Susie Bright

Susie Bright is an American feminist author, sex-positive activist, and editor who has written extensively about sexuality and politics since the 1980s. She founded On Our Backs, the first women-run erotic magazine and helped pioneer feminist perspectives on sexuality and erotica. As an author, Bright has published over a dozen books including her memoir "Big Sex Little Death" and influential works like "Sexual State of the Union" and "Full Exposure." She served as editor for The Best American Erotica series from 1993 to 2008, helping to legitimize and elevate erotic writing as a serious literary genre. Beyond writing, Bright has worked as a film consultant on sexually-themed movies and taught university courses on sexuality and feminism. Her blog "Susie Bright's Journal" was among the earliest sex-education blogs, and she has produced audio programs and podcasts about sexuality and relationships. Through her work as an educator and cultural critic, Bright has been credited with helping to develop sex-positive feminism and bringing frank discussions about sexuality into mainstream discourse. She continues to write, lecture, and advocate for sexual education and freedom of expression.

Readers value Bright's direct, unapologetic writing style and ability to discuss sexuality with both humor and intellectual depth. Her memoir "Big Sex Little Death" receives praise for its raw honesty and historical insights into feminist movements of the 1970s-80s. What readers liked: - Clear, accessible writing on complex topics - Personal stories mixed with cultural analysis - Educational value without being clinical - Progressive perspective on gender and sexuality What readers disliked: - Some find her tone too confrontational - Writing can be unfocused and meandering - Later works seen as repetitive of earlier ideas - Political views sometimes overshadow main topics Ratings across platforms: Amazon: 4.1/5 average across all books Goodreads: 3.8/5 for "Big Sex Little Death" 3.9/5 for "Sexual State of the Union" One reader noted: "Bright explains complicated feminist theory in ways anyone can understand." Another criticized: "Too much political commentary when I wanted to learn about relationships."

Big Sex Little Death: A Memoir (2011) Autobiography covering Bright's early political activism, founding On Our Backs magazine, and her role in feminist sex-positive movements.

Full Exposure: Opening Up to Sexual Creativity and Erotic Expression (1999) Essays examining the intersection of sexuality, creativity, and personal identity through cultural and personal observations.

Mommy's Little Girl: On Sex, Motherhood, Porn, and Cherry Pie (2004) Collection of essays exploring parenthood, sexuality education, and American cultural attitudes toward sex.

Sexual State of the Union (1997) Analysis of American sexual culture, covering topics from censorship to sex education in the 1990s.

Sexual Reality: A Virtual Sex World Reader (1992) Examination of emerging digital technology's impact on sexuality and relationships.

The Best American Erotica (1993-2008) Annual anthology series featuring selected erotic literature from various authors, edited by Bright.

Susie Sexpert's Lesbian Sex World (1990) Collection of columns originally published in On Our Backs magazine addressing lesbian sexuality and relationships.

Susie Bright's Sexual Reality: A Virtual Sex World Reader (1992) Essays exploring the relationship between technology, virtual reality, and human sexuality.

Betty Dodson writes about female sexuality, masturbation, and sex-positive feminism from personal experience and research. Her work includes detailed anatomical information and focuses on women's sexual empowerment through self-knowledge.

Carol Queen combines sex education with cultural analysis and personal narrative in her writings about sexuality and gender. She addresses LGBTQ+ topics, BDSM, and sex work through both academic and experiential perspectives.

Annie Sprinkle documents her transition from porn performer to sex educator and artist through autobiographical works. Her writing explores sexual subcultures, sacred sexuality, and sex worker rights activism.

Patrick Califia writes about gender identity, BDSM, and queer sexuality from both personal and political viewpoints. His work addresses transgender experiences and sexual politics in depth.

Kate Bornstein focuses on gender theory and identity through memoirs and social commentary. Her writing challenges traditional gender roles and explores nonbinary gender expression.