Women in Pleasure: Celebrating Women's History Month

 

Seasonal Content guide

What will I learn?

  • Joani Blank
  • Loretta J. Ross
  • Virginia E. Johnson

When women normalize talking about sex, the landscape of sex changes for everyone. Women have often faced double standards when it comes to sexual empowerment. As a result, the conversation about sex has been primarily centered around the male experience. Shamed for asking questions, taking ownership of pleasure, or denigrated for having limits, women were implicitly and explicitly tasked as the gatekeepers of sexual access and the gatekeepers of personal worthiness.

Breaking through the socially acceptable morays of their time, the following women took a stand against sexual oppression and changed the way women discuss and represent sexuality for everyone. We celebrate these pioneers, who, despite receiving backlash, stood up for what they believed to be universal rights of everyone to have access to have a healthy, safe, and empowered relationship with sex in the bedroom and beyond.

Joani Blank

Joani Blank
Joani Blank
Women’s sexuality pioneer, Joani Blank, was a writer, activist, sex therapist, and educator. As an advocate for women’s sexual health and pleasure, in 1977, she opened the first female-friendly sex shop in the United States called Good Vibrations. The San Francisco-based shop was created by women for women and strived to create a space for women-identifying people to indulge in sex products and education with the same ease and comfort as their male counterparts. This was revolutionary in a time when women were actively socialized to experience sexual pleasure primarily, if not exclusively, through the permissions of their relationship.

In addition to creating sexual health and wellness products, Joani founded a publishing company called Down There Press in 1975. She wrote and published sex-positive literature for women to provide accurate sexual health literature women deserved but didn’t have as much access to. Joani’s relentless passion for equipping women with factual, female-centered information about sexual health makes her a true trailblazer in women’s sexual health and education.

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Loretta J. Ross

loretta j ross
loretta j ross

Writer, activist, professor, and feminist Loretta J. Ross is a staunch advocate for women’s rights and reproductive justice, especially for women of color. She started her journey fighting for women’s human rights while working at the first rape crisis center in the country, where her passion for organizing against injustice against women and dismantling white supremacy flourished.

Loretta co-founded SisterSong, a collective that aims to collect and bring awareness towards the reproductive injustices many women of color and marginalized communities face. Loretta is someone who passionately and unapologetically fights for women and marginalized folks. Whether it’s organizing on the ground level, teaching courses at universities, or testifying at hearings for women’s rights, Loretta tenaciously dedicates her life to fighting for justice and equality for women and people of color.

Loretta is well-known for challenging the culture of calling people out and instead focuses on education to call people into a movement of change. Her work fosters a path for women of all backgrounds to have access to rights equally. 

Virginia E. Johnson

Virginia E. Johnson
Virginia E. Johnson

Virginia E. Johnson was a historic psychologist and sex therapist who established research around what is known as the human sexual response model. From 1957 through the 1990s, Virginia, and her husband, William H. Masters, spearheaded the research, diagnosis, and treatment around sexual dysfunctions.

The duo developed medical instruments that were used to measure sexual arousal in humans by testing and observing around 700 participants for their research efforts. Johnson was integral in developing the four stages of sexual response, later known as the human sexual response cycle. Virginia’s findings and accomplishments in sexual health have been monumental in helping educators, researchers, and medical, sexual, and mental health professionals understand facets of arousal and human sexuality. Virginia’s contributions to the field have aided in creating more education and context needed to understand physiological aspects of sex and arousal.

sex and arousal measure sexual arousal sexual dysfunctions
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Gloria Steinem

gloria steinem
gloria steinem
             
PHOTO: BETTMANN/GETTY IMAGES.

Gloria Steinem is best known for her writing, activism, and organization around feminist causes. Gloria is the co-founder of New York and Ms. Magazine and has authored several books about her personal life and education about issues that disproportionally impact women. She has founded and co-founded many foundations that offer support, funding, and awareness around helping women thrive and succeed. Gloria's groundbreaking HBO documentary poignantly highlighted the stark reality of childhood sexual abuse and produced a series of documentaries about violence against women worldwide for VICELAND.

In 2013, Gloria was presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Barack Obama for her incredible activist work, and in 2019, she received the Freedom Award from the National Civil Rights Museum. Gloria has been and continues to be a powerhouse in the feminist and women's rights movements. She has used her power, privilege, and passion for advocating for women's rights and equality. 

These women are among the few of our favorites who are publicly credited for being strong, determined, and defiant in the face of sexism and misogyny. But if you're reading this, you likely know some women who fight against oppression quietly, as they plug along to work, take care of their children and support other women around them. When women come together to support each other, the tide of humanity rises.

Abolishing shame around sexuality is a significant part of that. Women have every right to a robust, healthy shame-free relationship with sex. The woman described above knew the power and necessity of a sex-positive message and the integral part of those who have paved the way for each woman to define her sexuality for herself, without apology or deference.

"Here's to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them." – Unknown

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Dr. Kate Balestrieri is a Licensed Psychologist, Certified Sex Therapist, Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, PACT Therapist, and Founder of Modern Intimacy, a group therapy practice in Los Angeles, Miami, NYC, Denver, and Chicago. Listen to her podcast, Modern Intimacy, and follow her on TikTok and Instagram @drkatebalestrieri.

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Disclaimers

The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding sexual health or medical conditions. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read in this article.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the nearest emergency department, or call emergency services immediately.

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Turn Up the Heat: 5 Best Vibrators for Couples to Explore Together

Turn Up the Heat: 5 Best Vibrators for Couples to Explore Together

  📖 5 min read 📅 Updated: March 4, 2026 👁️ 443 readers Vibrator guide What will I learn? Why Try a Vibrator Together? The Best Couple Vibrators How to Introduce Vibrators into Your Relationship Don’t Know Where to Start? Try the Bundle That Does It All TL;DR: Vibrators aren’t just for solo play. They can deepen connection, boost communication, and spice up your routine as a couple. Top picks for shared pleasure: Let’s set the record straight: vibrators aren’t just a solo act anymore. In fact, some of the best relationship moments happen when you hand your partner the remote (literally). Whether you're seasoned in the sheets or just starting to explore what turns you both on, bringing a toy into the mix can take things up a notch. So, what is the best vibrator for couples? Well, it depends on your vibe. From wearable toys that move with you to buzz-worthy bullets perfect for hands-on play, we’re breaking down our top picks for exploring together. Ready to turn up the heat? Let’s dive in. Why Try a Vibrator Together? Adding a vibrator into the mix isn’t about replacing anything—it’s about enhancing what you already have. Exploring toys together opens the door to deeper communication, shared curiosity, and yes, mind-blowing pleasure. It’s also a great way to discover fantasies you didn’t know you had (or were too shy to bring up). A well-placed buzz can unlock conversations and moments that bring you even closer, even outside the bedroom. The Best Couple Vibrators Evoke® Du-o Vibrating Massage Wheel This toy blends massage and vibration in a sleek wheel form, letting you glide it over skin (and curves) with control in both hands. How to use it together: Body mapping date: Take turns guiding the wheeled buzz over each other’s bodies—backs, thighs, necks. Explore “sweet spots” you didn’t even know were there. Synchronize rhythm with penetration: Use the Du-o on one partner’s sensitive areas while you’re having intercourse. The vibration can heighten sensations for both. Mirror play: Both of you use it on yourselves in front of a mirror or switch sides so you can see each other’s faces as those waves hit. Astra® Automatic Male Masturbator Don’t be fooled, this male masturbator isn’t just for solo play. For couples, it opens up possibilities for shared control, teasing, and synchronized pleasure. How to use it together: Tease & reward: Use light touching, kisses, or distraction while the Astra is doing its thing, then switch roles or bring in other toys. Mutual stimulation: The non-Astra partner can use hands, bullets, or external vibes on their own body while the Astra does its work—so both partners have something happening. Kore™ C-Ring with Remote Kore is a vibrating C‑ring (cock ring) that delivers stimulation to both partners. The strong vibration patterns add to the external stimulation to satisfy both your cravings. How to use it together: Wear-it-during penetration: The partner wearing it gets constriction plus vibration; the other partner will feel the vibration on internal or external contact points. Remote teasing: Let your partner sneak in vibration with a handy remote control while you’re doing something else, so you carry teasing anticipation to the bedroom. Rhythm play: Match your movements to the vibration pulses, switching tempo, thrusting, or pausing in sync with the toy. Chroma™ Mini Bullet (Teal) Tiny but mighty. This is one of the best bullet vibrators for couples because it packs a big punch in a tiny package. How to use it together: Added stimulation during sex: Slide it into positions where it can stimulate the clitoris, perineum, or inner thighs during penetration. Oral accompaniment: One partner holds the bullet while giving oral; adjust pressure and placement as they react. Teasing switcheroo: Use it for solo stimulation first, then hand over or share the control—swap who’s doing the “driving.” Ascend® 3 Palm Vibrator This one is designed to be held in the palm, giving you tactile control while maintaining eye contact and closeness. It’s ideal for guiding your partner’s pleasure while feeling grounded in touch. How to use it together: Palm-guided pleasure: You hold it and guide it directly to the other’s erogenous zones—labia, perineum, inner thighs—letting them feel your intention in every buzz. Face-to-face connection: Because your hand is occupied, your other hand is free to stroke, caress, or explore their body while you maintain gaze and verbal feedback. Switch-hold play: Take turns holding it on each other, so you alternate who’s in charge of where the vibration goes. Couple intimate in the bedroom How to Introduce Vibrators into Your Relationship Let’s be real—bringing up sex toys with a partner can feel a little vulnerable at first. But it doesn’t have to be a big talk. Sometimes all it takes is a simple, playful nudge:“What if we tried this tonight?” Start from a place of curiosity, not criticism. You’re not saying, “Something’s missing,” you’re saying, “Let’s have even more fun.” That’s sexy in itself. Here are a few tips to make your first foray feel exciting—not intimidating: Start slow. Choose something unintimidating (like a bullet or palm vibe) and play around together with no pressure to "perform." Think of it as an experiment with pleasure. Laugh through the awkward. Seriously, if something slips, buzzes in the wrong place, or makes a weird noise—laugh. It’s part of the fun. Awkwardness doesn’t kill intimacy; fear of it does. Let curiosity lead. Try the toy on your hand or neck first. Explore different speeds and settings together. Let it spark questions and shared discoveries. Keep the conversation open. Check in before, during, and after: “How did that feel for you?” or “Do you want to try the other setting next time?” Don’t Know Where to Start? Try the Bundle That Does It All Why settle for one of these toys when you can have all of the best vibrators for couples on hand? The Pleasure Your Mate Bundle is your all-in-one intro kit for couples’ play. It takes the guesswork out of choosing and gives you a curated selection of best-in-class vibes to explore together. Here’s what makes it so good: Built for two: Everything inside is designed with couples in mind—no awkward guesswork, just great options for mutual pleasure. Something for every mood: Want hands-free? Intimate massage? Teasing vibrations? This bundle’s got you. Beginner-friendly + deeply satisfying: Whether it’s your first toy or your fiftieth, these pieces are versatile enough to please any dynamic. Shop the bundle or explore more of the best couple vibrators from JIMMYJANE. Continue your journey 🔥 Guide 5 Reasons Why You Should Try A Double Penetration Orgasm Double penetration is when a person simultaneously penetrates two of their orifices (vagina, anus, or mouth). ✨ Tips Pulse and Pleasure: 10 Best Clit Vibrators Worth Every Penny Discover our picks for the pulse and pleasure: 10 best clit vibrators worth every penny. 📖 Guide Anal Vibrator Guide Curious about anal vibrators but nervous to try. Disclaimers The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding sexual health or medical conditions. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read in this article. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the nearest emergency department, or call emergency services immediately. 📌 Quick navigation Jump to section... Introduction Why Try a Vibrator Together? The Best Couple Vibrators How to Introduce Vibrators into Your Relationship Don’t Know Where to Start? Try the Bundle That Does It All Continue Your Journey

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Waterproof Sex Toys: How to Use Vibrators in the Bath or Shower

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Anal Vibrator Guide

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Curious about anal vibrators but nervous to try? This beginner-safe guide explains how to use an anal vibrator with lube, hygiene, and step-by-step tips for powerful orgasms, prostate pleasure, and comfortable backdoor play.

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