Your eyebrow may or may not have arched at the sight of this article, but for whatever reason – be it curiosity, skepticism, or straight up disgust – the fact that you’re still reading deems you interested. Because seriously, “What the f*ck is ecosexuality?” as quoted by a fleeting passerby at yesterday’s event, “Practices of Ecosexuality: A Symposium.” Well, there’s no solid definition to answer that question. It’s a fluid movement of alternative lifestyles reaching harmony through the union of humankind and nature.
The Symposium kicked off with a keynote given by the “internationally renowned sexologist” Dr. Susan Block. Her research on one of our closest primate cousins, the Bonobos, expresses the naturality of compassion, hedonism, and sexual exploration. The Bonobos are known for using sexual acts recreationally (as opposed to reproductively), and as a way to keep the peace amongst their social circles. They exhibit both homo and hetero relations and females are highly esteemed for their diplomatic efforts. We share 99% of our DNA with these peacekeeping primates, so it’s fathomable to see the Bonobo community as inspiration for modern society.
In a way, the Bonobos set the stage for ecosexuality as a developing social movement. They make us question ourselves and the society we’ve grown accustomed to following. The human race is more than often compared to the infamous Chimpanzee, another primate cousin with just as much shared DNA as the Bonobos. Whereas the Bonobos resolve conflict through the experience of pleasure, Chimpanzees are known to rape and murder other members of their species. Female bonds are stronger amongst Bonobos; Chimps, not so much. Female chimps are more likely to turn the other cheek if one of their sisters is getting raped or murdered.
Doesn’t that sound hauntingly familiar? Do we not live in a society that victim-shames and slut-shames? Domestic violence, gender violence, any kind of violence really, all stem from a place of aggression and insecurity. That is to say a lack of self-love. Ecosexuality encompasses the idea of self-love as an intrinsic value in the grand scheme of humanity living within a delicate ecosystem. Like a chain reaction, if we love ourselves enough to accept and openly express sexuality (in a healthy, consensual way), then we can achieve healthy relationships with other beings, and essentially with the environment.