Pleasure Society with Shari Klein
Picture Floor Opheij
Pleasure Society is a new platform for sexuality and tells stories about sexuality, intimacy, love and eroticism through art and other creative ways of expression. I had a short Q & A with founder Shari Klein.
Why did you start with the Pleasure Society? And why is it important?
Our sexuality unites us as humans like nothing else in the world: we came here on earth for the most part because of a sexual union taking place. However, the topic is still something we generally avoid [speaking about]. I find it important that sexual wellbeing is something that is seen as important as leading a healthy lifestyle (eating healthy and working out regularly). The Pleasure Society is a safe space to gather ideas, thoughts and stories about sexuality, so we all become more connected to this part of human nature.
How would you describe your relationship with your body?
A bit complex at times. Overall, I'm happy with my body, but it can entirely depend on the mood I'm in. On days that I feel insecure (for whatever reason), my body image also isn't as good as on days that I'm in a more confident mood. I can say that age has definitely given me a more wholesome connection with my body. If I think back 10-20 years, the relationship with my body wasn't as loving as it is now. I do think my monthly spa visits with my mother got me feeling comfortable nude. Being naked has never really been a thing for me, because of that early experience in taking off clothes in a public space. Thanks, mom.
And how is this connected to sexuality?
I've always had quite a healthy relationship with my sexuality, felt confident with my (naked) body while exploring my sexuality with others and during sex. The relationship you have with your body can have such an impact on your sexuality. It's vulnerable, raw and intimate. Your sexuality is often shared with others, and the sexual experiences you have can have a direct impact on your body image.
Do you think you need a good relationship with your body to have good sex?
Not necessarily. I think there are ways in which you can find a connection with your body and the other person (or people) you're having sex with. This can return a feeling of confidence, through someone else's confidence and love for their body. However, I do believe that having a healthy and loving connection with your body always will have a positive impact on your sex life. Because I have a pretty healthy relationship with my body, I can say for a fact that this has definitely helped me experience a freer connection with people during sex.
Future plans for Pleasure Society?
The Pleasure Society is going to be a community you can become a member of. With your membership you'll be able to get exclusive access to curated content. All of it connected to sexuality, intimacy and erotic themes. In the very near future, we'll be setting up a crowdfunding campaign to help finance our photography project Pleasure Portraits: a series of portraits of people in which we openly discuss their relationship to their sexuality and possible sex toys. Each portrait is accompanied by photos, audio and text. More to come!