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The Problem of Sex-Negative Media

More often than not, sex seems to fall outside of the media's standards for objectivity and fairness: The spectrum of sex-education opinions is assumed to run from abstinence-only to abstinence-primarily. Science-based information on sex, sexuality, and the diversity of human sexual practices is lacking, and sometimes misleading conventional wisdom is reinforced. A man in a court case who participates in BDSM is described as having "unsavory habits" and a professional domme is described as an "admitted" dominatrix. No sources are sought to counter the government officials who proudly describe how they are manipulating local ordinances to shut down a sex toy store or a venue that hosts "swingers" parties. Stories that treat sexuality as something other than a problem or prurient curiosity are few and far between.

Some of the problem is ignorance. Journalists cannot draw clear lines for their readers between consensual kink and abuse, for example, without educating themselves first.

Some of the problem is discomfort. To write about the gay hook-up spot threatened by development, one has to go there, and possibly witness sex acts or be propositioned.

Some of the problem is managerial. Editors and publishers can be prudish or simply afraid of reader and advertiser backlash. "We're a family paper!"

To recognize the times when journalists stick to the standards of their craft in the face of such challenges and produce good, informative journalism that spreads accurate sexual information, stays fair in covering highly charged topics, and celebrates healthy sexuality as a positive force in people's lives, the Sexies advisory board decided to launch the Sexies.

There are hundreds of journalism awards out there, including some that recognize good coverage of gay and lesbian issues. But none of them address sex itself: sexual expression, sexual freedom, sexual health. We want to fill that gap.

We are not looking for racy or sensationalistic stories. The awards are something any traditional journalist should be proud to hang on his or her wall - a testament to journalistic standards of fairness and accuracy about a charged and controversial subject.

By raising the profile of articles that positively address sexual topics, we hope to: