Episode 406: Reclaiming Shame-Free Sexuality

Jun 17, 2025

Join Dr. Hilary Caldwell, a sex worker, academic, and author of 'Slutdom: Reclaiming Shame-Free Sexuality,' as she tackles the powerful implications of the term 'slut.' She discusses the critical importance of reclaiming this label for true sexual empowerment and gender equality. Hilary shares her transformative journey through societal stigma and how expressing sexual desires openly can liberate individuals. The conversation dives deep into the complexities of desire in relationships and advocates for a world where pleasure is pursued without fear or shame.

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ANECDOTE

Hilary Caldwell's Personal Journey

Hilary Caldwell shares her personal journey of being a closeted sex worker for 20 years due to fear of stigma and safety concerns.
Coming out with her memoir represents a powerful gesture against sexual shame and societal stigma.

INSIGHT

Whorearchy Extends Madonna-Whore Complex

The "whorearchy" is an extension of the Madonna-whore complex where women shame others to feel morally superior.
This hierarchy causes sex workers to distance from some labels, perpetuating stigma and division in the sex industry.

INSIGHT

Reclaiming 'Slut' Fights Patriarchy

Reclaiming sexual slurs like "slut" removes their power as tools of patriarchy and shame.
Owning such words challenges gender inequality and supports sexual freedom and equality for women.

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“Slut” is a powerful term that has historically been used as an indictment of women’s moral character. And as my guest today explains, as long as terms like this retain their power, we’re never going to have true gender equality in the bedroom. She argues that it’s well past time to reclaim the word slut once and for all, so let’s talk about it.

I am joined once again by Dr. Hilary Caldwell, a sex worker, author, academic, and sexologist. Her bold political memoir, Slutdom: Reclaiming Shame-Free Sexuality, challenges the enduring impact of slut shaming and argues for a world in which everyone can pursue pleasure without fear, stigma, or coercion.

Some of the specific topics we explore include:

What does it mean to reclaim the world “slut,” and why is it important?
Why is reclaiming sexual slurs controversial?
What does it really mean to be sexually empowered?
How can we become more sexually empowered?

You can check out Hilary’s website to learn more about her work.

Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology.

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Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.