Catherine A. Liszt” and I are the same person — she’s a pen name I used to use when my kids were still minors (“cat-a-lyst,” get it?).

      The new edition of “Slut” is an extensive rewrite and expansion of the original book — after 12 years, we found we had a lot more we wanted to say, and a lot of changes we wanted to make in how we said it. I’m glad you enjoyed the original book but I think you’ll like the new one even more.

      Thanks,
      Janet W. Hardy

  68. Janet Hardy

      Janet Hardy here — a Google alert pointed me toward your blog when you started talking about Ethical Slut. “Catherine A. Liszt” and I are the same person — she’s a pen name I used to use when my kids were still minors (“cat-a-lyst,” get it?).

      The new edition of “Slut” is an extensive rewrite and expansion of the original book — after 12 years, we found we had a lot more we wanted to say, and a lot of changes we wanted to make in how we said it. I’m glad you enjoyed the original book but I think you’ll like the new one even more.

      Thanks,
      Janet W. Hardy

  69. HTMLGIANT / One Reader Writes

      […] comment appeared yesterday on a very NSFW post of mine from back in June, “Getting to Know Furry Girl & Feminisnt”. It comes from Janet Hardy, co-author of The Ethical Slut, and it clears up some confusion I had […]