Ep 3. Sex Rebels

In the third episode of How Sex Changed the World's first season, titled "Sex Rebels," we delve into the history of individuals who rebelled against the norms set by society when it came to sex. From the free-love movements of the 1960s to the LGBTQ+ rights movement, this episode explores how these groups fought for their sexual autonomy and the impact they had on society.

The episode begins by exploring the history of free love, which originated in the mid-19th century. Promoters of free love believed that sex should not be confined to marriage and that all individuals had the right to choose their sexual partners freely. This belief was revolutionary for the time, as sex outside of marriage was highly stigmatized. However, the free-love movement paved the way for the sexual revolution of the 1960s, which promoted sexual liberation and experimentation.

Another group that is discussed in this episode are the LGBTQ+ activists who fought for their rights in the 20th century. We learn about the Stonewall riots in 1969, which were a series of spontaneous, violent protests by members of the LGBTQ+ community after a police raid at the Stonewall Inn in New York City. The riots are widely considered a turning point in the LGBTQ+ rights movement, as they led to increased national visibility and political activism for the community.

The episode also touches on the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s, which disproportionately affected the LGBTQ+ community. At the time, the Reagan administration largely ignored the epidemic, which led to widespread protests and activism from the community. This activism eventually led to increased funding for AIDS research and public education campaigns.

Throughout the episode, we also hear from experts in the fields of sexuality and gender studies. They provide context and analysis on the various movements highlighted in the episode and discuss the lasting impact that these groups have had on society.

Overall, "Sex Rebels" is an informative and engaging episode that delves into the history of individuals who fought for their sexual autonomy and rights. The episode highlights how social norms and attitudes towards sex have evolved over time and the impact that activists have had on those changes.