For over three decades her essays have been mandatory readings for entire cohorts of students of gender and sexuality, making her one of the most influential scholars in feminist theory, gay and lesbian studies, sexuality studies and queer studies. A feminist and sex activist, she has also been a prominent advocate for a sex-positive feminism, for the civil rights of sexual minorities, and a defender of sexual diversity. In 2011, she published Deviations, a collection of her most important essays.