To continue the discussion on Black Women’s Sexuality, I have asked some awesome Black sex therapists and educators to share what they want every Black woman to know. I hope you enjoy this inspiring collection of quotes.

“As women of color, it is important to not only learn about our bodies but learn to embrace our bodies, along with that, our sexuality and erotic selves. This means healing and overcoming shame and moving toward acceptance of who we are, what we are, and what our bodies can do and feel.”

Jessica Ross
LPC, CST/Sterling Heights
MI/IG: @jrcousneling

“I [Black Women] don’t have to PROVE my Worth, my [our] Breath does that for me.”

“There is a SOULFULNESS that exists as Blackness this is what creates the Magic in everything we do.”

“Black female sexuality is the most misunderstood, feared, envied, and admired entity the world over. Understand that our very ESSENCE built these worlds, and our LIBERATION is creating new ones.”

Shayla D. Tumbling, M.S., NCC, Sexuality & Emotional Empowerment Coach
Atlanta, GA
IG: @shayladtumbling

“It’s time for us to take back our ancestral birthright to reclaim and reframe Black women’s sexuality. A sexuality that encompasses pleasure, joy, sensuality, breath, movement, and wellness is not only authentically innate to us but is necessary for our survival as Black women. Embrace it, flaunt it, and whoever can’t handle it – let them choke on it.”

Dr. Robyn Charlery White, Executive Director & Foundress of @Herstoire The Herstoire Collective
Saint Lucia-biocoastal to New York
IG: @DrCharleryWhite

“Loving and caring for yourself and giving yourself space to explore and acknowledge pleasure when the world denies your humanity is a revolutionary act.”

De-Andrea Blaylock-Johnson, LCSW-S
St. Louis, MO
IG: @sankofasex

“Black women are Creators and Queens, Nurturers and Goddesses. Pleasure is our birthright. Pleasure shouldn’t be treated as a luxury. It’s a necessity. Honor it.”

Bridgetta Giles, CFLE
Bossier City, LA
IG: @sexpositive_cfle

“A black woman’s sexuality encompasses love, desire, power, and the divine.”

Samantha Carwyn, MA
Aurora, CO
IG: @carwyn_collaboration

“Celebrating black sexuality is about us, as black women, embracing our bodies, our curiosity, and our range of interests and desires, while giving ourselves permission to explore without allowing outside opinions to affect our journey.”

Erin Tillman, Inclusive Dating & Consent Coach/Certified Sex Educator
Los Angeles, CA
IG: @DatingAdviceGrl

“My vision for a decolonized sexuality is one that centers and celebrates the pursuit of pleasure of men, women, and non-binary folks. A world that does not shame people for wanting to feel good or for who they want to engage sexually with. I envision a world with safe sexual contexts for all people willing to engage externally in sexual play. A world where solo sex is as respected as partnered sex and seen as a valid and accepted way to engage in sexual play. Black women are already on the forefront on leading this sexual liberation movement and it is changing the world.”

Salem Afangideh, ESQ. Lawyer & Sexual Anthropologist
Alabama
IG: @Salem_Afangideh

“The Erotic is a promise that no experience will take place without our being present.”

K Chase, MA Erotic Relationship Coach
Washington, DC
IG: @sexcoachkchase

Renée Burwell

Renée Burwell

LCSW, MPA, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist
Renée Burwell, LCSW, MPA, CST is a skilled psychotherapist and educator with specializations in sex therapy and trauma. Her practice, Pandora's Awakening, offers services and educational outreach that help destigmatize mental and sexual health services. She is a skilled facilitator offering trainings and workshops to healthcare and social services professionals on mental health, sexual health, and reproductive justice. In addition to her work at Pandora's Awakening, she is also the executive director of the Tennessee Alliance of Sexual Health, AASECT’s Mid-Continent Representative, an active member of the Association of Black Sexologist, and is a writer and educator for various mediums including Bedroom Kandi and CNN.

She holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology from Spelman College, a Master of Social Work and Master of Public Administration from the University of Southern California, a Post Graduate Certificate in Sex Therapy and Education from the University of Michigan, and is AASECT certified as a sex therapist.