SEXtember: Female sexuality and empowerment music playlist
MARGINALISED by gender inequality and sexual dysfunction, women are often forced to repress their own sexuality and desires. Lya Susanto provides her list of sexually motivational songs exploring female sexuality and empowerment to listen to this SEXtember.
While women share similar rates of sexual activity and pleasure as much as men do, they are often misunderstood.
Perplexed by the sexual dysfunction and gender inequality that justify dominance and alleviate the agony of subordination, women have long been forced to submit to their male counterparts. Many have taken the role of sexual objects while simultaneously repressing their own desires and expectations.
Then there are those who know their value, continue to actively resist the cultural norm and fearlessly embrace their sexuality.
We know fighting for sexual freedom – or any freedom in that matter, can get tough so we’ve prepared a fun list of inspiring songs that celebrate female sexuality and empower young women to not feel shamed for enjoying sex. So cheers to these music artists for illustrating and understanding our struggle and for showing their support in ways they know best.
Remember ladies, have courage to love yourself and embrace your sexuality as much as you desire!
Madonna – Like A Virgin
Since her then controversial performance at the 1984 MTV Video Music Awards, Madonna has been pushing the limits of female sexual empowerment through her music.
Nothing could showcase female sexual attraction and value as much as “Like A Virgin” which explicitly express the subjective female sexual experience and pleasure. This is an iconic song of its era.
“Like a virgin… Feels so good inside when you hold me. And your heart beats. And you love me.”
Hailee Steinfeld – Love Myself
A newer entry from Academy Award-nominated actress turned singer, Hailee Steinfeld, “Love Myself” has got to be in the list for its frank lyrics on sexual awakening and sensual side of masturbation.
Steinfeld endlessly and effortlessly amazes with not only her smooth and sexy voice but also with her sexually liberating lyrics. Her message is simple: love yourself!
“I’m gonna put my body first, and love me so hard ’til it hurts.”
Purity Ring – Sea Castle
As part of Purity Ring‘s latest album release, the Canadian duo shows how comforting human frailties and vulnerabilities could be.
“Sea Castle” explores the linearity of one’s need for approval and lustful desire through its poetic lyrics. The transcendent and almost magical track speaks to those who find themselves caught in a limbo of conformity and authenticity.
“Baby why don’t you see, see my sea? Make slow get inside and pull on my sea. Get inside and build your castle into me.”
Jarryd James (ft. Julia Stone) – Regardless
The raw and vulnerable out of body experience expressed in the lyrics of “Regardless” proves that women share similar sexual experience with men.
Intertwining intense lush and emotional desires between the two, Jarryd James’ duet with Julia Stone is highly alluring and hypnotic.
“Give me all of you, in the night I’m looking for a heart to be with my body.”
Katy Perry – I Kissed A Girl
When it comes to female sexuality, we can’t miss out Katy Perry’s iconic hit, “I Kissed A Girl”.
In her hit breakout song, the pop star presents the significance of understanding and acceptability of exploring one’s desire and sexuality. The sexually liberating song naturally goes down in history.
“It felt so wrong, it felt so right. Don’t mean I’m in love tonight. I kissed a girl and I liked it, I liked it.”
Liked this playlist? Have any songs you think should be on it? Let us know below!