Sexuality: Pleasure, Privilege and the Power of Reproductive Justice | Michelle Hope | TEDxHarlem

Summary

The speaker shares their personal journey with sexuality, from childhood in Indiana to working in sexual and reproductive justice. They emphasize the importance of discussing sexuality openly to foster understanding and acceptance. Highlighting their experiences with bullying, sexual assault, and the stripping industry, they advocate for comprehensive sex education and legislative change to achieve sexual and reproductive justice for all.

Takeaways

• 🌐 Sexuality is a universal human experience that should be openly discussed.
• 🏠 The speaker's upbringing in a diverse and loving household shaped their early understanding of sexuality.
• 🚫 Societal stigma and fear of discrimination can silence conversations about sexuality and love.
• 🌱 Early exposure to diverse expressions of love and gender can foster acceptance and understanding.
• 🗣️ Lack of open dialogue about sexuality can negatively impact self-esteem and personal development.
• 👥 Experiencing homophobic slurs and bullying is common for LGBTQ+ youth, affecting their mental health.
• 💔 Sexual assault can have profound and lasting effects on a person's self-worth and sense of safety.
• 💡 Education and language are essential tools for advocating for oneself and understanding one's experiences.
• 🎓 The speaker's personal journey from victim to advocate highlights the power of education and self-expression.
• 🌟 Personal stories and experiences can inspire change and promote understanding in others.
• 🌱 Normalizing conversations about sexuality can lead to a more equitable and just society.

Q & A

What is the significance of sexuality in human life according to the speaker?

The speaker believes that sexuality is a fundamental aspect of human life that connects us all, from the womb to the tomb, and it affects human development and interpersonal relationships.

What does Dr. Michael Carrera from the Children's AIDS Society say about sexuality?

Dr. Michael Carrera states that sexuality consists of biological, sociological, psychological, and spiritual variables that make us who we are.

What was the speaker's first experience with understanding sexuality?

The speaker's first experience with understanding sexuality was through her mother, who was a lesbian, and the environment of love and acceptance in her childhood home.

Why was it difficult for the speaker to talk about her family's love in Indiana?

In Indiana, talking about the love that the speaker was raised in was not possible due to fear of Child Protective Services, potential loss of home, and job loss for her mother.

What impact did societal attitudes have on the speaker's self-esteem during her childhood?

The societal whispers and murmurs about the speaker's family led to a decline in her self-esteem, as she was one of the few biracial children in Indiana.

How did the speaker's high school experience change after a confrontation with a classmate?

After standing up to a classmate who harassed her, the speaker ended up in jail, with a broken eye socket, and was suspended from school, which significantly changed her high school experience and self-esteem.

What was the turning point for the speaker after being sexually assaulted?

The turning point was realizing she was not alone and that many others had similar experiences, which gave her the confidence to start sharing her story and advocating for change.

What did the speaker learn about sexuality while working at a strip club?

At the strip club, the speaker learned about polyamory, bisexuality, and the importance of a woman's right to choose what she does with her body.

Why is it important to normalize conversations about sexuality according to the speaker?

Normalizing conversations about sexuality is important to change societal attitudes, promote understanding and consent, and work towards sexual and reproductive justice.

What is the speaker's current work in the field of sexual and reproductive justice?

The speaker has been working in sexual and reproductive justice for the last ten years, including sex education, protesting, and working at a battered women's shelter.

What is the speaker's call to action for the audience?

The speaker calls the audience to action by encouraging them to listen, educate themselves, engage with legislators, and advocate for sexual and reproductive education in schools.