Sexual Mindfulness - Workshop for Women this Friday!

Sexual Mindfulness - Workshop for Women this Friday!

This unique workshop combines sexual empowerment, mindfulness skill-building, and an art gallery viewing of Petals, the photography exhibit celebrating the beauty of women's vulvas.  AND, I'm including wine to accompany your art experience! Friday, July 15, 7-9pm.

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Summer Lovin' - Quick Guide to Summer Romance

Summer loving had me a blast,

Summer loving happened so fast,

I met a girl crazy for me,

Met a boy cute as can be...

What is it about summer time that seems to make us feel more romantic? San Diego Living (Ch. 6) brought me in to discuss this as we launch into summer time. Is it the warmer days? Longer daylight? Less clothing? Nostalgic feelings? All of the above! I also share some tips about harnassing the sensual feeling of summer to ignite your summer romance.

~Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus, San Diego Sexuality Speaker, Sexologist, & Sociologist

Can Dancing Improve Your Sex Life?

We already know that dancing is a physical and sensual experience, alone or with a partner. But how can it assist in deepening the intimacy in your relationship? And for you folks who say "hell, no!" when your partner asks you to dance, consider that this attitude could be impacting the health of your sex life! This segment on San Diego Living was inspired by the local stage presentation of Dirty Dancing!

~Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus -- San Diego Sexologist, Sexuality Speaker, Sociologist

Sexual Advocates in San Diego

San Diego SexologistWhen you think of progressive values, topics like menstruation, HIV justice, and sexual rights might not be the first words to cross your mind. But as a fellow in this year’s San Diego Leadership Alliance (SDLA) Institute class (to train progressive leaders), who is passionate about bringing a voice to taboo sex topics, I was thrilled to find other like-minded activists in my class, namely Shawna Held and Nate Cedilla. We quickly bonded over the importance of sex education and nonjudgmental sexual discussions.

Shawna Held advocates for "menstrual activism," and explains that her intent is to "create a safe space for people who menstruate and do everything I can to take the taboo and shame around it away." I had never even thought about actual activism around menstruation, and love this title. I think it's mind-boggling that something as natural as menstruation is still shrouded in silence and embarassment, especially for young women.

Nate Cedilla is an activist for “HIV justice." He states that in “my formative years as a queer man of color, I struggled to understand my sexuality and learn the significance of independence,” which included engaging in unprotected sexual activities and partying. I've been involved with HIV both as a researcher and educator, and my dissertation was about HIV prevention programs targeting adult women in racial minority communities. I so appreciate the work that Nate does to bring compassion and education to reducing HIV in San Diego.

I promote “sexual health & rights” because sex and sexuality are a natural part of our human experience, yet so much around them remains in the shadows, which leads to miscommunication, fear, exploitation, pain, and sadness. A theme behind the work that the three of us do, which has been clarified and emboldened through our participation in SDLA, is to bring a loud voice to topics and experiences that many wish would stay silenced. Our goal is to reduce shame, stigma, and fear, and increase knowledge, empowerment, and connection. Sex- and body-related topics are relevant to everyone.

We thank the folks at SDLA for warmly accepting our unconventional passions! Look for the three of us at the Happy to be progressive Hour fundraiser this Wednesday, May 14, 2014…we promise to share some lively and fascinating stories with you!

~Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus San Diego, CA -- Sociologist, Sexologist, Sexuality Speaker

Getting Your Sexual Mojo Back

San Diego Sexologist

My first time live in a radio station! These radio hosts were awesome to talk to about mojo, sex, relationships, communication, and my experiences. My piece starts around 1:06:40.

HAPPY Hour San Diego 04.24.2014 Singer Song Writer Steph Johnson, Sexual Expert Dr. Jenn Gunsallus by Rich Singley on Mixcloud

~Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus -- San Diego, CA, Sexologist, Sociologist, Sexuality Speaker

Why Progressive Values Mean Happier Sex

pro·gres·sive: (of a group, person, or idea) favoring or implementing social reform or new, liberal ideas.

I'm a 2014 Institute Fellow in the San Diego Leadership Alliance. This is a nonprofit organization dedicated to progressive values and causes in San Diego and cultivating new progressive leaders. It's an amazing program and bridges my interests in sexual health education, women's reproductive rights, sexual rights, LGBT rights, holistic health, and overall community health, into the realm of politics, public policy, and advocacy.

What happens if we don't favor social reform in the sexual realm? We live from and in fear. Our government has the right to control our bodies. People are denied the right to love who they want and have (consensual) sex in the way they want, without shame. Sex is a powerful force. We can respect and honor that this means responsibilitiy and aware choices. We can also respect and honor that this means tolerance that each person's experience and expression of the power of sex may be different. Fear, shame, embarrassment, and control brings everyone down in their sexual experiences. This seems to be the American way. What a shame.

If you're in the San Diego area and would like to support progressive values in our city, please come out to the fundraising Happy Hour on Wednesday, May 14, to support the 2015 Class of the San Diego Leadership Alliance. Purchase tickets HERE.

~Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus -- San Diego Sexologist, Sociologist, Sexuality Speaker