Interview: Q&A With Sex Geekdom's Kate Kenfield

In August of 2014 the SheVibe Team decided to pay homage to one of our favorite people, Kate Kenfield, founder of Sex Geekdom. Kate is a sex educator, blogger, and speaker - on a mission. Her goal? To help people feel more comfortable talking about sex. "Because the world needs to have more meaningful, accurate, and useful conversations about it". When she's not hanging out with other sex geeks, Kate facilitates sexuality workshops and writes about sex at katemccombs.com.

And in addition to all that Kate is incredibly warm, engaging and really fucking smart.

"As sex geeks, we have the unique desire, knowledge, and skills to become Beacons of Permission in the world. Permission to have honest, educational, and even healing conversations about sex."

SheVibe:

What inspired you to start Sex Geekdom?

Kate Kenfield:

I started Sex Geekdom because I wanted a regular excuse to have meaningful sex conversations with other geeky, sex-positive people. Essentially, I created something that I wanted to exist.

I was living in Melbourne, Australia at the time and while I knew a fair number of sexual health people, I didn't feel that sense of community I craved. So I picked the name "Sex Geekdom," made a reservation at a cool bar, and invited every sex geek I knew in town.

SheVibe:

What is your vision for the New York Academy of Sex Education?

Kate Kenfield:

I'd love the New York Academy of Sex Education to develop a reputation as a hub for high-quality, accessible sex-ed for grown-ups. I want the Academy to be the go-to place in NYC for adults to learn the kind of things that make their sexual lives easier and more fun, whether they're taking their very first sex-ed class or their hundredth.

SheVibe:

You've spent time all over the United States. How do the different areas of the country differ in their views of sexuality? How are they similar?

Kate Kenfield:

There are definitely some regional differences, but far more often than not, people ask me the same questions in Dallas as they do in Downtown Manhattan. Questions like, "Is this thing I'm into normal?" or "How can I orgasm during sex?" are asked everywhere I've ever taught.

Even if people were lucky enough to get good sex ed in school, it's rarely enough to prepare them for their adult sexual relationships. Regardless of the political climate of a region, I find that many adults still need more sex education to navigate their sexual lives.

SheVibe:

What is your favorite part about being a sex educator?

Kate Kenfield:

I love that I'm able to answer questions that help bring more pleasure and ease into people lives. There is so much shame around sexuality in our culture and I love that I get to bring the issues into the light.

Also, it doesn't hurt that companies send me free lube.

SheVibe:

Using your new powers as a Cosmic Captain, if you had the ability to teach the world one important thing about sex that everyone would immediately grasp, what would it be?

Kate Kenfield:

It would be that no one can truly be a "sex expert" – there is always more we can learn and that is a beautiful thing. We must be curious about our own bodies, talk about sexuality in a meaningful way, and ask questions in order to learn what delights our partners and ourselves.