"Why write a book on penetration? Because the subject is there, so present that it is invisible. Above all, I want things too often left unsaid to be heard. I want us to discuss, and think, and to consider sexuality as an element of human invention, of human culture, art and politics. I want the difficulties, the pain, the fear of being abnormal to be heard, and for us to say “f**k normality” if it signifies contempt and judgement for those who are different. " - Martin Page According to a recent report only 30% of women reach orgasm via penetration. Therefore, if penetration is truly about pleasure, it has to do with male pleasure and thus constitutes yet another way of perpetuating patriarchy. Part essay, part manifesto, Beyond Penetration offers to shift our perception of what is considered the sexual norm, i.e. penetration, and see it as a social construct that, more often than not, does not take into account female pleasure. The book also includes various testimonies, some anonymous, some not, that illustrate the plurality of sexuality. An established French author, Martin Page recognises his privileged position within society as a white heterosexual male who enjoys penetration. He offers to create a space to embrace different forms of sexuality and encourages all to question our standards of femininity, masculinity and gender stereotypes and how they all fit into society and the political spectrum; a necessary step in attaining true gender equality.
