Hey all, and welcome back to the start of another week. This past week involved a lot of emotions. I had tears and profound conversations with my husband and several friends. I also loved and laughed with those I care about most. I got together with others and had dinner, and talked about plans and dreams. I was also alone and had time for reflection and self-care. A week like this last one is a great time to see areas where we are still weak and still need to grow, but also a great time to see all of the amazing blessings around us and appreciate all that we have in this life. I know you all aren't here to hear about my week, though, so let's move on to the Top 5.
1.Healing From Sexual Trauma Through Kink
One of the sad realities of our world is that sexual assault and abuse are everywhere. Did you know that every 73 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted? And every 9 minutes, that victim is a child. Most of us have been touched by sexual assault in some form or another, whether personally or because it happened to someone we care about. What do we do with the damage left behind from such acts? How can we heal? New research is coming out that believes one avenue in addition to traditional therapy could be BDSM and kink dynamics. This article, I felt, was really well written and is also the basis for an upcoming show on the K101 Podcast where I am the resident sexologist. Give it a read and let me know your thoughts?
If you or someone you know is or has experienced sexual assault or abuse, please reach out, or get help. The National Sexual Assault Hotline is available 24/7: Telephone: 800.656.HOPE (4673) Online chat: online.rainn.org Español: rainn.org/es
2. RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
I feel that I can not bring up the topic of sexual assault and not point people to resources on the topic. In case you have never heard of RAINN, here's a bit about them:
"RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE,online.rainn.org y rainn.org/es) in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country and operates the DoD Safe Helpline for the Department of Defense. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice."
Even if you have never been a victim of sexual assault, you can still be an ally and a supporter. You can give or your time or resources to help others, or perhaps attend a workshop or organize a training in your local community to educate yourself and those around you.
Once again: If you or someone you know is or has experienced sexual assault or abuse, please reach out, or get help. The National Sexual Assault Hotline is available 24/7: Telephone: 800.656.HOPE (4673) Online chat: online.rainn.org Español: rainn.org/es
3. Guessing the Sexual Orientation of others
I was hesitant to share this video with you all, but I just found it fascinating. The main person in the video (the guesser) is a lesbian named Bella. ( I am not sure of her gender identity.) Basically, several different people come into the room with Bella, and she is supposed to guess what their sexual orientation is.
I wanted to include this video in this week's top 5 and share it with you all because the conversations about the sexual orientation of each person were really enlightening. The sexual orientations run the gambit from asexual to bisexual, to straight, and with a lot of nuance in between. Bella and each individual who came in had insightful and personable conversations. They were honest with each other about their attractions and orientations. Many of us could learn from this video, if nothing else but perhaps to better understand varying sexual orientations.
4. Sue Johanson
I have no idea how I could have gotten as far in my career as I have and not heard of this woman!!!! The link above is to a Youtube excerpt from the Conan O'Brien Show where Sue was recently a guest. This lovely 90-year-old woman is a spitfire and so full of life and so dang blatant about sexuality it was amazing. Sue Johanson CM is a Canadian writer, public speaker, registered nurse, sex educator, and media personality. She has also written several books. In case you, too, want to learn more about her, here is a link about her on WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/sue-johanson.
5. Smutlancers
So one of my favorite hobbies, though seldom do I get to do it very often with all of my other life engagements, is writing erotica. I love being able to express fantasies and desires, some of which I have never even given words to before or allowed myself to play out. Erotica is a safe space for me to explore my own sexuality and desires. Since creating my website and joining the K101 podcast, I have been writing even more about sex and sexuality.
Do you enjoy writing erotica? Do you love blogging about sexual topics, or are you a good writer who doesn't shy away from touchier topics? Did you know you could get paid for doing exactly those things that you enjoy? A friend of mine recently told me about Smutlancers, and my mind was blown. So, if you have ever wanted to make money writing erotica, blogging about sexual topics, or perhaps just writing for others on topics you are passionate about, check out The Smutlancers. Maybe you can have a new side hustle.