As an arts student at Delhi University over a decade ago, I was exposed to an environment that encouraged free speech. In 2008, when I decided to volunteer as a writer for a university publication, one of my assignments was to take charge of an anonymous column that would answer queries around sex, dating and intimacy.
I had mixed feelings about the opportunity. "Will people judge me for this?", "What will my parents think if they found out?"...such questions plagued me. Most members of the team had similar apprehensions but, it was mostly the boys who eventually backed out, calling the column 'silly' as a means to conceal their discomfort with open communication around sex and sexuality.
Cut to today, even in the digital world, nothing much seems to have changed.
“In a patriarchal society, think men feel more entitled to information about sex and pleasure and there are less consequences around men expressing their sexual agency as compared to women”
— Leeza Mangaldas leezamangaldas)
SEX TALK, OFF LIMITS
While there has been a spurt in the population. of women sex-ed content creators who are doling out relevant information to spread awareness and highlight the right to pleasure, we hardly see any straight men doing the same. On the contrary, men in same-sex relationships are rather vocal.
Until a few years ago, the late Dr Mahinder Watsa, a trained obstetrician-gynecologist was a popular figure, who through his column- Ask The Sexpert- responded to sex queries of men and women with much wit and coherence. Interestingly, Dr Watsa was 80 when he started writing the column in Mumbai Mirror and soon became a household name, shattering taboos one piece at a time. Through his responses, people of all age groups from teenagers to the older generation-discovered more about their bodies.
This story is from the November 2023 edition of Man's World.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 2023 edition of Man's World.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Is Wearing Make-Up Normal For A Man?
The male beauty industry is expanding, however what do men in beauty need to do to destigmatise it?
Achieving Your Fitness Goals
Rohit Kamble
VIJAY VARMA
THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE RED HERRING
How Football Is Finding Its Voice
As the Indian Super League celebrates its tenth anniversary, we understand how the fandom in Indian football has become more vocal and organised, with some clubs also seeing the rise of Ultras groups
Through The Looking Glass
Where does the AR tech in India stand today? We try to find out after spending a few weeks with the Rokid AR Joy
Zaeden Your New 5-am friend
The singer-songwriter who is a popular name in the independent music scene, has recently dropped his highly-anticipated EP 5 am. The dance pop delves into the poignant theme of long-distance relationships, is a charming piece that is already climbing the charts
THE MACALLAN M 2023 LAUNCHES IN INDIA, REDEFINING LUXURY IN SPIRITS
With limited 10 handpicked bottles gracing the shores of India, The Macallan M 2023 stands as the pinnacle of exclusivity
American artist Grant Garmezy's magic of glassblowing
From fire to form, he takes us through one of the most exciting, adrenaline-pumping crafts out there
Haute Couture On Four-Wheels
It takes a village to build the world's (allegedly) most expensive.
Riding India's Electric Two-Wheeler Wave
India's electric two-wheeler market is booming with over 640,000 units sold by December 2023, despite consumer apprehensions and the call for better infrastructure