Book excerpt: If you're interested in BDSM and culture - or if you just think sex is fascinating - then this book will inspire you and challenge you. * * * "I wish we could make it so everyone buying a copy of 'Fifty Shades of Grey' would also buy Clarisse Thorn's 'The S&M Feminist.'" ~ A.V. Flox, editor of BlogHer Love & Sex * * * Clarisse Thorn's writing has appeared across the Internet in places like The Guardian, AlterNet, Feministe, Jezebel, Time Out, The Rumpus, Ms., and The Good Men Project. This is a selection of her best articles, all in one place! Clarisse has delivered sexuality workshops and lectures across the world. In 2009, she created and curated the ongoing Sex+++ sex-positive documentary film series at Chicago's historic feminist site, Jane Addams Hull-House Museum. In 2010, she returned from working on HIV mitigation in southern Africa. She has also volunteered as an archivist, curator and fundraiser for that venerable S&M institution, the Leather Archives & Museum. This book includes Clarisse's commentary on her writing process. Plus, there are "study guides" to help readers get the most from each section! * * * "Clarisse isn't afraid to talk about her own experiences with BDSM, relationships, and sexual politics. But she's also not afraid to explore some of the issues around consent, violence, and safety that a lot of the kink cheerleaders would like to sweep under the rug. She brings a refreshing honesty to her writing that is often lacking. Add to that a deep commitment to feminism and sex-positivity, and you have an amazing combination. "The tension between kink and feminism is a tough one to hold onto and most people end up firmly in one camp or the other. What makes Clarisse's writing phenomenal is her steadfast refusal to avoid doing that. The clarity with which she discusses both sides without resorting to caricatures or stereotypes is simultaneously inspiring and challenging. If you're interested in either or both, I can't recommend her enough." ~ adult sex educator Charlie Glickman of Good Vibrations