GET GAGGED

You may have seen the posters up around campus; girls being taped up holding signs about their reluctance to be gagged.

Now we never shy away from controversial issues here at The Tab, and seeing as it’s a hot topic on campus that’s being voted on right now, we feel obliged to educate you – our reader – about this issue so as to allow you to make an informed decision.

For the uninitiated, gagging is a sexual practise where one’s mouth is restricted by a device in order to increase the sense of helplessness and anxiety during sex (I had to sacrifice the integrity of my internet history to bring you that definition. I hope you appreciate it.)

This can be achieved by a pulp fiction-esque ‘gimp-ball’, or if you’re on a budget, I’m told that standard masking tape will do the job (this being the angle the campaigners have gone for)

These campaigners – for one reason or another – think that this practise should be stopped, hence their lobbying of the Union.

The Tab understands that most activists are also contributors to the Leeds Student, which affirms the idea that their views on sex are about as boring as those on student media

Humans are sexual animals – it’s the only reason why we’re still around to this present day – and with there being over seven billion of us, some of us find different ways to satisfy our sexual needs and desires than others.

This is a simple fact and to ignore it is to blind yourself to a huge proportion of society. Closing your eyes (or mouth) won’t make it go away.

We all have different tastes in music and food and art; which we all tolerate and accept, so why draw the line when things get sexual?

We should be embracing these differences and celebrating a society that allows us to express ourselves in whatever way we so desire — curtains closed or open.

Not amused

Yes, there are dangers involved, but it is patronising to take the approach that as adults we need to be babysat (unless you’re into that kind of thing) and preached at to keep our sexual practises in line with those that Queen Victoria would approve of.

I understand just as much as the next person that certain acts can be demeaning to certain genders, and yes, power dynamics can play a big part in relationships – both in and out of the bedroom.

However, adopting the stance that as a student body, we should forbid these practises just because a certain few take offense to them is wrong – both on a moral and personal level.

The simple fact of the matter is that as a student, I have a right to be gagged if I want to, and what I choose to do inside my own bedroom shouldn’t be questioned by the Union or judged by those more prude than I.

Do the right thing. Vote yes for freedom. Vote yes for gagging.