As a community health educator, today’s guest shines a light on Black women’s sexual health by giving a voice to issues that are often faced but rarely talked about. Dr. Shemeka Thorpe is an award-winning sexuality educator, researcher, and international speaker whose research focuses on the sexual well-being of Black women using sex-positive and pleasure-centered frameworks. She has published over 50 peer-reviewed articles, was listed by Buzzfeed as one of the Top 20 Black sexologists you should follow in 2023, and has been featured on numerous podcasts, online magazines, and blogs including Cosmo, Elite Daily, and Essence. As you’ll discover in this episode, Dr. Thorpe aims to make research relevant to Black communities by translating sex science in meaningful and tangible ways. Join us as we discuss the importance of comprehensive sex education that includes pleasure, how sexual freedom can enable people to make better choices, why community members should be considered researchers, and some of the ways that Dr. Thorpe finds joy in her work and leads the way for those who come after her, plus so much more! Key Points From This Episode: An introduction to Dr. Thorpe and her focus on sexual pleasure, pain, and freedom. [02:07] Overcoming barriers to comprehensive sex education and access to contraceptives. [05:58] Insight into Dr. Thorpe’s community-based participatory research on sexual health. [08:55] The importance of storytelling and how sexual freedom can influence our choices. [13:25] How Dr. Thorpe makes her research more relevant and accessible for everyone. [17:44] Community members are researchers: why community advisory boards are essential. [19:32] The systems that often prevent researchers from doing adequate community work. [27:19] Why bringing joy to academia is crucial and where Dr. Thorpe finds joy in her work. [29:36] If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review!  For more transcripts, show notes, and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-podcast-season-3/