Can Indian Women Watch Porn Without Being Judged?

In a country that has different ‘sanskaari’ standards for men and women, can women watch porn without being judged? #WomenOnTheMove

Porn – a word that titillates excitement and fear at the same time. Most Indians, especially men, watch it, fantasize about it, but talk — well only in hushed tones and behind closed doors.

So is watching porn only a male thing? Do women watch porn?

Well yes! Women are human too and sex is a carnal desire — present both in men and women. India is the third largest consumer of Pornhub, the largest pornographic site on the internet and viewership among Indian women has seen a steady rise on the site over the years. Reason being, women are increasingly becoming more aware about their sexuality and sexual needs and are not holding back from watching and experimenting with sex.

Last week, we had our weekly #WomenOnTheMove chat over at Twitter, where we discussed whether India is ready to accept that women also have sexual desires and watching porn is not only the prerogative of men but women enjoy watching it as much as them. This is what they said.

Women have sexual desires too — are the makers mindful of that?

A1. Not at all. In fact, I’m yet to come across a single one which was made keeping women’s preferences in mind.

— Kasturi Patra (@PatraKasturi) August 16, 2017

But why?

A2 NO. It caters mostly to men. One reason could be women shy away from talking about watching porn. #WomenOnTheMove https://t.co/85WZwwkdTB

— Akshata (@Awestruck_Aks) August 16, 2017

Why don’t women talk porn

I am 33 and never ever had a conversation around porn with anyone. I can only imagine the looks of disdain #WomenOnTheMove

— Akshata (@Awestruck_Aks) August 16, 2017

You might get judged for initiating discussion around it.”What kind of woman are you who talk porn?” 🙄😉#WomenOnTheMove

— Shipra Trivedi (@trivediship) August 16, 2017

The debilitating shame of being judged

We need to break the taboo and start talking about it. The more we think about people’s opinions, the more we lose out on our own agencies.

— Kasturi Patra (@PatraKasturi) August 16, 2017

I think women need 2 lift themselvs here frm taking it as smthng bad to their relationship.It’s normal & not always harmful for mature ppl.

— Shipra Trivedi (@trivediship) August 16, 2017

All human beings have needs — women too

Indian People look down on women for even wanting to marry with their choice, or dressing up by own choice.this is very far reaching

— the doctor writes (@goldinketc) August 16, 2017

About time India comes to term with the fact that for one: women are human beings who have sexual needs and two: women are not here to facilitate and only take care of male desires!

Image source: Screengrab from Desi Boyz

Jyotishree Mohanty

A part time backpacker, an accidental baker, a doting mother, a loving wife, a pampered

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