After I used the term "trauma porn" in class, a professor pointed out to me how often we use sexual language to point out harm, violence, wrongdoing, and evil. Even folks who have more liberated ideas about sex, sexuality, and sex work do this. I've noticed it ever since.

In the years since, I've been thinking about how this framework of associating sex with non-sexual harm might hinder our capacity to talk about sexual trauma too.

I also think this is largely due to the fact that talking about sex in public is still "shocking" to folks. I still navigate discomfort with it. But I think I was using it to shock folks awake to what I saw as a harm. IDK if the shock spoke to those actually being harmed though.

I'm not an expert. Perhaps there are instances where this language is the most accurate. But I appreciate every invitation to think more deeply. I want to be more attached to deep thought than to the pleasure of saying something thoughtlessly.