The World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) celebrates World Sexual Health Day annually on September 4th with the goal of promoting and advocating for sexual health and sexual rights throughout the lifespan of all people across the world by advancing the field of sexology, sexuality research, comprehensive sexuality education, and clinical care and services informed by evidence and scientific enquiry.
This year’s official theme is Consent. The WAS states: “Consent is a crucial element of any healthy sexual encounter, and we must understand what it means, how to express it, and how to obtain it. In addition, it is essential to respect and value everyone’s autonomy and choices in sexual matters, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or any other factor.”
Consent is one of our Core Values, along with Freedom of Sexual Expression, Authenticity, Originality, and Diversity.
We define Consent as the express, voluntary, and non-coerced agreement or willingness to engage in a specific sexual activity, and, where applicable, to produce, or disseminate content for a particular audience. It is the power we, as individuals, have over our bodies, image, and the content we generate or of which we are a part. Consent is paramount to protecting the safety of our community and the integrity of our platform.
Consent is a conversation we should all be having – in public discourse, in private with partners, and between friends. Approaching sex with consent in mind creates open dialogue, better sexual experiences for everyone, and ensures all parties are informed and enthusiastic about the acts to follow.
Recently, Pillow Talk x Pornhub held the Consent Event. The event was an intimate, roundtable discussion between a tapestry of influential artists, cultural figures, activists, and academics exploring consent and the multitude of ways it shows up in our lives. Invited speakers included Chloë Sevigny, Teniece Divya Johnson, Ethan James Green, Liara Roux and Pornhub Ambassador Kira Noir, among others.
All too often, conversations about sex and sexual health are either sanitized with medical jargon or presented in a vulgar fashion behind college dorm room doors. But it doesn’t have to be this way. This binary way of engaging with sexuality is outdated and unprogressive. Pornhub is trying to bridge that gap and create a space where adults can both experience and inform themselves on all aspects of sexuality and pleasure in an accessible, open-minded, nonjudgmental, and shame-free way.
A few years ago, we opened the Sexual Wellness Center, a free website dedicated to providing the most progressive and up-to-date information on sexuality, love, relationships, and health. There, you can find a variety of articles, podcasts and videos provided by our team of expert contributors ranging from therapists, doctors, sex educators and adult performers.
The captain of this ship is the distinguished broadcaster, author, therapist, speaker, and creator of two TEDx Talks, Dr. Laurie Betito, who’s been serving listeners with relationship and life advice for over two decades.
The Sexual Wellness Center has different resources for different people. If you’re a Model, check out the “For Performers” section for resources dedicated to sex workers.
The “Get Healthy” section focuses on everything related to sexual health. This includes information on STIs, reproductive health, and everything you need to know about safe sex, all while being inclusive and mindful of disabilities, queer relationships, and aging couples. Learn about a variety of topics from erogenous zones, managing painful sex, and penis health.
Check out the “Sexuality” section for everything related to sex and relationships. Find discussions and articles on topics like sexual anxiety, libido differences, dating, and how to approach your partner about issues in your sex life. Dr. Laurie Betito also answers questions from listeners and readers in the Q&A section and on her free podcast, Passion.
The wide variety of topics covered is the greatest strength of the Sexual Wellness Center. Learn how to navigate workplace romances, masturbation, virginity, period pain, how to kiss, online dating, STI testing, and so much more all for free, in one place, with the help of certified professionals.
The Sexual Wellness Center is not only a great resource for information, but a reminder that we’re not alone in this big, confusing world. If you’re thinking it, chances are someone else is too, which means there’s a good chance a sex educator or doctor has addressed it at the Sexual Wellness Center. Use the search bar or click on key terms under Tags on the homepage to find resources related to your concerns. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Use this form to submit your curious questions!
Other Resources
Pornhub is proud to sponsor and partner with Pineapple Support, a free support and therapy service for anyone working in the online adult industry – no matter their gender, ethnic origin, social status, age, or sexual orientation. All members of the Model Program have access to this service which operates 24/7 with the backing of their sex-worker friendly, kink-aware therapists who offer face-to-face and online video therapy sessions.
Additionally, we recently renewed our partnership with SWOP Behind Bars, a grassroots social justice network dedicated to the fundamental human rights of sex workers who are currently incarcerated or seeking/maintaining re-entry. They provide resources, community-building projects, educational programs and advocacy, and operate the only nationwide community support line run for and by sex workers.
Today might be World Sexual Health Day but consent is a year-round subject. Practice consent and discuss it with your peers. Consent is an essential part of healthy sexual experiences! Happy World Sexual Health Day to our community!
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