Edited by Merri Lisa Johnson
Jane Sexes It Up
True Confessions of Feminist Desire

"Jane Sexes It Up proves that, like any successful 'ism,' feminism is capable of transforming itself … [T]he movement has simply widened the lens to adapt to changing images of female sexuality." —Nashville Scene

Third Wave feminists are trying to carve out their place in the lineage of feminism, and their takes on sex can be quite different from those of their predecessors. Third Wavers don't like the rules they feel have been imposed on their bodies. They want to express and exercise their desires, all within a feminist context.

Merri Lisa Johnson, a former stripper, kicks off the collection with an introduction called "Jane Hocus, Jane Focus." She says, "Jane is … the dialog between the doubtful sexual naïf still crouching inside many grown women and the mature … and sexually confident women we aspire to be. Jane is the conflict. And the glee."

In "Of the Flesh Fancy," Chris Daley, a feminist with a fetish for a slap on the ass, supports the choice to be unconventional in the bedroom-even if playing the submissive role. In "Vulvodynia" Katinka Hooijer reveals her medical need (and, ultimately, affection) for porn and the conflicting feelings that arise. Sex toy store owner Sarah Smith declares a dildo revolution-for women and men, gay and straight-in her essay "A Cock of One's Own." Fast feminism and female ejaculation are the subjects of Shannon Bell's essay "Liquid Fire."

The contributors to Jane Sexes It Up are all schooled in feminist theory and bring this insight to their autobiographical sketches about sex, sex work, and sexuality, revealing the rough edges of their individual experiences in an effort to come up with a sex-positive feminism they can call their own.

Merri Lisa Johnson earned a Ph.D. in English. While working on her degree Johnson worked as a stripper. She teaches at the State University of West Georgia and lives in the small Georgia town where she grew up.

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