Her Place creates space for her body, her sex life, and womankind — without shame, fear, or the patriarchal gaze. We’ll launch an array of pleasure products this spring.
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Self-discovery is a crucial part of self-actualization that no one else can do for you. Whether that’s in a sexual context or not, it’s all the same. I learned how to feel through emotions and let that guide me towards what it is I actually want and need. It sounds simple; but growing up in a Catholic Filipino-American household where your individual desire is sacrificed in favor of politesse and assimilation, self-discovery is a radical act.
In a time when sexuality is boundless and cultural norms shift away from compulsory monogamy (as they should!), I am still early in my journey towards decolonization. It’s one thing intellectually understanding that nuclear families are unnatural, arranged to uphold patriarchy and citizen productivity, and yet another thing to separate internalized fairy tales from unbending attraction. Sound messy? It is. But it’s mine to love.
I take myself on dates, whether I’m single or not. Once I even took myself on a weeks-long honeymoon in Europe, just because I deserved it. From the outside, it might’ve looked lonely — especially if you’re an Italian waiter used to serving big families on a Sunday evening — but for me, it’s the most important relationship in my life and should be treated as such. The more I take care of myself, the more capacity I have to see, hear, and love romantic partners. It’s a snowball effect with very, very hot results.
Assuming that I already know what I want (which is half the battle!), I simply ask. I wasn’t always able to do this because, in short, I didn’t trust previous partners with my feelings. If there’s trust, there is communication. And no, it does not ruin or spoil anything.
What I’m navigating now is my desire to let go, relinquish control, and have someone I trust — someone that sees me — take the reins of pleasure. At first I thought it was antifeminist, patriarchal dominance disguised as play, but I now see it as the eroticism of trust.
Honestly? Read Communion by the visionary writer and my forever intellectual crush bell hooks. At first it will make you angry, then it will give you the courage to love. It is truly a gift.
