The Spit Magazine offers erotic work that is female pleasure-based — something considerably different from mainstream porn. Yes, it’s the real deal.

From photo shoots to videos, the content is hot, exciting and beautifully raw. “The porn that Spit makes aims to be hot, authentic and fun. We are creating and making porn that showcases people who are often excluded or exploited from mainstream porn,” says Jesse Rae West, administrative coordinator for the site. I spoke to both Jesse and co-founder Caitlin K. Roberts to find out about their site and exactly what goes into producing feminist porn.

Although many may have a lot of misconceptions as to what feminist porn can be, Jesse clears it up by telling me, “Feminist porn can and does often feature hard-core, intensely passionate scenes similar to mainstream porn, but with the overt presence of consent, genuine pleasure and the absence of unproductive social constructs of gender. It is both a political statement and outlet for fantasy.”

More: Being a feminist is not making other women feel bad for their choices

Launched in July 2013, The Spit Magazine is an authentic and alternative porn collaborative, focused on sex positivity and pleasure, and a feminist porn collaboration community. When you visit the Spit website, you’ll be overcome with the sense of celebration, particularly because mainstream porn oftentimes treats women like sex objects, while Spit celebrates bodies and the colourful spectrum of things that make each and every human unique and special.

I was impressed to find that the films and photos on Spit’s website feature women just like me (fat, straight, cis female), which makes me feel like there could be a place for me in this sexual landscape. And I’m sure you will too when you visit the site. Jesse explains to me, “Our content features people interacting in a way that feels genuine to them regardless of what genitals they have or what looks good on camera. We celebrate tummies, cellulite and body hair as much as we do tits, asses and cocks.”

“By watching this representation of all bodies and all people in pornography, it opens up the landscape to a healthier sexual image and more positive body images,” Caitlin adds. “The body is the mouthpiece for how sexuality is expressed. To have negative feelings towards bodies will tie into one’s attitude towards sexuality.”

More: A lesson on orgasms

This year The Spit Magazine was nominated for a Feminist Porn Award, which Caitlin tells me is “exciting and humbling. Something that started off as a passion project is being recognized by people who inspired us to start Spit.” While building the Spit brand, Jesse and Caitlin have spent considerable time and effort ensuring that their porn is made ethically, which includes listening to their critics to promote growth not only in themselves but in their performers as well. Jesse mentions, “We remove the pressure of forcing or encouraging a female performer to reach orgasm, which is so often included in porn with the sole purpose of gratifying men and their sexual ego.”

Jesse tells me, “I hope our work — and the work of others — can help people on their journey to self-love and acceptance.”

So what is next for The Spit Magazine? With its Feminist Porn Award nomination in tow, it has inspired the website to do more and to do more often. Caitlin shares, “I am honoured to be cast amongst people who have been changing the landscape of pornography for years, and I hope we can continue to contribute to the cause in a positive and supportive way.” Next up, it will be hosting its bimonthly play party and porn shoot on April 13 at the Oasis Aqualounge.

More on sex

Getting in touch with your sexuality

Female nipples: Overhyped, sexualized and censored

How to boost your sexual confidence