Sexual Health Alliance’s Program Coordinator and SHA Certified Sexuality Educator, Jennifer Rahner with Dr. Ruth Westheimer at a 2017 Conference
After the passing of famous sexologist and sex therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer, my social media feeds were flooded with posts about how she inspired and impacted the lives of others. Since I work in the sexual health and sexual education space, I have a lot of connections who were deeply affected by her work. For many professionals in this space, she was a role model and trailblazer. Dr. Ruth showed us that we could talk about the “oh-so taboo” topic of sex and that it could even become a career! She taught us that there was no shame in talking about sex, whether it was a conversation with a partner or on a larger platform as part of your career. Take a listen to Dr. Ruth in her Talks at Google here.
“Dr. Ruth showed us bravery, wisdom, and forthrightness, bringing a topic essential to our daily lives onto the airwaves. She gave millions permission to ask Qs - and get answers - about sex. As we preserve Dr. Ruth’s legacy, we remember what she taught us: Keep asking Qs.” (X Post from The Kinsey Institute)
“I don’t mind if people say they get aroused by my radio program ... I think that is great. I provided you with foreplay. But take it seriously. Don’t let boredom creep into your bedroom.”
SHA’s Jenn Rahner Shares How Dr. Ruth Inspired Her Career in Sexuality
Sexual Health Alliance Program Coordinator and SHA Certified Sex Educator Jennifer Rahner is one of the people who was inspired by Dr. Ruth and had the honor of meeting her. Jennifer Rahner has 25 years of professional experience as a writer and educator and has spent over 20 years learning everything she can about psychology, gender, sexuality, and pleasure. We asked Jenn to share her experience meeting Dr. Ruth and how she has been inspired by her throughout her career. These are her words.
“It's difficult to imagine now, when everyone carries a computer in their pocket or purse, but a teen in the 1980s walked around with a lot of unanswered questions. So, one late night in my room when I stumbled onto a program that was talking about sex in a real way, I took notice even though the voice reminded me of my grandmothers.
Soon it became my habit to stay up late just to hear this program. Although I was lucky in that my parents provided more information than most, I still had so many questions. Dr. Ruth not only answered my questions, but spoke frankly about things I hadn't considered, because I didn't know enough to know I didn't know.
I'd been listening for months when it suddenly occurred to me - Sex Educator was a job you could do! I'll never forget my excitement having that realization, followed by the certainty that it was the job I wanted to do. Life has its way with you, though, and it took me decades to realize that dream.
Now, forty years later, I've achieved that adolescent goal. I owe Dr. Ruth everything for being that role model, that woman who put herself out there, sparking my imagination.
I finally had the opportunity to thank her [at a 2017 Conference]. As she signed my book, I related how I'd listened all those years ago in my bedroom and how I was finally following my dreams to work as a sexuality professional. She looked at me then, and spoke, reminding me that she was in her 50's when her radio show began. I told her I was just a few years away from 50 myself. Her eyes gleamed as she smiled at me, patted my hand and said, "You have plenty of time!" Indeed, I do.”
Sexual Health Alliance is committed to Keeping Dr. Ruth’s Legacy Alive
With each student, workshop, and sexuality conference, the Sexual Health Alliance Community is keeping the legacy of Dr. Ruth alive and thriving. As we continue to promote provocative dialogue and radical collaboration, we bring new ideas to the sexuality industry and pave the way for the next generation to feel less shame and more excitement about sex.
“In an interview with USA TODAY in 2013, Westheimer discussed her legacy. “I want people to know that I had the chutzpah − the nerve − to talk about subject matters that were not discussed before,” she said.” (USA Today: 'Dr. Ruth' Westheimer dies at 96 after decades of frank advice about sex)
This is the legacy the SHA Community is keeping alive. We aren’t afraid to talk about subjects that others shy away from. From Consensual Non-Monogamy to Kink to Problem Sexual Behavior, we encourage education and important conversations as leaders in the field. The SHA Community has the “chutzpa” and plans to continue Dr. Ruth’s legacy for years to come.
Written by Michelle Melville-Kashon
Curious about your path in the evolving field of sexuality? Let's find out which SHA certification is meant for you. Take our 'Shape the Future of Sexuality: Which Certification Is Your Calling?' quiz and embrace your future role in shaping sexuality education.