Sexy Selfie Nation

Standing Up for Yourself in Today's Toxic, Sexist Culture

By: Leora Tanenbaum

Narrated by: Amy McFadden

In this work, slut-shaming expert Leora Tanenbaum explains that when we criticize young women for wearing body-revealing outfits and sharing sexy selfies, we are losing the plot.

Young people are sick of being held responsible for others' inability to keep their eyes off their bodies. They explain that most of the time, they aren't even trying to sexualize themselves—and, when they do, they are taking control over their bodily autonomy.

Tanenbaum demonstrates that "sexy" does not mean "inviting sex," and that when young women and nonbinary people embrace a sexualized aesthetic or post sexy pictures, they do so on their own terms.

In choosing to wear body-revealing clothing and posting sexy selfies, young people are taking a stand for themselves and against three pillars of nonconsensual sexualization that shape their daily lives: gendered dress codes; nonconsensual sharing of intimate images; the aftermath of sexual harassment and assault.

Everyone should be able to stand up for themselves, experience a sense of bodily autonomy, and shape and share their image on their own terms.

If you like cultural criticism that supports women of all identities, then you'll love Sexy Selfie Nation.

©2025 Leora Tanenbaum