Gillian Anderson unveils groundbreaking book ‘Want’ exploring female and queer sexuality

Gillian Anderson, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in Sex Education and The X-Files, has introduced a new venture that delves deep into the intricate and often misunderstood realm of female sexuality. Her groundbreaking book, Want, inspired by Nancy Friday’s My Secret Garden, compiles the desires, fantasies, and sexual experiences of women from various walks of life around the globe.

Want is not just a mere collection of letters; it is an inclusive anthology that embraces the voices of queer women, trans women, and non-binary individuals. This inclusivity marks a significant departure from traditional narratives surrounding female sexuality. Anderson emphasised the importance of diverse representation within the book. Speaking of the book, she said, “It was important to have that diversity,” ensuring a varied portrayal of sexual fantasies reflecting different races, genders, and sexual preferences.

The collection features entries on various provocative topics, including BDSM, infidelity, shame, and voyeurism. However, one of the most striking entries, which Anderson admits had her “cackling,” involves a woman with a fascination for being milked—a self-described “HuCow.”

The idea for Want germinated after Anderson’s portrayal of Dr. Jean Milburn in the popular series Sex Education. The role saw her delve into the complexities of female desire and sexuality, prompting numerous requests for her to explore the subject further through a book. Initially sceptical, Anderson was eventually persuaded by her literary agent to create something akin to My Secret Garden.

Despite her lack of professional training in sex therapy, Anderson embraced the project, especially given her recent venture, G-Spot, a functional drinks brand that aligns with the inclusive messaging she promotes. With Bloomsbury serving as the publisher, an anonymous portal was established to encourage women and non-binary people worldwide to share their deepest sexual desires freely and without judgment. The result was an overwhelming response amounting to 800,000 words of raw, unfiltered content.

Sorting through the extensive submissions was a meticulous and intimate process for Anderson. She described the act of categorising and ordering the entries as profoundly engaging, allowing her to connect deeply with the contributors. Anderson highlighted the authenticity and honesty in the letters, noting the freedom with which women expressed their desires without the pressure to conform to traditional literary standards.

Anderson herself contributed a letter, finding the exercise challenging despite her openness to discussing sexual matters. This, she remarked, underscored the complexities and nuances involved in articulating one’s fantasies.

One of the most compelling aspects of Want is its representation of women embracing both dominant and submissive roles within their fantasies, oftentimes seemingly contradictory to their real-world personas. Anderson shared insights into letters from women who, despite being in authoritative positions professionally, fantasised about relinquishing control in their private lives. This phenomenon underscores the diverse and multifaceted nature of female sexuality.

Additionally, Anderson observed a persistent undercurrent of shame and hesitance among women to openly discuss their sexual fantasies with partners, a factor she attributes to enduring patriarchal influences and the pervasive impact of pornography. This shame, she hopes, can be mitigated by works like “Want,” which encourage open, honest discussions about sexual desires and pave the way for empowerment in various aspects of life.

Source: Noah Wire Services