Jess Greenash x Ann Summers

For over 50 years, Ann Summers has been all about putting women at the forefront of their sexuality and wellness. We continue to work with people on the same mission. That’s why sex positive content creator @selfacceptancewithjess is taking over for Sexual Wellness Month to talk all things female pleasure; from masturbation to orgasms and getting to know your body more intimately.

1. Please can you tell us a little bit about your self-acceptance journey?

I spent so many years hating myself for the way I looked that eventually I got beyond tired of it. I found the body positivity movement and felt it was far too unrealistic for me so decided I would practice my own version - body honesty. I got real with myself and was honest about what I disliked about my body and whether I could change those things or not.
Could my bum be a better shape? Yes.
How? Going to the gym.
Was I going to do that? No. Stop feeling bad about it then.
I applied this to everything I was struggling with and decided to accept myself for everything I am. Don’t get me wrong though, this is a journey and I haven’t reached the final destination yet so I absolutely have those days where I look in the mirror and feel bothered about what I see. But I allow myself 10 seconds to feel that before I snap out of it and replace those negative thoughts with ‘this is my body get over it’ or ‘my body is the least interesting thing about me’.

2. You are an inspiration to so many - what/who inspires/d you to accept yourself and break taboos?

Thank you. I really appreciate that. This is going to sound cliche but, myself. I’m an only child and the eldest of cousins, I didn't have anyone to give me the chats I needed so I decided to be that big sister for the people who needed it.
My online community definitely inspires me to continue breaking taboos. I hear their stories and my heart goes out to them. I can't bear the idea that people are out there genuinely feeling alone and abnormal so my mission is to create safe spaces for those people.

3. Why do you think it is so important to normalise masturbation?

Far too many people feel extreme shame and embarrassment surrounding masturbation and it breaks my heart. That may sound ridiculous but it's true. As someone who has been masturbating since a young teen I know how important it is to be the best lover you’ll ever have. Masturbating is normal, healthy and overall it's good for you. It's the best stress reliever, can help you sleep, can improve your pelvic floor and more.
To learn about your body through self exploration is incredibly important especially if you have partners and want to have the best possible sex you can. If you don’t know what you like how on earth can you expect someone else to know? If you know what gets you going then you can communicate that and have mind blowing sex.

4. When did you fall in love with your Vulva?

About 4 years ago. I’ve been on a journey of self acceptance with my vulva since I became sexually active as a teen and damn has it been a journey. I always hated how it looked because I have an outie (inner labia that hangs out of the outer labia) and I hadn’t seen any when I was young.
I started to accept my vulva and actually began to love it. Masturbation definitely helped me love my labia as instead of just focusing on my clitoris I began paying attention to my labia and giving it the love it deserves!

5. What is one piece of advice that you would give to people who are starting out on their journey of self-acceptance?

Get over it. Get over all the things you dislike about your appearance because your body is truly the least interesting thing about you and looks fade, personality doesn’t. Focus on improving yourself from the inside, exploring hobbies and getting over the things that have kept you in your comfort zone and held you back. Instead of looking at the fat on your stomach and talking negatively you need to try to replace it with a positive such as ‘you literally keep me alive mate, nice one’.

6. We are so proud to join you on your journey to break taboos - what’s one moment you look back on when you knew you were making a difference?

Oh god one moment? I was lucky enough to be invited to give a speech on stage at an event, I spoke about body honesty and brought my vulva cast with me and sat in on stage, then gave it to the audience to pass around. Afterwards some amazing people spoke to me about how I’ve helped them accept their vulvas which was honestly an incredible moment.
But honestly I’ve had some of the most beautiful messages from people telling me how much what I do has helped them and damn I’m so grateful for every single one of them.

Top tips for female self-pleasure.

• Romance yourself
• Use toys
• Lube is your friend

7. Why do you think it is so important to talk about these topics on social media?

I honestly love the internet as it allows us to reach people we would never meet in person or those we wouldn’t usually walk up to and start talking to about long labia. Social media allows people to anonymously view content that is seriously life changing without feeling embarrassed that those around them know what they are learning about such topics.