Why in todays society is the topic of Sex still taboo?
Are we as a society moving forwards or backwards regarding sexual freedom & acceptance.
Is our society moving backward when it comes to sexual freedom?
Recently, I was at a thrift store in Northern California with my son when we stumbled across a stack of old LIFE magazines. One edition from 1970 caught my attention: on the cover were a young boy and girl, with the headline, “Should sex education be taught in school?”
It’s 2026 now, and yet sex education in schools is still a hotly debated subject. We’re still asking whether it’s appropriate to teach, and at what age to begin. Fifty-six years have passed, and somehow, we haven’t made much progress.
The stigma around “sex” and the adult industry remains powerful. Those who choose a career in this field are judged, even though sexuality is a universal part of life and the sex industry isn’t going anywhere.
Why do we still have to hide or feel ashamed about how we make a living if we’re not harming anyone?
This fear and shame persist. Webcam performers worry about being “found out.” Content creators hide what they do from friends and family. Adult performers are careful about which platforms they use. The media is full of stories about people losing jobs just because they have an OnlyFans page—even when they’re simply trying to support themselves.
When will we, as a society, accept that everyone has sexual needs, desires, and fantasies? Why is there still so much shame?
As a sexologist, I speak to clients from many countries, cultures, religions, and backgrounds. Some are terrified that anyone might discover their interest in kink or fetish—even just talking to me about it puts them at risk.
Society still treats sex as taboo. People exploring gender identity, a fetish, or a kink often feel isolated and ashamed, thinking they’re alone in their experiences.
You are not alone. If you find it hard to talk openly, one thing I suggest to clients is keeping a diary. Writing allows you to express your sexual side—privately, at first. It can feel like talking to someone, and you can later reflect on what you’ve written.
Journaling is a powerful tool for self-understanding and self-acceptance. I encourage couples I coach to do the same: write down their thoughts, pros and cons, and then share their lists. The paper becomes a shield, letting them be honest without fear of interruption or ridicule.
In my work, I hear heartbreaking stories: parents disowning children over gender identity, marriages ending because someone admitted to cross-dressing or a kink. Does any of this make someone a bad person? Of course not. In every interaction, I look for the good in people. Many are loving fathers, hardworking spouses, or young men abandoned by their families.
We like to think society has become more accepting of alternative lifestyles and relationships. In some ways, that’s true—technology makes it easier to find support and community, however as a whole, we are still quick to judge sex and the sex industry.
I know this firsthand. Social media, in my opinion, is part of the problem. I host a sex-positive podcast about acceptance and nonjudgment. Yet if I invite people to listen, I risk being banned just for using the term “sex-positive.” Even sharing a website for CBD personal lubricant can get me censored.
And mention OnlyFans? For adult performers, just saying those words can threaten their profile or following. I know many people with OnlyFans accounts—MMA fighters, musicians, athletes, even mainstream actors—and nobody bats an eye because they’re not in the sex industry. Why is it acceptable for them, but not for others?
Instead of progressing, we’re risking a slide backward. That hurts our society and our children’s futures. We claim to promote sex education, body positivity, and acceptance for all—regardless of race, religion, orientation, or relationship style. Yet the issues debated on the cover of LIFE magazine in 1970 are still front and center today.
When will we stand up for one another and accept people for who they are—not for their religion, gender identity, or sexual preferences, but as fellow human beings? I tell everyone: live your life for you. You only get one chance. If you’re not hurting anyone, and you’re not hurting yourself, no one else should have a say.
If we can’t even use the words “sex-positive” on social media, or admit to writing for an erotic column, we have to ask ourselves: will we fight for acceptance and sexual freedom, or will we sit back and watch as progress slips away?
Till next time,
Coralyn Jewel
