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sex politics and culture

Sex books that explore sexual ideas, culture, politics and theory.

25,000 Years of Erotic Freedom
 25,000 Years of Erotic Freedom
Today porn is everywhere. But where is it as art? 25,000 Years of Erotic Freedom surveys the history of pornography and argues that the success and vibrancy of a society is intimately linked to its sexual permissiveness. Alan Moore (the creator of Lost Girls, Watchmen and V for Vendetta, to name a few) takes us on a tour of erotic art from prehistory to modern times. Accompanying his thoughtful and engaging essay is a collection of some of the most provocative illustrations ever published. This is an exceptional coffee table book for people with exceptional taste. | Learn more about 25,000 Years of Erotic Freedom.

| $29.50

Best Sex Writing 2008
 Best Sex Writing 2008
With so much out there on the market, it's hard to weed out the bad from the good, but unlike most books on sexuality and eroticism, Best Sex Writing 2008 is the real deal. With contributions from authors like Violet Blue, Kink.com, and Tristan Taormino, this provocative collection will give you more than just a good time. It will give you food for thought through sharing different ideologies on the complexities of human behavior and sexuality. | Learn more about Best Sex Writing 2008.

| $19.50

Best Sex Writing 2010
 Best Sex Writing 2010
Best Sex Writing falls in line with previous years' editions - throught-provoking, entertaining and educational essays on 25 topics directly relating to sex. This year's topics include first-time swinging experiences, the sexual aspect of the Twilight saga, teen sexting, a straight man obsessed with having sex and relationships with lesbians, and much much more. Always a great read. | Learn more about Best Sex Writing 2010.

| $18.00

Dick for a Day
 Dick for a Day
Edited by Fiona Giles
"What would you do if you woke up with a penis?" This is the set-up for an anthology that includes underground faves Pat Califia, Poppy Z. Brite, Diane Di Massa, Diane Torr, Kim Addonizio plus star-turns from Germaine Greer, Terri Macmillan, Sydney Biddle Barrows. Few ignore the sexual denotation of having a dick; several writers explore what a male brain plus male parts might entail. 1997. 279 pp. | Learn more about Dick for a Day.

| $28.00

Hung
 Hung
A Meditation On The Measure Of Black Men In America
By Scott Poulson Bryant
Does size matter? Are all black men hung like a horse? In this book, Scott Poulson Bryant speaks openly and truthfully about the many trials and tribulations surrounding the size of the black man's phallus. Startling, complex, smart and sometimes disturbing, Bryant takes you into society's obsession with the sexual image of the black male. Putting his own size on the line, Bryant shares his tales of sexual encounters with both sexes. Shockingly revealing, Hung is a great read for those of us who are tired of the assumptions and perceptions that have shaped our popular culture. 212pp. | Learn more about Hung.

| $18.95

Naked Ambition
 Naked Ambition
Edited by Carly Milne
Toronto’s own Carly Milne has compiled a fascinating collection of writings by women who are changing pornography as we know it. These are eye opening contributions by the likes of Nina Hartley, Tristan Taormino, Violet Blue, Joanna Angel, Tera Patrick and many, many more. These women profoundly share their wisdom and thoughts on the porn industry and the influence it as had in liberating a new generation of women. These are the women behind the scenes; writers, directors, producers, web mistresses, and businesswomen, and this is a must read book for anyone interested in the changing face of pornography. 352 pp. | Learn more about Naked Ambition.

| $21.50

Pomosexuals
 Pomosexuals
By Carol Queen and Lawrence Schimel
This book shows us a utopian ideology of how society should look at gender and sexuality. Academic essays on a variety of topics, relevant for everyone. Preface by Kate Bornstein. 1997. 180 pp. | Learn more about Pomosexuals.

| $19.50

Real Live Nude Girl
Real Live Nude Girl
By Carol Queen
In Real Live Nude Girl, sex educator and worker Dr. Carol Queen tells riveting tales, some funny, some sad, drawing from her own life experiences. Out of print until recently, this book is an important contribution to sex-positive culture. 215pp | Learn more about Real Live Nude Girl .

| $22.50

Sex at Dawn
 Sex at Dawn
From research psychologist Christopher Ryan and psychiatrist Cacilda Jetha, Sex at Dawn is a fun and interesting journey through human pre-history to modern times questioning many of our society's assumptions about the nature of human sexuality. With a focus on the history (and pre-history) of monogamy, Sex at Dawn seeks to explain how and why monogamy became our societal norm but thankfully leaves it up to the reader to decide what to do with all of that information. Heterosexual focus. This item is currently out of stock | Learn more about Sex at Dawn.

| $27.99

Sexing the Body
 Sexing the Body
In Sexing the Body, Anne Fausto-Sterling applies her varied academic background (she teaches both Biology and Women’s Studies at Brock University) to create an interdisciplinary approach to understanding gender and sexuality. In this compelling work she examines how both biological and social factors may interact and influence each other in the construction of sexuality. Though academically focussed Fausto-Sterling uses fairly accessible language (though rather small print) as she focusses on the complex and individual nature of each person’s body and experience, leading us towards the adoption of a more delineated and fluid view of gender and sexuality. A must-read for those interested in gender politics and breaking away from the normalization of a two-sex system! | Learn more about Sexing the Body.

| $25.50

The Big Book of Masturbation
 The Big Book of Masturbation
By Martha Cornog
A humorous and thoughtful book, The Big Book of Masturbation offers readers a look at the many cultural phenomenons surrounding masturbation, as well as chapters discussing religion, parenting, plenty of Q & A, and funny terms and facts. A fascinating, comprehensive study that is lighthearted, enjoyable to read, and highly informative, this title is a great gift for open minded friends and family members. | Learn more about The Big Book of Masturbation.

| $30.99

The Pleasure's All Mine
 The Pleasure's All Mine
The Memoir of a Professional Submissive
By Joan Kelly
A break up with a loved one sparks an exciting adventure in the unlikely candidate Kelly’s life. It begins with a weekend job in a dungeon, and migrates to the newly confident Kelly traveling all over the country as an independent pro submissive. Intertwined with the glorious scenes of Kelly being tied up, whipped and spanked are witty and enthusiastic recounts of her letting go, enjoying herself, and making a living at it! | Learn more about The Pleasure's All Mine.

| $20.50

Tristan Taormino's True Lust
 Tristan Taormino's True Lust
True Lust is the newest work by the esteemed Tristan Taormino, author of the best-selling Ultimate Guide to Anal Sex for Women, and many more top-notch publications. In True Lust, Tristan reveals all in classic, dishy, sex-advisor style. An interesting recollection of funny anecdotes and emotional highs on the road to a career in high-profile sex writing. | Learn more about Tristan Taormino's True Lust.

| $22.50

Vagina Monologues
 Vagina Monologues
A collection of people from a variety of perspectives, gather to tell stories celebrating female sexuality and the vagina. Compiled from the much lauded stage tour by Eve Ensler, 185 pages | Learn more about Vagina Monologues.

| $16.95

Wild Side Sex
 Wild Side Sex
The Book of Kink
By Midori
Midori’s much anticipated new book offers readers encouragement and inspiration for exploring the full spectrum of sex. A collection of musings, wisdoms, and essays on all things wild and wonderful. Delve into such topics as: is your prospect a proper pervert?; sex, romance, and ritual; the heart of erotic humiliation; public sex; lust to bind; and finding your inner power femme. Wise words of wisdom for the sexually adventurous or curious. 233pp. | Learn more about Wild Side Sex.

| $23.50

Working Sex
 Working Sex
Sex Workers Write About a Changing Industry
Working Sex is a compelling look into the taboo and often sneered upon community of sex workers. Our societies fascination with demonizing pornography, fantasy, and all things "taboo" has put us in an awkward position when it comes to understanding our sexuality. Written by women in the industry willing to bare their souls in such a way that will hopefully help diminish the ignorance surrounding "sex for money", this collection of stories will not only educate, but entertain with witty and often radical views on sex, politics, gender and class. A definite book to add to the collection. | Learn more about Working Sex.

| $20.50

Cunt
 Cunt
By Inga Muscio
Funny, political, and engaging. A modern feminist manifesto that spans generations. For the woman in your life who loves the liberation of the c-word. | Learn more about Cunt.

| $19.50

Left Out
 Left Out
The Politics of Exclusion
By Martin Duberman
For the past four decades, Martin Duberman's work has focused on the lives of social outsiders. As an anti-racist, feminist, socialist queer man, he has taken many brave stands in his writing, showing himself to be deeply moral and wise. In this first paperback printing of Left Out, he offers analysis of the split between class and identity based politics on the left. Also includes three new essays. 500 pp | Learn more about Left Out.

| $31.00

Sexual State of the Union
 Sexual State of the Union
By Susie Bright
Susie Bright strikes again! This popular commentator of all things sexual (who got her start as a vibrator clerk) is back with her openness, wit, passion and wisdom. The editor of the Best American Erotica series and the Herotica series tackles the crucial sexual issues of our day with exuberant enthusiasm and rare honesty. 1997. 251 pp. | Learn more about Sexual State of the Union.

| $17.00

Culture Clash
 Culture Clash
The Making of Gay Sensibility
By Michael Bronski
An often referenced book, Culture Clash traces gay sensibility, reflecting the changing face of the gay male subculture. This study explores gay liberation, homophobia, change and backlash, revealing the radical changes that gay men and women have offered to society. 247 pp. | Learn more about Culture Clash.

| $23.99

Drag King Dreams
 Drag King Dreams
By Leslie Feinberg
After the huge blockbuster of Stone Butch Blues, Feinberg’s new novel brings us more thoughts and stories from the edges of gender radicalism that we’ve been waiting for. Feinberg’s character, Max Rabinowitz, is a hardened burnt-out ex-activist who gets drawn back into fighting alongside his co-workers and friends as they struggle to define and defy gender in a violent and prejudiced world. Fast-paced and brilliantly written. 302 pp. | Learn more about Drag King Dreams.

| $20.50

Forbidden Passages
made in canada 		Forbidden Passages
Edited by Pat Califia
This collection of writings previously banned in Canada is a collection of excerpts from publications previously seized at the Canadian border and deemed ‘degrading’, ‘obscene’, and/or ‘politically suspect’. Writers such as Kathy Acker, Susie Bright, Pat Califia, and Dennis Cooper speak about their stands on subjects such as freedom of information. The writers are mostly gay and lesbian, and the subject matter ranging from gay moral studies to women’s sexual desire during pregnancy. If you are looking for one queer theory study, this is it. Highly informative and thought provoking. 176 pp. | Learn more about Forbidden Passages.

| $23.00

My Gender Workbook
staff pick 		My Gender Workbook
This is a great book for anyone starting to question the role of gender in our society. Written with a twist, the language, exercises and quizzes offer great resources and insights for anyone just beginning to challenge the boxes gender confines us in or a great start for friends and families of gender outlaws who just want to learn more. 292 pages. This item is currently out of stock | Learn more about My Gender Workbook. Free Canadian shipping on this item!

| $41.50

Nobody Passes
 Nobody Passes
Rejecting the Rules of Gender and Conformity
By Matthew Bernstein Sycamore
A set of cleverly written and thoughtful essays that attempt to tackle the concept of “passing”. Rather, the stories of those living outside and challenging the dichotomy of gender. A must read, for those of us who identify as genderqueer and an important read for those just starting to think about radicalized notions of gender. 353pp. | Learn more about Nobody Passes.

| $20.50

QueerBeats
 QueerBeats
How the Beats Turned American On to Sex
By Regina Marler
An incredible collection of writings from Beat authors combined with informed and enthralling analysis of the culture of this influencial period in American history. With selections from all of the essential writers of the time (Ginsberg, Kerowac, Burroughs, et al) this book is an 'essential addition to the beat oeuvre'. | Learn more about QueerBeats.

| $23.95

Six Positions
 Six Positions
By Andy Quan
Canadian writer Andy Quan’s first collection of gay erotica and sex writings has finally hit CAYA’s shelves. As we all know, it’s a challenge to find really literary sex writing, but Andy Quan has found the perfect balance between pornography and art. His stories, some previously published in collections such as Best Gay Erotica and Quickies, are a mixture of clever, sad, ironic and critical, but they are all sexy and preoccupied with sexuality. Quan subtly approaches social issues, but keeps his touch erotic, exploring what sexuality means to gay men. 202pp. | Learn more about Six Positions.

| $19.95

Stone Butch Blues
 Stone Butch Blues
By Leslie Feinberg
This classic title from Leslie Feinberg is an essential read and a favourite of queer and trans people alike. As radical as being transgendered is now, Stone Butch Blues chronicles the trials and tribulations of being butch in 1950's America and of being transgendered well before trans activism took hold in the last century. A must read. | Learn more about Stone Butch Blues.

| $18.00

Transgender History
 Transgender History
Written in an informative yet extremely readable format, Transgender History traces back the ups and downs of trans rights and movements over the last half century. Discusses underground scenes, political changes, stand-out figures, health care battles, acceptance in different communities, and much more. A great intro to trans studies for anyone! | Learn more about Transgender History.

| $19.95

True Selves
 True Selves
Understanding Transsexualism
By Mildred L. Brown & Chloe Ann Rounsley
Written by sexologist Mildred Brown, and writer Chloe Ann Rounsley, this book is an essential read for the families and friends of transsexuals and professional support staff. With writings from and about transgendered people - male, female, an in-between - True Selves is informative and supportive. An important title. | Learn more about True Selves.

| $20.99

Best Sex Writing 2009
 Best Sex Writing 2009
The 2009 edition of Best Sex Writing is out, and it just keeps getting better and better. A collection of (mostly) non-fiction essays on everything to do with sex under the sun, this volume contains stories about father-daughter purity balls and the abstinence movement, how PTSD affects the sex lives of soldiers and the new revision of the DSM, to first-time experiences with sex workers. Written fantastically well, endlessly entertaining and thought-provoking. | Learn more about Best Sex Writing 2009.

| $19.50

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