The question of whether having sex can be considered a feminist statement is complex and depends on the perspective. Feminist views on sexuality widely vary¹.
Some feminists, particularly radical feminists, are highly critical of what they see as sexual objectification and sexual exploitation in the media and society¹. They often oppose the sex industry, including opposition to prostitution and pornography¹.
On the other hand, some feminists define themselves as sex-positive feminists and believe that a wide variety of expressions of female sexuality can be empowering to women when they are freely chosen¹. They argue that women and men can have positive experiences as sex workers and that where it is illegal, prostitution should be decriminalized⁴.
The feminist sex wars of the late 1970s and early 1980s were acrimonious debates amongst feminists regarding sexuality, sexual representation, pornography, sadomasochism, the role of trans women in the lesbian community, and other sexual issues¹. The debate pitted anti-pornography feminism against sex-positive feminism, and the feminist movement was deeply divided as a result¹.
In conclusion, whether having sex can be considered a feminist statement depends on one's perspective within the broad and diverse field of feminism. It's important to note that the core of feminism is about choice and autonomy, so the most feminist act is to make choices about one's own body and sexuality that are fully informed and consensual.
Source: Conversation with Bing, 2/22/2024
(1) Feminist views on sexuality - Wikipedia.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feminist_views_on_sexuality.
(2) Sex-positive feminism - Wikipedia.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sex-positive_feminism.
(3) Friday essay: a sex-positive feminist takes up the ‘unfinished ....
https://theconversation.com/friday-...n-her-mother-began-but-its-complicated-189139.
(4) Feminism: Sex and Gender | Reference Library | Politics | tutor2u.
https://www.tutor2u.net/politics/reference/feminism-sex-and-gender.