For years, the female orgasm has been something unspeakable—taboo. Even today, despite the amount of information we can access online, many women are kept in the dark when it comes to the many ways they can receive pleasure, leading some to avoid masturbation altogether. CLIMAX is on a mission to make a difference. As the first educational series dedicated to female pleasure, CLIMAX aims to change mentalities by promoting a healthy masturbation education. Here’s exactly how and why CLIMAX wants to help you cum.

CLIMAX’s first season has a total of 32 episodes, which includes 17 episodes on the most popular techniques of external stimulation of the clitoris. The series, which is the result of the collective experience of tens of thousands of women through testimonies, studies, and the latest American and European scientific discoveries, is far from your middle school sex education videos on contraception and puberty.

Screen Shot spoke to CLIMAX’s founder Laurène Dorléac about when she first realised she needed to create the platform. “Not only is female pleasure little known but I also realised that the taboos on this subject were still very present. Many of my friends have shared with me their difficult relationship with sexuality in connection with physical, psychological or cultural blockages. All these blockages are nurtured by the idea that sexuality is innate and should therefore not be talked about! In reality, we all deserve to learn about sexuality and masturbation.”

That’s what makes CLIMAX episodes feel like a breath of fresh air. Filmed without any filter, metaphorical images or illustrations, they speak about the female anatomy and don’t shy away from close-ups. Episode one, for example, starts by teaching viewers about the vulva and its infinite variations, thus promoting body positivity while clearly stating that “there are as many shapes of vulva as there are shapes of nose. There is no such thing as ‘normal’ with regards to genitalia.”

More than 1 in 5 of American women have never masturbated. Over 1 in 4 people were unable to identify the clitoris on a diagram. If this doesn’t encourage you to learn more about female pleasure, then CLIMAX surely will. In 2019, the platform interviewed 107 European women of all ages to gain a thorough understanding of their masturbation practices, queries and expectations. It also gathered their testimonials to create the best range of advice for partners. 32 episodes resulted from these testimonies.

Furthermore, Dorléac, who is French, told us about her hopes and dreams for CLIMAX to potentially, one day, become the educational norm in her home country. “In France, 14 per cent of boys cite porn as the main source of information about their sexuality, versus 1 per cent of girls. 18 per cent of 15 to 24 year-old boys think watching porn is a good way to learn to have sex, and 84 per cent of 13 year-old girls do not know how to represent their genitalia.”

Although the series’ main aim is to educate, it also goes further than that. CLIMAX’s manifesto clearly states that it is “part of a movement […] that is shaking off old taboos and pushing new boundaries. This is an inclusive movement, made up of people of all gender expressions and identities, inviting everyone on a journey of exploration and connection. Together, we are learning how to love ourselves, prioritise self-care, treat one another the best we can, and start to feel ever more connected.”

And what better way to fight against the stigma that surrounds the discussion of female masturbation than by discovering the best ways for a woman to cum? CLIMAX’s first 17 episodes on this topic allow viewers to see masturbation as a form of self-care, an act of relaxation and connection, for both body and spirit.

Among CLIMAX’s most effective masturbation techniques are the straddle technique, the ‘envelope’ technique, the ‘jeans’ method, and many others. The first season also reminds viewers of the importance of caressing—be that your body or someone else’s. CLIMAX teaches women how to touch themselves but also takes the time to speak to potential partners watching too, who might be willing to learn more about female pleasure.

In addition, CLIMAX offers 6 breathing exercises for those who would like to better control their pleasure, as well as a special package mainly intended for couples or partners wishing to broaden their knowledge.

The educational platform comes close to perfection in its approach, but misses one thing, which is actually stated on its website: “While we have tried to be as neutral as possible in our choice of pronouns and language, we also recognise that there is more work to be done, as we continue to build a movement that encompasses all forms of gender expressions, sexual orientation, lifestyles and expectations.” Couples advice also seems to be mainly aimed at heterosexual couples, which is something the platform is currently working on.

Still, CLIMAX should be praised as the first educational platform working on teaching anyone the essential methods for both receiving and giving more pleasure. Feeling curious? CLIMAX officially launches in the UK this Monday 1 September. Can’t wait until then? CLIMAX also sends a free episode to those interested in learning more about their own pleasure. And, while you enjoy all of season 1’s 32 episodes, keep in mind that there already is a season 2 on internal pleasure in the works. As Dorléac said herself, “Just take time to explore your body and be the first to do it, don’t wait for someone else to do it for you.”