At Amazingy we are a very happy, open-minded bunch of people who believe sex is an important part of life. And some of us here are loyal listeners of the podcast Sex in Berlin, with its hot takes on contemporary sex-positivity. The podcast’s host, Nike Wessel, was active in Bündnis 90/Die Grünen for many years and is now known as a feminist activist and thought leader on sexual self-determination, gender equality & sustainable social policy. Since she is a Berlin native (and knowing that she is also a loyal Amazingy customer 😌), we thought it would be fun to invite her over for some sex talk… 

So Nike, “Sex makes the world go ‘round,” they say. What drives you personally to dive into the subject in your podcast, books and events?

“Sex teaches you a lot about yourself and other people, and when you are in a sex positive surrounding, you learn a lot about people and connections too.”

Why is sex so important? Why is it important that we become more educated about it?

“Sex can be amazing, but it is also totally normal and OK not to want it, or not to want it all the time. That’s why it’s important to learn what you want and like, how to have good and healthy sex, to know when and if you want something, what your own boundaries are and how to recognize other people’s boundaries. This is where open communication and sex education play such an important role. It’s a good place to learn about consent, health and desires.”

There is a wide spectrum of ways to enjoy sex out there. Through your podcast “Sex in…”, you are unveiling a whole new world for many people. What did you encounter during your sexual exploration that was completely new to you, too?

“Actually… I learn something new every time I go somewhere for research for my podcast, etc. It doesn’t matter what it is, I discover something new about how other people see, desire and do things, and I love that.”

Would you say (German) society is becoming more open, or rather more conservative, when it comes to sex and sex education legislation?

“Both; more and more people are aware of the wonderful world that is out there and the opportunities, desires and people that are part of that. I think the internet plays a big role in that because it’s easier to find out about what is happening. At the same time censorship on platforms like Instagram, Meta, Google and the likes, is getting more and more strict. Content that promotes normal words like sex, menstruation, breast, could cause the post to be deleted and the account being closed! This is problematic, because social media is often an important medium for especially young people to learn about many topics.”

How would you advise people who would like to start exploring their own sexuality a bit more, where could they start?

“Well, start looking around for what you could like, for example my podcast and books are a safe place to start, or there is lots of content online. Get yourself out there and maybe go to a special themed party at a sex positive club like KitKat or try a workshop. If it’s not for you, you can always leave! Consent is very big in the sex positive community and you never have to do anything you don’t feel like.”

And last but not least, what are your favorite Amazingy products?

“I use the Brow Boss Gel, the Multistick in the Afterhour (both from HIRO), these are great for people like me who don’t have the time or the nerve for makeup. And for a sexy party, highlighter stick I use HIRO’s Havana to put wherever you like on your face and body it works really nice. Apart from that, I am a big fan of ethical and vegan condoms like the ones from Einhorn (also available in big size) and Fairsquared, plus of course the Nevernot lubes! “

Nike Wessel is a cultural studies scholar, author and speaker. As a feminist activist native to Berlin, her work combines cultural studies analysis with political engagement: she explores power relations, body politics, pop culture and ecological action from a feminist perspective. With her association Love Fair, Nike initiates events and educational projects. She also writes for TAZ, Tagesspiegel, Missy and many others.

Find Nike’s Podcast “Sex in…” on all the usual podcast platforms or get there via:
https://sexin.berlin/

Sign Nike’s petition against censorship in sexual education:
https://www.change.org/p/sexualaufkl%C3%A4rung-darf-kein-tabu-sein-stoppt-die-zensur-lovefair

Interview by Anneke, Pictures by Diana and Makeup by Svenja ♡

Products used:
Hiro – Foundation No Doubt 8.5 Parker + 9 Long
Hiro – Multistick Afterhour
Hiro – Liquid Lipstick Re-Coat
Hiro – Brow boss Warm Brown
Hiro – Pressed Blush Daze + Twilight on the Eyes