In this particular episode of the podcast Dr. G chats with Melissa Carnagey, a licensed social worker, educator and founder of the wildly-popular sex ed parenting resource Sex-Positive Families. Dr. G & Melissa dive deep to discuss issues related to being a sex-positive parent, including but not limited to unchecked trauma related to racial and other identity experiences. Towards the end of the conversation, Melissa invites listeners to imagine what liberated sexual health looks like, not just for themselves but for the young people they may come in contact throughout their lives. The two also discuss Melissa's new book, Sex Positive Talks to Have With Kids, which they self-published towards the end of last year.
(Click to download the episode transcript)
Episode Question to Ponder: If you could re-parent yourself for the purposes of fostering your sexual empowerment, what would you do differently than those who raised you?
Homework: Reflection & Interview Exercise!
Guest Bio: Melissa Pintor Carnagey (she/they) is a Black and Latinx Austin, Texas based sexuality educator, and licensed social worker who believes that all children deserve holistic, comprehensive, and shame-free sexuality education so they can live informed, empowered, and safer lives. Melissa is confident that the work starts in homes with families and caregivers. Her professional experience spans just shy of 15 years in the field of sexual health, having taught comprehensive sexuality education in schools, authored curricula, trained youth-serving professionals, and worked within HIV/AIDS case management and prevention at both nonprofit and state government levels. Melissa’s most relevant experience comes from being a sex positive parent to three young people ages 21, 11, and 7. They are the constant inspiration for the work.
More info about Melissa & their work can be found at SexPositiveFamilies.com.
Episode References (Content):
Carnagey, M. (2020) Sex positive talks to have with kids. Self-published. (Click here to purchase)
Episode References (People):
Brittany Broaddus--Owner, The Intimacy Firm (bio)
Dr. Lexx Brown-James--Owner, The Institute for Sexuality & Intimacy (bio)
