50 Shades of Grey—A Game Changer for Women’s Sexuality

The internet is buzzing about the 50 Shades of Grey movie trailer that was just released.  And predictably there are many people, particularly in the sexuality community, who are slinging arrows at the movie and the whole concept behind this book.    I  take the opposite opinion because I believe that 50 Shades is a game changer for women’s sexuality.

For a moment, let’s consider the impact that 50 Shades of Grey is having:

• The trilogy has sold over 100 Million copies worldwide.
• It has been translated into 52 different languages
• It is the fastest selling paperback of all times.
• 50 Shades of Grey was on the NYT best seller list for well over two years
• Over the last two years, sex toy sales have soared over 30% worldwide
• There are entire lines of 50 Shades of Grey sex toys that are providing block buster sales.

Rather than bemoaning the lack of literary talent of E.L. James and the way in which the relationship is portrayed in the movie (which seems at first glance to be consistent with the book), I think we should be celebrating the success of the book and the movie.   Think about it .. There are over 100 Million people (primarily women) who are learning about BDSM and getting comfortable with sexual fantasies.  And let’s face it.  Most women, including strong, independent women, do have the desire to be taken so that they can fully surrender to the masculine energy.

50 Shades of Grey has started a whole new conversation among women.  Women have been reading and talking about it at their book clubs, with their girlfriends and clearly with their partners.  The movie is likely to significantly raise the profile of the franchise.  It will be fascinating to watch its Box Office numbers on Valentine’s Day weekend.

The field of sexuality is reaching the tipping point.  There is a huge interest in training programs for sex educators and coaches and demand for sex coaching, sex surrogacy and sex therapy services is at an all time high. I predict that when we look back 10 years from now we will realize that 50 Shades of Grey was a game changer for helping to normalize the conversation about sex.  And that is something to celebrate..