If I Speak 90: Are rightwing politics affecting my sex life? w/ Dr Annabel Sowemimo
Nov 25, 2025
Dr. Annabel Sowemimo, a sexual and reproductive health consultant and author of 'Divided,' explores how rightwing politics impact sexual health. They discuss STI stigma, the influence of social media on Gen Z sexual behaviors, and the importance of pleasure in health practices. Annabel links rising conservatism to restricted abortion access and discusses the role of systemic shame in sexual health. This conversation challenges societal norms and highlights the intersection of politics and personal choices in modern sexuality.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Politics Reshape Reproductive Health
- Rightward political shifts and American-style anti-abortion funding have reshaped UK reproductive politics and clinic access.
- Social media and conservative influencers also push younger generations toward more conservative sexual behaviours.
Younger Generations Are More Conservative
- Gen Z show trends toward fewer partners, more conservatism, and lower contraception use driven partly by social media.
- These shifts interact with economic and cultural forces, not just individual moral choices.
Pleasure Must Be Part Of Sexual Health
- Pleasure is consistently excluded from sex education and sexual-health services, which focuses on risk and prevention.
- Reintroducing pleasure empowers marginalised people and supports autonomy and wellbeing.
