.
Feedback

How Comfortable Are You With Your Sexuality?

Do you squirm when you see public displays of affection? How much touching is too much? Is kissing and hugging fitting? What about fondling? When is the line crossed?

Are you jealous when couples smooch on the street corner or are you hopeful because experiencing others in love brings you that much closer to fulfilling your own aspirations?

Would it be within limits to follow Louise Lasser’s character in Woody Allen’s film, Everything You Wanted to Know About Sex But Were Afraid To Ask, who was aroused only when she was in public?

After years of bans on breastfeeding, it’s now legal for women to nurse their babies in public. Nevertheless, many are astounded with this beneficial behavior and will leave the premises due to embarrassment and judgment.

Why is sexuality still such a taboo topic, which many shy away from? What is it about humans and their reproductive body parts that Americans abhor and are afraid of?

Is it because sex has the power to make or break your day? Could it be because having a lover to some is more of a necessity than food, water, and shelter?

Murders have occurred over the denial of sexual gratification. Wars have been fought over similar issues. Sexual discrimination is widespread, a raging epidemic in most of the world.     

What’s shameful about the human body and our sexuality? At an early age, parents and teachers tell kids their private parts are to be shunned. Many even punish their children for the healthy, developmental process of exploring their bodies and discovering pleasure. Teenagers are habitually not allowed out of the house when their clothes are deemed revealing. 

There’s a dichotomy if your goal is to allure a ‘happily ever after.’ On the one hand you’re encouraged to find, seduce, and charm a man/woman to marry and procreate with. On the other hand, you’re cautioned to be prim, proper, respectable, and chaste.

Promiscuity in television and movies with intense sex scenes is standard. The media glorifies and bombards the nation with sexy, sensual, and stimulating advertising, e.g. barely clothed Abercrombie and Fitch or Victoria’s Secret models.

You can’t help but be subject to sexual connotations through half naked bodies on a daily basis. Full frontal nudity in films and theatre has become a huge selling point.

At the same time, society is quick to label women as sluts and whores, and men as womanizers just because they enjoy and seek gratification?

How do you reconcile sexual freedom with rampant sexual abuse in our country and across the universe along with its accompanying psychological trauma and irreversible damage? At this second, a child/girl/woman is being raped somewhere on the planet.

Today is Earth Day when we celebrate nature in all its glory and magnificence. It’s a classic moment to revel in the beauty of our bodies.  

In Europe, au natural is quite ordinary. Europeans have a more relaxed attitude toward being bare. “European nudes and American prudes,” has been used to describe the differences.

Conversely, Muslim women, as a rule, cover up completely and won’t show any skin, let alone act provocatively. They interpret the Qur’an, where Allah tells believers to “lower their gaze and be modest,” as suggesting they conduct themselves accordingly.

The courage to honor your body starts within by recognizing and acknowledging the magnificence of your sexual prowess and ability to achieve sexual satisfaction. Musicians sing about it, poets write about it, filmmakers create movies about it, authors produce novels about it.

The newly released controversial book, Fifty Shades of Grey, by E.L. James (a pen name to protect her anonymity) has been the talk of the town attributable to its graphic eroticism, and by reason of the fact it was written by a housewife and mother of two.

Why is it so surprising the narrative depicts a young woman’s submissive relationship with a wealthy businessman? Hasn’t research shown that sexual fantasies are good for your health and a crucial element in long lasting, successful, intimate connections?

Then why is everyone in an uproar over the tale? Women and men everywhere are hot and bothered. At the Pleasure Chest, the high end sex shop in West Hollywood, filled with vibrators, sex toys, and other erotica on display for you to try, workshops based on the tome have been organized, owing to the high demand and innumerable inquiries.

Fifty Shades of Grey, its two sequels plus a movie deal already in the works, has become a phenomenon. People are shocked and horrified to hear readers of all ages recommending and discussing this piece of literature on the racy subject of bondage and S & M, a story of a man dominating a woman.

Of all our senses, touching is frequently left off the list. Babies can die if they’re not held. The bumper sticker, “have your hugged your child today,” is relevant and habitually answered in the negative. Touching is indispensable not only to survive but to thrive.

This fundamental human function can be satisfied even if you’re not romantically involved. Get a massage or have a facial, using aromatic essential oils to stimulate sensation on your face and body. You can feel the euphoria, peace, joy, and relaxation that you do after making love.

It takes a confident man/woman to convey sexual yearnings and desires. Kudos to those who have the conviction and valor to go beyond the mold, divulge their truth, and not worry about what others think.  

Singles Slogan for Today: I’m proud of my sexuality, open to new avenues for contentment and bliss. My body is perfect exactly the way it is. I’m ready to be a magnet for my ideal sexual partner. I deserve a mate who’s 100% giving of and receptive to emotional and physical delight.  

Speaking of sexual empowerment, V-Day Studio City proudly presents Eve Ensler’s award winning and compelling play, “The Vagina Monologues” this Friday through Sunday April 27-29th at Two Roads Theatre, 4348 Tujunga Ave., Studio City, 91604.

Based on interviews with over 200 women, this hilarious and heart wrenching show consists of monologues entitled, ‘My Angry Vagina,’ ‘Reclaiming Cunt,’ ‘Hair,’ ‘The Flood,’ ‘Because He Liked to Look at It,’ and ‘The Woman Who Loved to Make Vaginas Happy.’

As with every V-Day event, profits are dispersed to a local charity. V-Day Studio City Founder/Producer/Co-Star Maxie Solters has named Peace Over Violence, infamous for their highly regarded efforts in preventing domestic violence through knowledge, understanding, faith, self-confidence, music, and family, as the 2012 beneficiary.

The Pleasure Chest and Fun Factory continue their sponsorship tradition by donating vibrators and gift bags/cards, to be raffled. Chocolate vagina lollipops, penis brownies, and wine are available for a nominal fee. A highlight of the evening is the ‘fake orgasm contest,’ which always elicits wild laughter from the audience.

Tickets: $20/$15 (Sun.) cash at the door or online in advance at Ticketweb.com.                          

For more info, visit Facebook.com/VDayStudioCity.

Practice using your sexuality to fascinate Mr./Ms. Right this Wednesday April 25th at Dr. Dan Blechman’s Spring Fling at Caberet Tehran Restaurant, 16101 Ventura Blvd., Encino, CA 91436. From 7:30-11pm, you can dance, mingle, and flirt to your heart’s content in a room filled with attractive, available ladies and gents.

Last month the initial Valley party was a great success. There’s no charge. Complimentary light appetizers and drink specials are offered. The dance floor invites you to bring your best moves. Kick up your heels and let down your hair, for a fun evening. Come solo, with cohorts, or your bff.

Newsletter & Alerts

Get the best stories each day and important breaking news

Subscribe

Not from Studio City Patch? Find your Local Patch »

Loading comments ...
Note Article
Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
John Walker May 21, 2013 at 05:14 pm
Presumptuous? What about my "endorsement" is presumptuous. You don't really need toRead More respond😃, I just didn't understand the comment.
Barbara Krause May 21, 2013 at 09:06 am
Somewhat presumptuous this early on Voting Day.
David Pearlberg December 21, 2012 at 11:00 pm
I attended N.H.H.S. in the mid-seventies. Mr. Reeves and Mr. Moelter were two of my favorites.Read More Loved Mr. McLeroy for Sociology.
Kim Phillips-Clark December 19, 2012 at 07:25 pm
great article Mary! Ms. Korney, she sometimes scared me to death! But always around christmas IRead More think of her and pronounce my letters clearly at the end of a word when I sing. I can still remember the song I had to sing for my final, "If ever I would leave you..." She taught me a lot. I agree with everything you said about Mr. Reeves. I had Mr. Pesin for Algebra, he did nothing to help further my math skills. The biggest flirt around, ick. We had a girl in school at the time that flirted her way to an A and hardly ever went to class. Go figure!! I also thought quite highly of Ms. Requiam. Glad she's still around.
Mary McGrath December 18, 2012 at 07:59 pm
Oh, that's so funny Suzanne....what a great story!
Miki Henderson April 27, 2013 at 02:27 pm
Is there a video of this minecraft from mr donovan
Rich Addams March 30, 2013 at 02:49 pm
Luv the bunnyleggos
Cheyenne Chasen March 25, 2013 at 01:00 pm
Love seeing the new entries each and every week! Keep it up!
Jo Perry May 20, 2013 at 08:27 pm
The signs are everywhere! Please vote for Wendy, Nora. He is also running ads about Wendy GreuelRead More that he knows are outright lies.
Nora Doyle May 20, 2013 at 06:31 pm
It really ticked me off to see those signs cluttering up our public spaces. I'm still undecided whoRead More to vote for, and I emailed his campaign to tell them that is is just the kind of thing that would prevent me from voting for him unless the signs disappeared by election day. I'm glad I'm not the only one to email them about it.
Jo Perry May 20, 2013 at 05:51 pm
Wendy Greuel was incredibly efficient and responsive when she represented our district. I'm sorry,Read More Leah, that your concerns were not answered. I know she worked closely with the SCRA to improve Studio City. She will will be the same way as Mayor! Vote Wendy Greuel.
Mike Szymanski (Editor) May 19, 2013 at 02:21 pm
She has received a lot of flak about making a premature decision...I hope someone from OvarianRead More Cancer or the community weighs in on this and gives their thoughts in a blog! Thanks...just click the START BLOGGING button below! THANKS!
Mike Szymanski (Editor) May 17, 2013 at 09:34 am
It's better if you put this in the START A BLOG area and add photos...it stays there longer!
A. May 18, 2013 at 01:37 pm
ok. have now spent some time navigating the new patch. i hope everyone will give it a chance. it'sRead More growing on me. i think once everyone is more familiar with the new version they'll like it too.
Irene DeBlasio May 17, 2013 at 04:09 pm
@MikeSzymanski I must admit that I haven't been able to detect a new format. Where is the format?Read More Who designed this? All I can tell is that there is a beautiful shot of trees -- perfect! Under that banner all hell breaks lose and you can't tell what you're looking it. There might be a huge blowup of Mr. Walker or a too big notice of something official-looking -- possibly an agenda. I have not been able to navigate through all the stuff. Lots of white space on either side which gives me impression that we're tailoring a community paper more toward an iphone or smart phone (or a tablet). Maybe I need a GPS to find a good list of contents here. In the meantime, it's not very attractive (exception for the banner trees photo) nor entertaining and not very informative. Scotty Reston, where are you now that we need you?
A. May 16, 2013 at 10:19 pm
the picture selected is nice and it well suits the page. it would be nice to see the full pic. tooRead More bad so much of it is blocked from the top portion of the content....any chance of seeing the full picture and starting the content beneath it?
Barbara Krause May 17, 2013 at 08:00 am
I find this very disconcerting. Mel Randall who is on the Land Use Committee was asked to submit hisRead More name. We assumed qualifications would be checked and then those best suited would be chosen. Two entries of the same name is in itself so bad makes me feel that all of this should be redone.
Hugh May 16, 2013 at 07:50 am
I was at the meeting last night and saw all I need to see on how our neighborhood council work. TheyRead More had a drawing for the grievance panel. WHAT A SHAM!! They drew 1 guys name twice and rather than stop the proceedings and make sure that the names in the hat were legitimate and no other duplicates exist and redo the drawing, they just drew another name. Now it probably was just a fluke but the appearance of a rigged drawing is there and it taints the whole council and it proceedings. It is very apparent why we need a grievance panel in the first place. When the appearance of corruption exists at the lowest levels of our democratic process it is no wonder that the whole system is collapsing before our eyes. Our neighborhood council should hang their heads in shame!