Today we’d like to introduce you to Goody Howard.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Goody. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
It’s really been a natural progression for me. I grew up in a sex-positive household, meaning there was no shame or stigma associated with sex, sexuality or sexual expression. I learned about sex in a very clinical way. As a result of my home environment, I’ve always been the “freaky” friend and as far back as middle school, I remember answering all kinds of questions for folks about love, sex, dating, and pleasure. Most of the info was from my lived experiences and things I’d read. This was all before the internet too, lol!
From there I started doing Passion Parties and that’s kind of like Mary Kay for dildos! I started doing mini-classes about positions, striptease, and oral sex as a way to differentiate myself from the other reps in my area. I remember one night a group of ladies were raving about my oral sex tips and said they wanted a class focused on that instead of the toys. My bachelor’s degree is in business management and development, so I immediately saw another revenue stream! I created the LICK! Oral Technique Workshop and I’ve taught the class 169 times!
I decided to become a pleasure and education based sexologist and intimacy consultant in 2006 and I’ve been building my resume ever since!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think there is natural push back when a woman of color decides to pursue such a taboo professional path. When I started out, I felt like I had to legitimize and validate my right to be a sexuality educator in more “professional” circles. I would attend networking events and feel unwelcome and ostracized. People can be closed minded, especially in the South, and there were assumptions made about my character and integrity based on my industry. I still encounter people that don’t understand what I do and how it’s significant.
My goal is to normalize conversations around sexuality, health, and pleasure as a way to ease stigma and promote community growth! If we can have open, honest conversations about sexual expression and its social, economic, political and educational impact, there would be fewer epidemics and healthier communities.
Please tell us about Askgoody.com.
I’m a sexologist that specializes in pleasure, education, and relationships. I run askgoody.com where I answer anonymous questions about those topics, sell merchandise and stimulate conversations around the benefits of a sex-positive culture. I do quite a few things to make sure that the world around me is aware that sexual pleasure IS sexual health!
I teach age-appropriate workshops on sexual health and sexuality education for children and adults.
I offer training for corporate partners that want to create culturally competent, consent informed spaces for their employees.
I speak at colleges and events about sexuality, pleasure, healthy relationships, and consent.
I host pleasure focused events for men, women, and couples.
I maintain a social media presence that educates, empowers and entertains people around the topics of pleasure, sexuality and healthy relationships.
I’m most proud of the fact that people I admire in my industry, admire me as well. I’ve worked hard over the last 12 years to establish myself as a competent professional that knows how to connect with their audience and I know I’ve accomplished that and then some!
I’m touring the country doing my workshops and I’m booked through August!
I think what sets me apart from other people in my industry is my integrity and my ability to connect with people from all walks of life in a way that allows them to trust me with the most intimate parts of their lives. The sexuality education industry is extremely diverse and often specialized. There are some amazing folks in my field and we all bring something different to the table. I work hard to make sure I connect my clients to the colleagues that I feel will be of the most benefit to them if they’re looking for services and support that I don’t provide.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite childhood memory is being a cheerleader for the Oak Cliff Jets! I had never cheered before and I was really good at it out the gate! It was the first time I was a part of a team and I loved working together! I learned a lot about teamwork and leadership during that time.
Pricing:
- The booking fee for educational workshops is $150.00
- The booking fee for pleasure based events is $125.00
Contact Info:
- Website: askgoody.com
- Email: askgoody@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/askgoody
- Facebook: facebook.com/askgoody
- Twitter: twitter.com/askgoody
- Other: youtube.com/goodyhoward
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
