1960 – 1980 marks the time of the modern Sexual Revolution in the United States. It much coincides with the popularity of the female contraceptive pill, giving women more choice over their sexual engagements.
This social movement is marked by challenging traditional codes of behavior related to sexuality, and protests with nudity, strong language, overt erotic expression, and great emphasis on LGBTQ rights to prove it.
Bringing reform to issues such as domestic abuse, gender equality, and human rights, has undoubtly been noteworthy outcomes of the cause, but what does this movement really mean to introverts?
Let’s first look at some of the ways this movement has created a platform for free expression.
The yearly gathering of Burning Man draws a crowd of approximately 70k people. It is known to be a non-judgmental space to be “all out.” Being publicly naked, they say, has liberated many from their body shame and shyness.
Still central to the Western United States, the Indian spiritual teacher, Rajneesh, also known as Osho, had his own private movement at a commune in Oregon, drawing a large number of international followers. Normalizing non-monogamy was part of his approach to transforming the emotions of jealousy. This free-sex-for-all attitude, may or may not have helped humanity evolve away from the concept of emotional possession over another.
The American Sex Educator, Betty Dodson is known for her work in encouraging women to masturbate, in groups. Yes, together in the same room.
These pioneers have been instrumental in bringing about positive change, but any introvert wanting to be sexually liberated, may have started to think that they have to change who they are in order to be so.
Introverts may think that they cannot be sexually free because they are private and reserved.
Introverts may think that they’re not in the right body, since they may not have a sexual attraction to the same sex.
Most introverts may simply not be that excited by the idea of chanting mantras naked in a room full of strangers, to prove their sexual liberation.
Many introverts aren’t necessarily turned on by the idea of letting their spouse be the flavor of the month at the local swingers club.
So what do introverts do in order to be sexually liberated? They do what introverts do and stick their head in a book, where they may find marvelously insightful knowledge, yet miss the very point they are looking for, connection, validation, and encouragement.
The time is here for the silent sexual revolution and I invite you to take part in it. Engage in the topic of sexual wellness, sensual expression, and emotional liberation and find out what it means to you. You don’t need to be anyone else’s idea of sexual expression. All you have to do is to be authentic to yourself. Recognize your desires, and jump in the conversation.
If you’d like to be part of the silent sexual revolution, find a therapist, coach, or meetup group that honors your values and establish the empowerment you’d like to create.. Positive change will push you out of your comfort zone, but you don’t have to change who you fundamentally are in order to grow.
Amanda Metta is a Metaphysical Counselor, and Certified Sex Educator through the American College of Sexologists. She helps introverted adults release intimacy blocks to unlock their sensual spark. www.amandametta.com