"Sesso in scatola" rewrites the public discourse on intimacy

Talking about sex is difficult. Not because the topic itself is especially complex, but because of the way it's treated in contemporary society. Talking about sex carries with it conditioning, repression, patriarchal influence, shame, prejudice, and taboos that are hard to break down and overcome. Sometimes, it becomes such an exotic and distant concept that people only speak about it in a performative way, linked to pornography. To try and move past these limitations, a new project aims to recenter desire, listening, and awareness. It’s called Sesso in Scatola (“Sex in a Box”), and it’s much more than just a card game: it’s an invitation to experience sexuality in a free, authentic, and non-judgmental way.

The “Sesso in Scatola” project is more than just a card game

The project was created with the goal of freeing sexuality from the standards imposed by pornography and mainstream media, building a safe space for open conversations around desires, boundaries, doubts, and pleasures. "Sex," the creators explain, "is more fulfilling when it comes from respect, spontaneity, and the freedom to be yourself." Behind Sesso in Scatola are four IED students who chose to explore sexuality by freeing it from the dominant narratives of pornographic imagery, creating a moment for connection. "We wanted to engage our peers on how sexuality is experienced, and we thought of a card game as a simple, fun, and provocative way to do so. That’s why we took it to the streets." The initiative sparked curiosity and engagement among those present, turning the game into an opportunity for open and spontaneous dialogue. The experiment drew in many people: some intrigued, some amused, others embarrassed—but all involved.

How the game works

The gameplay is simple: the deck includes 80 cards, divided into two groups. Each player picks 10 cards that reflect their sexual preferences. The deck also includes wild cards that can be used to say "I don’t like this" or to take a moment to pause and reflect, without pressure. The goal isn’t to win, but to create connection and encourage honest conversation. Sesso in Scatola seeks to promote a more open and mindful sexual education, far removed from stereotypes. This aim is especially relevant today, considering that — according to recent research — nearly one-third of young people aged 18 to 24 have never had sex, or are having significantly less sex than previous generations. Sex is often approached as something to prove, rather than something to truly feel, fueling anxiety and insecurity. This project was born to break the taboo still surrounding sexuality, especially in Italy, and to return to it a truer, more personal, and more human meaning.