Lascivia is a literary and artistic magazine published online since 2018, dedicated to exploring the intersection between erotica and politics. Its name comes from the Latin word lascivus, which means "lecherous" or "lustful." In its pages, writers, artists, poets, photographers, filmmakers, musicians, performers, and activists share their visions of sensuality and desire beyond binary gender roles, monogamy, and social norms. Lascivia's mission statement says that it seeks to create space for the expression of marginalized voices, perspectives, experiences, desires, identities, and bodies. It rejects censorship and promotes freedom of speech, artistic license, and political dissidence. The magazine believes that eroticism is an essential part of human existence and a tool for resistance against oppressive power structures. It argues that sexuality is not just personal but also political, cultural, and societal. In this sense, the magazine sees itself as part of broader movements for sexual liberation, bodily autonomy, and creative rebellion. This article will discuss how Lascivia challenges heteronormativity, censorship, puritanical values, and other forms of repression through the lens of eroticism.
Lascivia's approach to sex and sexuality is unique in several ways. Firstly, it does not promote a single idea of what is sexy or desirable. Instead, it celebrates the multiplicity of sensual expressions and tastes, including fetishes, kinks, fantasies, and non-binary identities. Secondly, it acknowledges that sexuality is not always private; rather, it intersects with power dynamics, social status, race, class, religion, and culture. Thirdly, it recognizes that sexuality is subjective and contextual, which means that one person's turn-ons may be another's turn-offs. As such, Lascivia invites readers to explore their own boundaries and desires without judgment or shame. Fourthly, Lascivia promotes self-expression and body positivity by showcasing people of all shapes, sizes, colors, ages, and abilities. Finally, it encourages sexual exploration outside of conventional norms, embracing polyamory, BDSM, group sex, and non-monogamy. These perspectives align Lascivia with progressive feminist, queer, transgender, and anti-capitalist movements.
The magazine defies heteronormative and gendered expectations by featuring stories about same-sex relationships, pansexuality, transgender identities, and fluid genders. It also advocates for an expanded understanding of pleasure beyond genitals, bodies, and orgasm. In its pages, readers will find poems about desire and longing, essays on eroticism as resistance, interviews with activists and artists, photography series depicting intimacy in diverse ways, and artwork celebrating the beauty of nakedness and vulnerability. Through its content, Lascivia challenges the belief that there are only two binary genders, that sex is restricted to penetration, and that love and lust are exclusive to monogamous relationships. The magazine's approach is subversive because it questions traditional definitions of what is sexy and acceptable, suggesting that sensuality is multidimensional, subjective, and political.
Lascivia is aware that censorship and repression are pervasive in our society, including through pornography laws, religious values, and cultural taboos. As such, the magazine recognizes its role as a form of resistance against conservatism, puritanical values, and patriarchal power structures. Its mission statement declares that sexual liberation requires dismantling oppressive systems that control people's bodies and desires. This commitment to social justice makes Lascivia more than just an erotic publication; rather, it aligns itself with broader movements for human rights, equality, and freedom. For instance, many writers use their voices and talents to explore rape culture, consent, abuse, gendered violence, and other forms of oppression. By doing so, they challenge dominant narratives that blame victims and perpetuate harmful myths about masculinity, femininity, and "natural" sexual behavior. Moreover, Lascivia encourages self-expression and acceptance by showcasing diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives. It invites readers to celebrate themselves and others outside of heteronormative expectations, promoting body positivity and nonconformist beauty standards.
In conclusion, Lascivia is a unique literary and artistic space that challenges normative conceptions of sex and sexuality. The magazine embraces eroticism as both personal and political expression, refusing to adhere to cisgender, heterosexual, or binary definitions of love, desire, pleasure, and intimacy. Through its content, Lascivia