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I am not an imam, mullah, or scriptural theologian with any formal training. Any advice or counsel I offer is the culmination of my own research, experience and learnings along the way.  If I were to make a return to schooling in a traditional academic space, I would like to attend seminary. 

Which part? 

My sex ed work began in college when I was an intern with Planned Parenthood of the Mid-Hudson Valley while I was studying International Relations and Women’s Studies. My goal at that time was to one day work for the United Nations on issues related to gender in Afghanistan but I knew there was much to do locally. My time making and distributing bleach kits and safer sex kits confirmed this and I quickly fell in love with talking about sexuality holistically, not just about gender and violence or health as stand alone issues. Soon, I began to volunteer with other sexual health-centered groups to gain experience and landed a full-time role as a sexual health educator right out of college.

Ever since, I’ve been filling in the gaps/voids in information or misinformation, pulling from different modes of my own learning styles and self-expression: from teaching, storytelling, and writing. I’ve been blessed with colleagues, friends and mentors who continue to affirm and encourage me to pursue what feels right, nourishing and healing.

Which part?

My parents know most of everything… now. It’s taken a long time for me to balance my earnest desire to make them proud with what makes me proud. How much I tell them about the details varies…

I know they hold lots of wants and expectations of me and my siblings that don’t always get fulfilled; even amidst the disappointment that comes with unfulfilled expectations, I know they love us unconditionally. 

I think they’re undervalued and ugly-cute. Plus, they carry their babies on their back!