Resources

Five books I think everyone should read:

Come As You Are

Emily Nagoski wants you to know that yes, you are normal. Written mostly for cis women, but a powerful book for anyone looking to better understand the way their body and sexuality works. Easy and quick to read, full of up to date science and information that will give you new ways to think about and express who you are and what you want.

The Body Is Not An Apology

Whether you struggle with body image or not, Sonya Renee Taylor will have you feeling empowered and radicalized in your self love. A short read that gets deep into your body, reminding you continuously of your magic.

Sex For One

A classic for a reason. Originally published over 30 years ago, Betty Dodson started writing about and leading female masturbation circles in the 60’s. A solid exploration of self pleasure and a subversive and revolutionary call for regular self pleasure, she reminds us that self sex is the safest sex, that we are always in a sexual relationship with ourselves, and the best way to learn what you enjoy is to explore yourself.

Designer Relationships

The shortest book on this list, and essential reading for anyone in a relationship - especially if you feel like you keep finding yourself in relationships that don’t seem to work for you. This book is an exploration of questions, and a break down of different models, to help you find and build the perfect relationship that works for you.

Polysecure

My favorite book on attachment styles. Whether you’re interested in nonmonogamy or not, Jessica Fern does an incredible job discussing Attachment Theory, both in and out of the immediate family unit, as well as trauma and how it echoes through our relationships. She also explores non-monogamy in an easy, trauma informed manner. The last half of the book is an excellent resource on how to build long lasting attachment with others - which is vital regardless of relationship styles - and most importantly, yourself.

Bonus: Let’s Talk About It

Bonus book for teens or just a great read. A comic book that lays some amazing groundwork for inclusive, shame-free sex education. Moen and Nolan are inclusive in everyway that they can be with both the topics covered (virginity, consent, safer sex, rejection, relationship styles) as well as the bodies of the people in the book (all sizes, shapes, races, abilities, sexualities). This book is for teens, but I think everyone could use a reminder of these topics. Also - it’s books like this that make me hopeful for the future.