Nina Hartley, "Confessions of a Feminist Porno Star" (taken from Sex Work by Delacoste)

            Nina Hartley, one of the most prominent Pro-Pornography feminists and activists out there claims she is an exhibitionist with a cause.   "One of the most basic tenets of feminism, a tenet with which I was inculcated by the age of ten, was the right to sexual free expression, without being told by society (or men) what was right."   The author asserts that performing in sexually explicit films allows her to fulfill her desires to perform , explore her sexuality in a positive way, and provides her with a fulfilling and supportive community.   The author tells her story of her liberal upbringing to stripping to pay for her education in nursing.   Hartley's main point is that sex is natural, and it can be used to reinforce positive images of women--women enjoying pleasure and expressing themselves in their freedom to choose. - L.F.

The author of this article is a porn star and considers herself a feminist, an "exhibitionist with a cause."   "From my very first movie I have always refused to portray rape, coercion, pain-as-pleasure, woman-as-victims, domination, humiliation and other forms of non-sensual sex.   I can look back on all of my performances and see that I have not contributed to any negative images or depictions of women."   Whether or not she is a feminist is debatable; furthermore, she plans to make a change.   "As feminists we should fight to change our society so that women who do not want to do gender-stereotyped jobs can be free to work, support their families decently, and fulfill their potential in whatever job they chose." Society makes women ashamed to work in these positions that could possibly make them more money and earn them their desired income.   Many in the field of sex work do so in order to support their children.   But sex work is stigmatized to the point that a child could be taken away from their mother.   The author would not agree that children should be restricted from knowing about this aspect of feminine work. Neither should the rest of society.   This only reinforces the social restriction placed on women's sexual expression and economical choice and encourages society to continue to look down upon these females in their chosen workplace. - B.D.

In this article, the porn-star author asserts that even sex work, something many feminists may frown upon, can be feminist.   She argues that her work is satisfying for her on many levels and it allows her to explore and celebrate female sexuality in her own way.   Hartley describes her life growing up as the daughter of very liberal parents.   She describes the role her working mother played in her belief that women can "have it all."   She also examines other aspects of her youth that led her to her current career choice.     She goes on to examine some of her career choices as a porn star that has allowed her to remain true to her feminist ideals.   For example, she refused to depict instances of "rape, coercion, pain-as-pleasure, woman-as-victim, domination, humiliation, or other forms of nonconsensual sex." This article shows how women in any field can be a feminist so long as she sticks to her own ideals and does not compromise herself or her ideals. - E.S.