The
feminist sex wars, also known as the
lesbian sex wars, or simply the
sex wars or
porn wars, are terms used to refer to collective debates amongst
feminists regarding a number of issues broadly relating to
sexuality and
sexual activity. Differences of opinion on matters of sexuality deeply polarized the feminist movement, particularly leading feminist thinkers, in the late 1970s and early 1980s and continue to influence debate amongst feminist to this day. The sides were characterized by anti-porn feminist and
sex-positive feminist groups with disagreements regarding sexuality, including
pornography,
erotica,
prostitution,
lesbian sexual practices, the role of
trans women in the lesbian community,
sadomasochism and other sexual issues. The feminist movement was deeply divided as a result of these debates.