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What I want is for girls to have experiences that are ethical, reciprocal, responsible and pleasurable. - Peggy Orenstein, author of Girls & Sex

When New York Times journalist Peggy Orenstein decided to delve into the real sex lives of teenaged girls, she decided to go to the source.

After in-depth interviews with more than 70 American young women, aged 15 to 20, and what she learned is intimate justice is lost on young women — to them how they look is more important than pleasure.

This is a social justice issue in the same way that who does the dishes is a social justice issue. - Peggy Orenstein on talking about pleasure in sex for young women

According to Orenstein, there is evidence that talking about the joys of sex will increase intimate justice. Her new book is called Girls and Sex: Navigating the Complicated New Landscape.

Peggy Orenstein joined The Current's Anna Maria Tremonti to talk about how young women live in a world that confuses being sexualized with being sexually fulfilled.



What's been your experience talking to your teens or parents about sex and sexuality?

Tweet us @TheCurrentCBC. Find us on Facebook. Share your thoughts in an email.

This segment was produced by The Current's Karin Marley.

