What's happened
Gillian Anderson's new book, 'Want', compiles 174 anonymous sexual fantasies from women worldwide, inspired by Nancy Friday's 1973 work. The collection aims to address the ongoing stigma surrounding female sexual desires, showcasing a diverse range of experiences and perspectives. Released on September 5, 2024, it reflects a shift towards greater openness in discussing women's sexuality.
Why it matters
What the papers say
In her review for The Guardian, Stephanie Merritt notes that Anderson's role as a curator is not rooted in expertise but rather in her experience as an actress portraying a sex therapist. She emphasizes the book's aim to provide a platform for women's voices, stating, "the letters included here represent, as promised, a colourful range of scenarios."
Emma Clarke from The Independent highlights the significance of the project, pointing out that despite the lucrative porn industry, much of it caters to male desires. She states, "the majority of X-rated content is from the perspective of the male gaze and is therefore tailored towards male desires."
Katie Razzall from BBC News underscores the emotional weight of the fantasies, mentioning that some entries are deeply moving, such as a bereaved woman longing for touch. She quotes Anderson describing the submissions as "honest and raw and intimate and beautiful," reflecting the vulnerability of the contributors.
How we got here
Anderson's 'Want' is a contemporary response to Nancy Friday's 'My Secret Garden', which explored women's sexual fantasies in the 1970s. The project began with an online call for submissions, resulting in nearly 1,800 entries, highlighting the evolution of women's voices in discussing sexuality over the past five decades.
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Gillian Leigh Anderson, OBE is an American-British actress. Her credits include the roles of FBI Special Agent Dana Scully in the long-running series The X-Files, ill-fated socialite Lily Bart in Terence Davies' film The House of Mirth, DSU Stella Gibson