In bed w MADON FOR 30 YEA
3 decades after ‘Sex’, psychologis
EXCLUSIVE
Susan Clark MADONNA rarely fails to outrage, but it was of all things a coffee table book that earned her the nickname The Queen of Obscene.
Thirty years ago, fans first opened this book’s aluminium cover. The only clue to its content was the word “Sex” stamped on the cover.
Inside were erotic soft porn photos and simulation of sex acts, including S&M. Joining Madonna in her exploration of sexual fantasy in words and risque pictures were the likes of actress Isabella Rossellini, rapper Vanilla Ice and model Naomi Campbell.
Sex, released the day after her album Erotica, was banned in Japan for breaking censorship laws but would top the New York Times bestseller list.
Since then Madonna, now 64 and the best-selling female artist of all time, has lost none of her appetite to shock or ability and create controversy.
Her impact on sexual politics, gender diversity and younger female performers has been immense. In 2003 on stage Madonna turned mid-performance, and kissed Britney Spears, then 21. It was talked about for weeks.
Destroyed
She did it again this June at Britney’s wedding to Sam Ashgari, but due to today’s attitudes, which she helped to change, it was not a big deal.
Clinical psychologist Britani Black is co-author of a new book called Psychology and Pop Culture which looks at the influence of stars such as Madonna. She said: “With the help of social media in particular, Madonna has used this and her image to give a voice to groups that would otherwise be left marginalised. That’s really cool.”
In 1994, Madonna was one of the first celebs to ever admit to an abortion, telling Details magazine: “It’s common to have abortions. Many people have them it’s nothing to be ashamed of. I can’t allow myself to be destroyed by it.”
This year she criticised the overturning of a ruling which legalised abortion in the US, telling her 18.5 million Instagram followers women now have “Less rights than a gun.”
Madonna says she makes a stand for those who would otherwise not be heard, explaining: “Why have I always fought for change? It’s like trying to explain the importance of reading or the need to love. Growing up, I always felt like an outsider. It wasn’t because I didn’t shave under my armpits. I just didn’t fit in, OK.”
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