Fascism Meets Pleasure: How the Erotic Can Fight Oppression

Fascist regimes want to own every part of our lives, especially our bodies. They think if they control desire, they can silence dissent. That’s why pleasure becomes a hidden weapon – a way to claim ownership over what they try to dictate. When you enjoy your own sexuality on your own terms, you send a clear signal that you won’t be owned. This article shows why erotic actions matter and gives you simple steps to turn desire into defiance.

Why Pleasure Is Political

Even dictators understand that a population without sexual freedom is easier to manage. History shows that bans on LGBTQ+ relationships, strict dress codes, and censorship of erotic art are all tactics to keep power. When people break those rules, they expose the absurdity of the control. Think of the underground clubs in Berlin during the 1930s – they weren’t just about dancing, they were silent protests. The same idea works today: any space where consent‑driven pleasure happens is a crack in the authoritarian wall.

Consent is the core of this resistance. By insisting that every touch, kiss, or fantasy is agreed on, you reject an authority that says, “I decide for you.” It also builds a community where people trust each other, which is essential when the state tries to create fear. The more you practice consent, the less space there is for fascist narratives about dominance and obedience.

Practical Ways to Turn Desire Into Defiance

1. Create consent circles. Gather friends in a safe spot, talk about boundaries, and celebrate the act of agreeing together. This shows that power lives in mutual respect, not in hierarchy.

2. Use erotic art as protest. Sketch, write, or film scenes that celebrate bodies the regime tries to shame. Share them in private groups or encrypted platforms. Art spreads faster than slogans.

3. Host “pleasure parties” that follow local laws but push cultural limits. Dress codes that mix gender expression, music that celebrates queer love, and open discussions about desire all normalize what fascists fear.

4. Teach safe‑sex skills in community workshops. Knowledge about consent, protection, and pleasure empowers people to take charge of their bodies, weakening the state’s narrative that they are vulnerable.

5. Bring pleasure into everyday activism. After a protest, invite participants to a relaxed space where they can unwind with massages, dance, or shared storytelling. The joy you feel afterward fuels future resistance.

Each of these actions is low‑risk but high‑impact. They don’t require huge money, just the willingness to be present with yourself and others. When many people adopt these habits, the collective message becomes impossible for a fascist system to ignore.

Remember, fighting fascism isn’t only about rallies or politics; it’s about protecting the parts of life that make us human. By cherishing our desires, speaking openly about consent, and sharing pleasure responsibly, we carve out spaces where authoritarian control simply can’t reach. Keep your pleasure alive, and watch how it chips away at oppression, one joyful moment at a time.

Fighting Fascism with Pleasure: The Power of the Erotic
Caspian Trillore 12 September 2025 0

Fighting Fascism with Pleasure: The Power of the Erotic

How pleasure, consent, and body autonomy undercut authoritarian control. History, research, and practical steps to turn the erotic into everyday resistance.