Ordinary Unhappiness 123: Polymorphous Perversity and Gender Pleasure feat. Lucie Fielding
Nov 29, 2025
In this enlightening discussion, sexuality educator Lucie Fielding explores her transition from academic erotic literature to therapy, emphasizing the themes of her revised book, Trans Sex. She delves into Freud’s concept of polymorphous perversity, illustrating how it opens up a nuanced understanding of sexual pleasure. Lucie redefines gender dysphoria as a reaction to oppressive narratives, advocating for a focus on pleasure rather than pathology. The conversation dances around the intersections of identity and desire, offering fresh perspectives on trans embodiment.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Pleasure Is Culturally Framed, Not Innate
- Freud frames 'perversion' as deviation from cultural norms rather than moral failing.
- Polymorphous perversity shows bodies can experience pleasure across many surfaces and practices.
From Joke To Career Pivot
- Lucie describes joking about becoming a sex therapist after hearing intimate disclosures at grad parties.
- A friend urged her to apply and she pivoted careers into counseling and sex therapy.
Prioritize Gender Pleasure Now
- Center pleasure and gender pleasure rather than only diagnosing dysphoria.
- Nurture trans erotic embodiment now, focusing on thriving not just clinical resolution.
