Today we’d like to introduce you to MeYonna SwaVaye.
Hi MeYonna, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
You ever met a kid that was fascinated by what some people would say is “weird,” “out of line,” or “just ridiculous?” I was that unorthodox kid! My parents were always open with me about life and answered any questions I had. Questions such as, “Where did babies come from?” opened the doors for my curiosity about sex and sexuality. By the time I got to high school, I was able to identify photos of sexually transmitted infections and understood the anatomy of the reproductive system. I always knew I wanted to help people in a way that involved sex education; through life experiences of myself and those around me, I discovered that the quality of education was lacking.
While attending college, I volunteered for different community-based organizations surrounding sexuality and sexual health. I received my Bachelor’s in Family and Community Services, with a minor in Women and Gender Studies, and specialization in LGBT Studies from Michigan State University. Even though the school system educated me, I felt that I needed to learn to impact the community in the way I envisioned from my experience in the community.
Resources are scarce when it comes to receiving education on sexuality, the stigma surrounding it is still prevalent, and the lack of embracing who we are as sexual beings without feeling shame. I began hosting educational events and doing community outreach by passing out brochures on sexual health and human trafficking; that’s where Raw and Explicit was born. Directly after founding the organization Raw and Explicit, I began my certification courses to be a sexuality coach and sexologist, which I now hold. I am now known as MeYonna SwaVaye, the millennial educator and your favorite sexologist. Currently, I am studying for my Masters in Public Health, planning future events, creating courses and curriculums surrounding sexuality and sex.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Hell No, it hasn’t been a smooth road at all; I wish, lol!
You have to think I am a young black-cis-gender woman talking about sex for a living. I get judged every day by people who don’t understand what I do, and I am ‘mislabeled’ all the time. Being in my twenties, people assume I don’t know what I am talking about or “I haven’t lived long enough”. I get discouraged sometimes, but I bounce back because my purpose in life is to educate people!
Understanding there is a need in something so taboo and trying to help normalize it has been a challenge, but it can be done; hell, I am doing it!
I am thankful for my obstacles and challenges; I’ve learned a lot from them, and they have helped me become a better sexologist.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Raw and Explicit?
Raw and Explicit promotes sex education in urban communities to help reduce the stigma surrounding sex and sexuality. We facilitate community conversations, courses on sexual health, sexual performances, and how to embrace self. What sets Raw apart from others is we are authentic; what you see is what you get! I am not sugar-coating a thing. I am not talking to you as a professor giving you a lecture; we will connect on a relatable level. We’re having honest conversations. You will leave my classes or events with a better understanding of the topic. I can give you a lesson on how to embrace your sexual pleasures, then turn around and kick it with you about the statistics on STIs here in Michigan, and you’re going to feel like you left with more than you anticipated. Our mission is to make uncomfortable conversations comfortable, reducing the stigma on what brought us all here and participants being able to discuss this taboo word… sex.
I am most proud of my business because it exists, and I am helping people become more comfortable discussing their concerns and issues surrounding sex. We offer individual and group classes (virtual or online) to improve your sex life with sexual health info sessions, community events, and products. I am also working with Teen Hype to develop a program for young adults.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
If anyone wants to collaborate with me, just contact me! I am looking to partner with more community-based organizations and establishments with lounges. The best ways to support this mission include:
Following my social media pages.
Coming to events.
Checking out my website.
Seeing if anything may interest you.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: rawandexplicit.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rawandexplicit/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/RawAndExplicit
Image Credits
Deandre Dean
