Toothbrushes, stuffed pandas, and Obama: we look at iconic female masturbation scenes
Female pleasure is often pushed to the side in popular culture. We are rarely given the opportunity to witness sexual acts on-screen without the influence of men. Even when men aren’t in the frame, scenes are shot with the male gaze in mind.
Masturbation provides a refreshing change from played-out penetrative sex scenes. While the way female masturbation is portrayed on screen has evolved over time to be less performative, it has always put women at the centre, dictating how they get to experience their own pleasure.
Fleabag
Top of the list, where it deserves to be placed. Fleabag takes the concept of normalising masturbation and sends it into overdrive. Whether its protagonist is candidly discussing it, or mundanely doing it, it’s always in the foreground. In what we might argue is the most iconic scene in British television, Fleabag is caught masturbating to Barack Obama by her boyfriend; who is lying next to her at the time. Who hasn’t been there?
Ginny & Georgia
Masturbation is present before protagonist Ginny has even attempted it, as her mother Georgia has vibrators aplenty lying around the house. Ginny’s character development, from being disgusted by the prospect to discovering it herself, is a familiar feeling for a lot of girls her age. Here, Ginny’s transition is shown through a shot of her staring at her electric toothbrush, before cutting to it in a rather more dishevelled state, brushes splayed dramatically. We get you.
Sex and the City
Ah, Samantha. A relatively unproblematic queen surrounded by problematic conversations (we’re looking at you, Carrie). Though this cherished show was not without its flaws, Sex and the City revolutionised the way that female sexuality was depicted on-screen. Despite its obsession with men (we aren’t sure it passes the Bechdel test) the series provided a platform for four women to discuss sex, and what brought them pleasure. Samantha proudly led the discussions on masturbation, and regularly put herself at the centre of her sexual endeavours – something we could all learn from.
Booksmart
Another shoutout to films that present masturbation without the male gaze or over-sexualisation. One of the film’s protagonists discovers that her best friend has been humping her lifelong stuffed panda into oblivion, and proceeds to rip the shit out of her. To be fair, how supportive can you be about your mate humping a stuffed panda. At least it’s young women talking openly about masturbation.
Bridgerton
Not one of our favourites, but we’ll give it a mention. Daphne has never masturbated, yet when the Duke suggests she tries it, she’s able to orgasm on her first attempt within a minute (we’ll have whatever she’s having). In her defence, thinking of the Duke licking a spoon doesn’t make this a completely unattainable feat.
Pen15
In true cringe-worthy fashion, the series that awkwardly navigates the life of middle schoolers also manages to awkwardly navigate masturbation. Maya, one half of the show’s main duo, spends days in isolation after discovering how to masturbate. Full of hilariously relatable content that captures the sexual pilgrimage taken during puberty – from thinking you’re a pervert to accepting your sexuality – this is a must-watch.
We’re at a point where female pleasure is becoming more and more commonplace on-screen, and less for male consumption. Whether it’s with a toothbrush or a stuffed toy, here’s to masturbation that feels good without having to look good.