REWRITING THE RULES OF DESIRE

Since the 1970s, ESSENCE magazine has inspired Black women to talk about sex. Now we're doing even more by reclaiming pleasure and redefining sexuality on our own terms

- By Dominique Fluker

ESSENCE has long been attuned to what Black women want and need—especially when it comes to conversations about sex. As early as February 1978, in our On Love issue, we featured a thought-provoking quiz to help readers explore what sex meant to them.

In February 1980, the Here's to Love issue included Rosemary L. Bray's groundbreaking piece, "Orgasm: The Ultimate Pleasure." This demystified the big O—and offered tips on stimulating the clitoris and trying new sexual positions. And in July 1993, Hattie Gossett's "Sex at Any Age" boldly asserted that erotic desire has no age limit.

In addition to groundbreaking articles about sex and sexual wellness, we've had informational sex columns—educating our readers and inspiring them to think creatively, in the bedroom and beyond. Hilda Hutcherson, M.D.'s "Sexual Matters" column in the early aughts was one of these. And we would be remiss not to acknowledge our very own trailblazer in this space, the late Gwendolyn Goldsby Grant, Ph.D. Her "Between Us" column, which she penned for more than 25 years, allowed our readers to be open, transparent and vulnerable with their sex, intimacy and relationship questions.

Throughout the 1970s, 80s, 90s and early 2000s, ESSENCE remained committed to empowering conversations about sex, and that legacy continues today. When I launched our "Sex Talk"—now "Let's Talk About Sex"—series online in 2023, the goal was to offer fresh, relevant and actionable advice that challenged norms and encouraged Black women to embrace their sexuality, unapologetically.

In the column, I've covered BDSM techniques, debunked "Soul Ties" myths, and explored how women can experience pleasure within relationships—and, more importantly, for themselves. This echoes the spirit of ESSENCE's May 2001 Passion issue, which spotlighted Black women reclaiming sex and pleasure, with joy.