Pornsaints

Be sure to read the march issue of Lucrezia Magazine. Inside you'll find some interesting erotic fiction by Oliva London, Sommer Mardsen, A.E. Frazer, F.R.R Mallory, and an interview with Pornpope Francesco D'Isa.

March Issue: International Women's Day

8 March markes International Women's Day. This day is celebrated throughout the world. It is a day that focuses on female potential, achievement and appreciation. I encourage everyone visiting this page to visit the official page for International Women's Day for further information.

What is it to be a woman today? Is it the same as it was a hundred years ago? What challenges do women currently face?

I will say that it was a challenge to put this issue together. A sexual or physical focus wasn't enough for fiction. In addition to eroticism and/or erotic tension, challenges and emotions were also considered. This month sees the return of A E Franzen and the continuation of The Valet of Vicksburg, "A Crisis of Faith', that takes us to the past. Olivia London's "Wonderful Life" entwines food and sex, Sommer Marsden's "Recitation" is an introspective story about transcending self-doubt that can be, and FRR Mallory's "Scavenger" details a bachelorette party and its naughty result.

In the realm of challenges that women still face, issues relating to health and sexual autonomy surface. Abortion is one issue that polarizes nations. Whether it is the United States, Australia, or Europe, abortion always makes headlines. Whether it is RU486 or elected abortion, termination poses a challenge for all politicians. Chelsea Summer's essay, "Terminate: Living to Tell the Truths," explores the topic on a personal and social level: How comfortable are our close female associates when abortion is raised? HIV is still with us. Twenty-five years have come and gone, and HIV now threatens the African and European continents. Safe sex is no longer a choice; it's a mandatory requirement. Associate Professor Barbara Foster explores the personal upheaval that is the HIV test in "Inconclusive: HIV or Not" This month also sees a new feature: the photo essay. Dianne Andrews submitted an image that became this month's photo essay: Purple Decorations. It is the raw reality of breast cancer, an image that is seldom seen in glossy magazines, one that cannot be ignored.

Reviews and Articles this month explore erotica and handy tips. Marcelle Manhattan explores Best Sex Writing 2008 (Cleis Press), providing an entertaining and insightful review. I review Best Lesbian Erotica 2008 (Cleis Press), and Roxanne Rhoads (Sex and the Erotic Lover review January Issue) returns this month to clear the complexity that can be lingerie shopping for men. Eva Adivar's sexcast review this month focuses on BDSM, to explore the 24/7 D/s lifestyle.

Our visual section kicks off in March with Francesco D'Isa's. A widely exhibited artist, Francesco uses various methods to present evocative female portraits that challenge conventional concepts of beauty, eroticism and femininity.

(from the editor Anastasia M.)

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