GRIOTS REPUBLIC - An Urban Black Travel Mag - April 2016

Archivists Note
If you have been following Griots Republic the last few months,
you know that we have endeavored to keep the content of each and
every issue new and interesting. Also, if you have been following
us on social media, you know we promised that our March All
Ireland issue was going to be a game changer. If the feedback we
received and the record breaking readership numbers are to be
believed, we think our time on the Green Isle was well spent.
With that said, this month we want to do even better. So in this
issue, things heat up a bit as we present to you, our readers, a
close up and personal view of Global Sex and Sexuality.
Now don’t get all bashful on us…
As The GR team travels the globe and interacts with a myriad
of people and cultures, it is clear that whether for procreation,
remuneration or recreation, sex is the one thing we all have in
common. What is even clearer is that every culture has a slightly
different view of the dirty deed as well.
Now some of you may be scratching your head wondering, “how is
this travel related?” Well, stick around and it will all be made clear.
First, we begin our Global Sex and Sexuality journey down south
where we talk the politics of sex with the founders of Sex Down
South. Then we take yet another trip to the Motherland to talk
Massai Sexual Traditions. While there, how about a trip back in time
to uncover the secrets of Sacred Sex and Egyptian Spirituality?
We even peek into the tents of Taureg women! After which, we
return across the pond to see what is going on with Zane. And just
when you think it cannot get any hotter, we interview internationally
known Adult Film Star: Heather Hunter!
If that is not enough to keep your interests, we begin our Travel
Inward series and talk about the inner you with Dr Akua Gray. We
are very excited about this series, so please let us know what you
think!!
Travel safe and well.
T H E A R C H I V I S T S
This month we had the
immense pleasure of
chatting with nomadic
soul and photographer
Saddi Khali, where he
discussed why he does
what he does and the
therapy involved in his
shoots.
Gerald Garth of
the Black AIDS Institute
took the time out to
educate us on HIV travel
restrictions, as well as
ways those with HIV can
travel safely.

Writer and Poet, Ebony Booth,
interviews Dr. Angelique V.
Nixon about her book "Resisting
Paradise: Tourism, Diaspora
and Sexuality in Caribbean
Culture" and it's a must read!
Did we mention that we
interviewed Heather Hunter?
Her transformation from adult
movie super star to travel and
lifestyle photographer is one of
gumption! The gist - follow your
passions and do YOU despite of.
Marla Renee Stewart, MA and
Tia Marie, founders of the Sex
Down South Conference, also
joined us this month to discuss
their conference in Atlanta
during October, as well as
attitudes towards sex in the
Bible Belt.

E-READER >
WEALTH >
TRAVEL FUND
Looking for side gigs to fund your obsession? Try Zane!
By Simone Waugh
You are on a flight and bored
out of your mind so, what can
you do? How bout a quickie?
Get your mind out of the gutter
and into it “literally.”
Several years ago, the
e-Reader Wars began with
the Amazon launch of the
Kindle which took reading to a
new level but not to outdone,
Barnes and Noble responded
to the Kindle with a digital
reader of it’s own: The Nook.
Regardless of the device,
readers have access to some
of Griots Republic’s favorite
free content: The Naughty
Nooner.
Naughty Nooners are a series
of free erotic short stories that
can be read in 30-45 minutes.
With titles like: Hot Moon
Rising, Thrill of the Hunt, and
Desire in the Dark you are
certain to be entertained, if not
pleased. With any handheld
device, simply open the
application, type in Naughty
Nooners and the entire catalog
of free content is yours for the
picking.
ane has not only aroused our hearts and minds with
her 39+ books, a third of them selected for the New York
Times Best Seller list. She has also transitioned a few of
her books into TV shows featured on Cinemax and now
one of her novels was morphed into a major motion picture.
Zane is our Shonda Rhimes of the Erotica Sex World and
she is here to stay.
What makes her work so appealing? Is it that we, as sexual
beings, are being confined by our day-to-day world and
she gives us an outlet to let go emotionally and sexually?
Where are minds are allowed to create, play-out and
express our innermost views and feelings. I believe we all
are a little freaky or have an inner risky side, hiding behind
the veil of life and reality. Either way I commend Zane on
her accomplishments and wish her well on the journey as
it can only get better.
Speaking of better, look out for Zane’s new line of sex
toys called Zane’s Pleasure Products. You can become
a sales rep earning a substantial income
on the side by hosting APF (Alpha Phi
Fuckem) parties. Another opportunity
available right now is to become a sales
rep for Zane’s publisher, Strebor Books
International (SBI).
If you are serious about putting together
a travel fund with Zane, then be sure to
email dantefeenix@gmail.com (Book
Sales Rep program) or StreborBooks@
gmail.com (Sales Rep for Adult Toy Line).
For all up to date information on Zane’s
publishing, please visit
www.Streborbooks.com.

IG PHOTO OF THE MONTH
BY MICHAEL SMITH (@NOMAD_FIT)
Considered just a country boy from eastern North
Carolina, my life experiences have taken me to
live, work and vacation in over 33 countries so far.
(Not bad for a small town boy whose teachers told
him that it was “best to just learn a trade, because
college wasn’t for everyone.”) I’ve since tried my
best to live every day to the fullest, work hard, and
seize every opportunity afforded to me. Traveling is
one of those opportunities.
Traveling has given me the opportunity to see and
learn about other places and cultures first hand, and
expose those I interact with to an American Black
Man, which is certain to vary drastically from what
they see through music videos, movies and other
forms of media; a very narrow view of my people
and culture.
From a young age, I’ve always had a desire to
explore. My father was in the Army. So I spent my
formative years traveling to various bases in the US.
In the 80’s, just around the time I was learning to
speak french, my family moved abroad to Belgium
where we lived about three years. Upon returning to
the United States, we settled back in North Carolina
where my wanderlust grew for foreign lands and
different cultures.
This picture is from my trip to Rome in February 2016.
I found myself standing on a platform overlooking
the Forum Ruins and took this awesome pic from
my iPhone.

R E A D I N G L I S T
DO THE LADIES RUN THIS...
Henrietta Butler's "The Tuareg or Kel Tamasheq and a history of the Sahara"
is finally being sold in the U.S. and trust us, you want it in your collection!
By Rodney Goode
When one thinks of the Sahara Desert, images of
sand dunes and barren tundra stretching far beyond
human sight immediately spring to mind. In fact, the
Sahara covers nearly 3.5 million square miles of the
African continent encompassing ¼ of its land mass.
Let’s not forget the unbearable heat with recorded
temperatures above 115 degrees. Most think these
conditions would prohibit the maintaining of human
life and civilization; most would be wrong. In fact,
human civilization exists and has existed there for
centuries.
The Tuareg, have both guarded and inhabited the
Sahara for over a thousand years and not only do
they live there, they still thrive as caravan traders in
one of the most inhospitable environments known
to man. What distinguishes these “people of the
veil”, is not the region where they live but rather
their unique and intriguing culture that strikes a stark
contrast to any known in the modern world and in
her book, “The Tuareg: or Kel Tamasheq” Henrietta
Butler captures the culture in all its glory in words
and pictures.
There is so much in this volume that it would be a
disservice to her to attempt to discuss it all within
these pages but, there is one unique facet of this
society that is fitting for this issue of Griots Republic:
The women of the Tuareg.
Butler highlights that Tuareg women operate, even
dominate, their culture in ways that modern society

would blush to even consider. Imagine a society
where women can have multiple sexual partners
within and outside of wedlock? In fact, Tuareg
women are afforded the same sexual freedoms as
their male counterparts and it is not uncommon for
a gentleman caller to enter the family tent at the
side entrance and “indulge” in the near presence of
the residents.
Now before you get the wrong impression, everything
is done quite discreetly. In fact, the man
“must” be gone before morning. Life for Tuareg
women gets even better. They own everything and
are guaranteed to walk away with everything in divorces
due to prenuptial agreements (which are
an acceptable norm in their society). Divorces are
even celebrated with parties hosted by the women’s
parents. But wait, there’s more. In deference
to the Islamic norm, it is not the women who cover
their faces, it is the men.
This is just a small portion of all that Butler shows
us in her work. The Tuareg people have a legacy of
beauty, strength and perseverance that has clearly
fascinated Butler and it is her fascination with this
culture that has enabled her to put together a photographic
journey that is both educational and visually
stunning.
It is important to note that with the spread of radical
Islamic groups in this area, the life of the Taureg
is changing drastically and many of the tribe’s customs
are dying. Having captured the essence of
the the tribe’s culture prior to the indoctrination of
incoming groups makes this a fantastic work of history
and art to be cherished.
Griots Republic gives this book 5 passport stamps
out of 5.
PASSPORT STAMPS
STAMP
OF
APPROVAL
STAMP
OF
APPROVAL
STAMP
OF
APPROVAL
STAMP
OF
APPROVAL
STAMP
OF
APPROVAL

Marla Renee Stewart (The Sex Architect) and
Tia Marie (The Vixen Voyager) are the cofounders
of the Sex Down South Conference.
Sex Down South is a 3-day sex and sexuality
conference taking place this October in Atlanta,
GA. According to their literature, “In addition to
a diverse range of sexuality based workshops,
Sex Down South will offer attendees access to
various education stations where participants
can learn and practice sexy skills taught by
experts.”
This is the second year of the conference and
aside from attracting diverse attendants from
all over the world, the ladies and their team
have turned the heads of quite a few notable
personalities in the sex industry. Devi Ward, Amy
Jo Goddard, and Tristan Taormino are just a few
of the sex celebrities that signed on to speak at
last years conference and this year’s conference
is shaping up to shine just as brightly.
We went to Atlanta to interivew the ladies about
the politics of Sex in the Bible Belt, creating
an international conference, and taking “Hoecations.”
For more information about the conference, visit
their website at www.SexDownSouth.com.

The journey of sexuality is as unique as each
individual. I know this because as I look back
over my own sexual travels, I smile at the myriad
of experiences that brought me to this point in my
own journey. Being so intrigued by the processes
and memories, I wrote a book called Holistic
Sexuality: A Practical Guide to Sexual Healing,
and because I also realized that my journey has
been one that most people cannot subscribe to,
this manual of healing was my gift to those who
are in need of healthy change in their sex life.
Sexuality is that completely natural part of us that
is responsible for continuing all human life on this
planet. It is an internal drive that attracts, bonds,
influences, dictates, elevates and sometimes
controls a person’s life. There are a set of rules
of engagement for human sexuality that are
standard in every culture. Some of them are truly
open, engaging and satisfying, however most
are restrictive and unfulfilling. Therefore, sexual
healing is the process of moving from one level
of consciousness to an elevated way of thinking,
pursuing and experiencing sex in its fullness.
I had my first sexual experience at twelve and
it was the best thing that had ever happened to
me in my life up to that point. I met a young man
who shared an interest in reading and sitting for
long periods of time in my local community library
exploring worlds beyond our own within a typical
African American community in the inner city. We
also enjoyed long walks through our local parks
during weekends and the summer. We were
actually good friends, and there was a distinct
difference in our ages, him being the oldest.
After a few months, we decided to call ourselves
boyfriend and girlfriend. Soon after, on one of
our walks, I found myself feeling a certain kind
of attraction that I had never experienced. It was
something different in the holding of his hand and
the warmth of his body standing next to mine that
made me lean over and kiss him gently on the
cheek. This simple kiss opened a flood gate of
sensations that felt stimulating and peaceful.
Now, I had already been taught that girls should
not have sex until they are married, but there
were many unmarried women in my life, including
my own mother. As an intelligent child, I knew
that waiting wasn’t always reality. So the kissing
in our relationship turned to hugging, then the
hugging turned to passionate kissing.
One day, we
were doing our
homework at his
grandmother’s
house, where he
lived, when he
invited me into
his bedroom. This
was a first. He had
posters of Bruce
Lee on the walls,
which made sense
as he was studying

I was unafraid
and uninhibited
with moving
through this
next step in my
maturity.

martial
arts.
In the
corner,
he had an
altar with a
candle and
other objects
as a prayer
space in honor
of his brother
who had died. On
the headboard was
a big pickle jar with
coins, random trinkets and
condoms! I knew exactly
what those were for, because
I paid attention in sex education
class. With the invitation to come over
to the bed, I was greeted with the first
familiar passionate kiss. I found myself in
complete surrender, intoxicated by the feelings,
sounds, touch and movement. I was unafraid
and uninhibited with moving through this next
step in my maturity.
By that evening, at the completion of this first
of many encounters, I had resolved that adults
had been lying about sex and hurried home to
share the good news with my mother. She, of
course, went into a frenzy, which confused me,
and she made me put my hand on the bible and
swear I would never have sex again, but I went
back to CW’s house the next day and the next
day and the next! This was the beginning of
understanding my sexuality and the joy that can
be experienced through this very natural part of
our beings.
As a naturopath, whenever I talk to people
or counsel with clients, one of the goals in
assisting them is to bring to the surface issues
concerning not only the physical, but also the
mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of their
lives. In my studies of human sexuality around
the world and most extensively in the United
States, United Kingdom, the Caribbean, Israel
and Ghana, I have found that most people live
with inhibitions, misunderstandings, doubts and
dissatisfaction when it comes to their sexual
lives. Religious persecution of human sexuality
is the number one cause for this, although those
who promote the religious laws pertaining to sex
are also prime examples of the hypocrisy that
exist when one wages war against the laws of
nature.
Most people also want to improve their sexual life
because no matter what imbalances they have,
that natural sexual drive never leaves even if it is
a distant memory in old age. I know many elders
who have smiled greatly at the thoughts on the
sweet sexual experiences of their past.
Moving from a place of confusion, dissatisfaction
or mental conditioning to a place of healing in
your sexuality is not an easy task. It takes selfevaluation,
communication with your partner(s),
and a commitment to be true to the truth that you
establish for yourself when it comes to sharing
and blessing others with your sexual power.
You must also be open to receiving the energy
of another-an energy that ultimately becomes a
part of your soul too.
Sacred sex defines the physical components
needed to restructure what the body experiences
during sex. This begins with self evaluation on
what the individual really enjoys and loves to
experience. It is the certain way to be touched,
kissed, held and the peaceful patterns of motions
and positioning in sex.
Mind sex is the way we think and the thought
patterns that either nurture the restrictive
idiosyncrasies or flow freely from one sexual
experience to the next based on accepting that
our sexual encounters are also a reflection of our
consciousness level. You attract that which you
are.
Holistic sexuality is a spiritual discipline that is
learned and lived with a constant flow of complete
openness and honesty. It nurtures the highest
quality of life that can exist for a couple or a
multiple family structure (polygamy, polyandry or
polyamory). Holistic sexuality is the answer to not
only a blissful sex life, but also a life that is filled

with energy that mends broken relationships,
promotes positive thinking about coexisting in
peace and if lived to the fullest, will bring forth
a life that enhances a system of longevity. The
essence of a healing sexual union depends on
openness. You must develop an honest trust that
is free of fear and deceit.
On a physical level, holistic sexuality brings
awareness to the individual and the couple on
the sacredness their bodies possess. Also, the
proper nourishment of the energy exchanged in
sex enriches their quest for longevity. This energy
exchange directly affects the internal organs,
the central nervous system and the endocrine
system.
prepares the body for orgasm. Sex is an intensely
emotional experience of sharing that enriches the
ability of humans to respond positively to outer
body stimuli.
The spiritual components of holistic sexuality
include all of the above. When the consciousness
of divine union is brought to the sexual experience,
sex becomes a meditation; trance becomes a
prayer, and purpose living is enriched. A couple
can develop unconditional selfless service to one
another and inspire the growth of the relationship.
As couples grow together, their moments of
internal peace turn into minutes, hours, days and
years of blissful sexual expression that heals in
every way.
Holistic sexuality exercises the mind in two ways.
First, mind is energy; it has no physical form.
The mind is the constant reminder that there is
always an interconnection between man and
woman; this shows up as attraction and desire
which can very easily lead to a sexual encounter.
The underlying factor to consider in this most
primitive interrelation is that people were divinely
designed for each other and that designation was
intended to be eternal. People however vibrate on
different frequencies, so the levels of attraction
will be based on energetic compatibility.
The thought process involved in coming together
brings the mind into alignment with the need to
remain in constant contact with self through the
body of another. Second, once the connection is
made, the mind then surrenders to the autonomic
nervous system and goes into a state of trance.
This semiconscious state is the doorway to a
moment of peace and relaxation that the mind
needs to facilitate calm and unity for survival.
On an emotional level, holistic sexuality
strengthens the limbic system by activating a
series of central nervous system responses to
touch. Touch activates the endocrine system’s
glandular functions and releases hormones that
help to bring about the mind’s surrender and
K. Akua Gray is the author of five published
works in holistic health and vegan nutrition.
As the primary curriculum developer for an
international wellness education institute,
naturopath and wellness instructor Dr. Akua
has been writing on health and wellness for
over two decades. Born in Houston, TX, Dr.
Akua now lives in southern Ghana, West
Africa with her husband of 28 years. Her book
Holistic Sexuality: A Practical Guide to Sexual
Healing is available on Amazon.com

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RE:UNION Music Fest is a global music
festival aimed to assemble the music of the
African Diaspora into one unforgettable,
unique experience. Hip-hop,
R&B, Reggae, Kompa,
Cuban, Salsa, Afrobeat,
South African House,
and more will be
brought together
on ONE stage to
celebrate our
narrative.

Written by Jeremiah Myers
Ever since I decided to chase this crazy
dream of creating a music festival that celebrates
the diversity and creativity of the African
Diaspora, I’ve been asked, “Where do you
even start the process for creating something like
this?!” Sometimes I can’t believe it’s happening myself. If
I had to boil it down to a short list, however, I’d say there
are six things you need to truly be successful at creating
a music festival.
CLEAR VISION
The creation of a music festival involves countless hours
of intense work partnering with all sorts of personalities.
Many people will have an opinion of how to “enhance” or
“modify” your idea for the better. A festival creator must
have clarity about the objective and vision of the fest.
Without such vision, your festival can become something
that doesn’t represent the initial intentions. Always be
clear.
PASSION
No one should be more passionate about a music festival
than the creator! There will be moments that people doubt
the idea or feasibility, and the passion and will of the creator
will be the biggest determining factor of whether or
not such obstacles and roadblocks will be overcome. A
creator’s consistency in being passionate for their own
idea will determine how invested others are.
LOCATION/DATE
Many people would be surprised at how important the
right location and date is in determining success! You
must consider whether the population’s demographics
align with your festival, how convenient travel is for those
coming out of town, what typical weather conditions are
for the targeted time of year, and competing events that
may already have a foothold in the market. Choosing the
right date and location will determine both the initial success
and longevity of the festival.
Experienced Team
Your team is everything when creating a music festival,
especially when you’re new to event producing like I am.
Everything from site management, production, talent acquisition,
marketing, community engagement, and more
requires skill and efficient execution. Moreover, you want
people that have both a deep knowledge of your host
city’s politics, key stakeholders, and the residents themselves.
ACCESS TO CAPITAL
The almighty dollar is something you just can’t get around
when building something of this magnitude! The first and
most important rule is unless you’re willing to lose it all,
don’t start in the first place. As the creator, you must be
personally invested so that others see your seriousness.
If your initial capital isn’t enough to fund the majority of the
festival upfront, then you must search for other avenues
for funding. This includes angel investors, VCs, business
loans, personal loans, lines of credit, credit cards, family/
friends.
PATIENCE
Last but surely not least, a creator must have patience.
You must have patience for teammates and their own
personalities, the slow process of talent acquisition, or
even the scary delay in ticket sales. It all comes with the
territory, and exercising patience is the only way to keep
you sane. Don’t forget to be patient with yourself as well!
Learning is all a part of the process.

Flavor Intercourse
An Aphrodisiac Mixology Guide
Written By Bruce "Blue" Rivera
Throughout history and across the globe, people
are constantly on the quest to get some. They want
sex- more of it and of better quality. This quest birthed
aphrodisiacs, a food, drink or scent that can arouse
or induce feelings of sexual desire. Aphrodisiacs
are named after the ancient Greek goddess of
sexual love and beauty, Aphrodite. They can have
a powerful impact on the mind as most are thought
to trigger the release of chemicals in the brain which
then stimulate certain organs.
Lovers in every culture and in every corner of the
world have been consuming a long list of delicious
and some not-so-delicious food and drinks that are
said to have aphrodisiac properties for thousands of
years. The ingredients are thought to increase libido
when consumed, add sexual endurance or sexual
sensitivity.
Culture and tradition play an important factor.
Ancient Greeks and Romans and medieval
Europeans coveted certain foods with aphrodisiac
status, like basil, rosemary, saffron, honey, grapes
and pine nuts. Or, like foie gras, caviar, truffles and
Champagne, they were viewed as romantic gifts
because of their rarity and luxury. Other foods, like
figs, asparagus and cucumbers, have long been
seen as erotic because of their resemblance to the
male and female sex organs. Some ingredients
are considered sensual by virtue of how they are
consumed and intimately shared by lovers.
These items may or may not actually arouse you,

ut one proven modern day aphrodisiac is good
old alcohol. From whiskey to rum to vodka, even
the go-to glass of red wine, has proven time and
again to be a social lubricant that’s been doing its
matchmaking-with a dash of courage- job since
before Billy D. Williams and Colt 45. So it is only
fitting that I mix, chop and screw (pun intended)
some of these age old all-natural aphrodisiac
blends to inspire some sexy cocktails. Hopefully
they will get you in mood, seal the deal and, at
best, increase the chances of you getting some
(slow jams playlist not included).
These are some of the most popular ingredients
that are said to have abundant aphrodisiac qualities
that we will be using:
CHOCOLATE
This valentine staple is sensual, from its taste to its
aroma, but dark chocolate has also been shown to
cause a spike in dopamine, which induces feelings
of pleasure.
BANANAS
With its phallic shape, bananas already look like a
feel-good food; but they also contain bromelain, an
enzyme that triggers testosterone production. The
fruit’s potassium and vitamin B also elevate energy
levels.
HONEY
This sticky elixir is a symbol of health and
procreation. In fact, the word ‘honeymoon’ got its
name from mead, an alcoholic beverage made
from honey given to the happy new bride and
groom. It also contains boron; a chemical element
that helps regulate estrogen and testosterone

levels and provides a natural energy boost. The
bees’ brew is sweet, never goes bad, and is the
perfect ingredient for your next drink.
STRAWBERRIES
This vitamin C-packed fruit helps keep blood
flowing to all regions of the body. Its playful
shape and portability also allows for very easy
interaction so feed them to each other and get
creative.
POMEGRANATES
The gems enclosed in this fruit’s thick husk are
filled with antioxidants that support blood flow.
One study by The Male Clinic in California found
that pomegranate juice had a positive effect on
erectile dysfunction.
CHERRIES
These small fruits are full of vitamins A, C, and
E, as well as potassium, magnesium, folate,
iron, and more. They also pack melatonin, an
antioxidant to help regulate your heart.
CHILIES
This invigorating spice has an exotic reputation
and a bright red color, which could be why it’s
considered an aphrodisiac and a symbol of love in
many countries. But there’s a bit of scientific truth
to this ingredient as it does quicken the pulse and
induce sweating, mimicking the state of sexual
arousal, as well as stimulates the release of
endorphins, which play a role in sexual pleasure.
RECIPES
STRAWBERRY BANANA MARGARITA
-1 Cup Strawberries
(Halved and frozen)
-1 Banana
(Ripe, peeled, sliced and frozen)
-4.5 oz. Tequila
-1.5 oz. Triple sec
-2 tbsps. Fresh lime juice
-1 cup crushed ice
Freeze the strawberry and banana slices for a
couple of hours. Put all ingredients in the blender
and blend in short pulses – you want it
smooth but still thick. Pour into frosted
margarita glasses and serve.
LE CERISE PASSION
-2 oz. Cherry Flavored Vodka
-2 oz. Crème de Cocoa
-2 oz. Vanilla Creamer
-1 oz. Grenadine
(Pomegranate)
-1 oz. Maraschino cherry juice
Chocolate syrup
Prepare two martini glasses by swirling with
chocolate syrup along the inside of the glasses.
Set aside. Combine all ingredients in a shaker
tin filled with ice, shake with ice and strain into
prepared glasses.
CALIENTE KISS
- 1.5 oz. Bourbon
- 1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz. honey
- 2 muddled chili slices
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Ginger beer
Muddle the chili and honey in a shaker tin and
add Bourbon and lemon. Shake with ice and
serve in an old fashioned (rocks) glass with ice.
Top with ginger beer and splash with two dashes
of Angostura bitters.
Enjoy this fun and lust-filled adventurous
experiment and sample these aphrodisiac-based
cocktails with your partner. See if the science
holds true.

Bruce Blue Rivera is an
accomplished mixologist
with over 16 years of wine
and spirits experience,
boasting an impressive resume
that spans across 12 countries.
Bruce Blue Rivera is currently the
General Manger at Boss Tweeds
Saloon - 115 Essex Street in New York
City.
Cocktails created by Bruce Blue Rivera:
Caliente Kiss & Le Cerise Passion.

CULTURAL APPROPRIATION, RESPONSIBLE TOURISM & THE CARIBBEAN
Written By: Ebony Isis Booth
The word paradise is a noun used to identify a
specific place, wherein the person who arrives at
said place, experiences a particularly individual
feeling of blissfulness. Merriam-Webster defines
paradise as:
1. A very beautiful,
pleasant, or peaceful
place that seems to
be perfect.
2. A place that is perfect
for a particular
activity, or for a person
who enjoys that
activity.
3. A state of complete
happiness.
But what happens
when our normative
views of the individual
experience, and privilege
to experience
paradise, becomes
the broad brush with
which society paints
an entire established
region and its indigenous
population?
Millions of travelers
and tourists visit the
Carribean region
every year to plant
their flag in paradise and await bliss. Tourists,
who save all year to lay beachside with a frozen
blue beverage claiming to require such vacations
to function properly, negate the very character of
the land they lay upon. Too often, there is little to
no consideration for the collective involvement of
the residents who built the industry that caters
to the tourist population. But when has that ever
stopped you from throwing a bikini and a new
Paulo Cohelo novel in your bag and booking it to
spring break in The Islands?
I recently had the
pleasure of conversing
about some of
these questions and
others with Angelique
V. Nixon, PhD. Nixon
is a writer, scholar,
teacher, activist and
poet, who is currently
a Lecturer at The
Institute for Gender
and Developmental
Studies with The University
of the West
Indies, St. Augustine,
Trinidad & Tobago.
Dr. Nixon is also the
author of the 2015
book, Resisting Paradise:
Tourism, Diaspora,
and Sexuality in
Caribbean Culture.
In her book, Nixon
makes a critical
analysis of the effects
of tourism on the
African diaspora,
through a mixedmethods
approach of
interviews, literary research, personal experience,
and site-specific research of festivals and events.
With her book, Nixon seeks to identify the
material effects of tourism on Caribbean cultures,

JAMAICA

BARBADOS
identities, and the collective sense of self.
When asked how it is that she came to be
motivated toward themes of tourism, diaspora,
and sexuality in Caribbean culture; Nixon explains
that she was essentially born into it. A native
of the Bahamas, Nixon worked in the tourism
industry since she was eleven years old. From
her first job passing out flyers to newly docked
cruisers, to bartending and serving, off-shore
banking and ultimately becoming a scholar and
educator, Nixon knows first-hand how the effects
of tourism and neo-colonialism on the indigenous
people of the Caribbean region impact even her
own heritage.
She notes, “When you grow up in an intense
tourism economy, it’s difficult to have a critique of
it, because literally one’s bread and butter comes
from it. I grew up in a really poor working class
family. My mother worked in a hotel when I was
growing up. She was a dancer in the cabaret
at Resorts International & Paradise Island. My
grandmother was a cook and a domestic worker.
My aunt worked in a hotel. It was just everywhere.”
Her tendency toward academic analysis of the
tourism economy and its effects on her people,
would be further inspired by her literary research
during graduate school. She notes that her own
socio-economic mobility was “mediated through
a tourism economy” as Nixon financed her
education while working at an off shore bank,
where she was awarded a scholarship, but not
one large enough to satisfy the entirety of her
educational aspirations.
Nixon says of this time, “I saved up for two years
by bartending at night and also working my bank
job. I came home every single summer, spring
break and Christmas, and worked at those times
as well. So, my own ability to get an education
was mediated through this industry and offshoots
of the industry.”
The tone with which Nixon explains this suggests
that she is expectant of criticism in response to
such an honest and difficult conversation about

ST. KITTS
ST LUCIA
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
TURKS & CAICOS

DOMINICA
an unsustainable industry; being wholly sustained
by the people who are most adversely affected
by its existence.
Nixon goes on to note, “I didn’t come to this
project just wanting to criticize the industry. I
wanted to talk about and investigate the really
complicated ways Caribbean people have to
negotiate within this dominant industry. We are
one of the most overly dependent regions on
tourism. It is completely not sustainable for many,
many reasons. I came to the project from a very
personal space, it was not only about doing this
for a very academic scholarly work.”
It was through her PhD work with the writings of
such luminaries as Audre Lorde, Jamaica Kincaid,
and Paula Marshall, that Nixon began to notice
that a lot of Caribbean writers and artists respond
to tourism in particular types of ways. Whether
or not the authors were criticizing the colonial
establishment, fetishizing tropical and illicit
affairs in novels, or composing gripping poetry
from otherwise invisible native worker narratives;
Nixon decided that she wanted to talk about it.
She employed mixed-methods and examined the
experience from a perspective of the people who
have lived within the tourism economy, yet thrive
despite its inherent problems.
In her examination of the nature of Paradise and
how one might learn to reject it, Nixon discusses
a multi-platform research methodology that
covers all of the potential tactics to make tourism
more sustainable for the people of the Caribbean
region.
Moreover, she spends time calling attention to
the objectification of the black body. The body of
the community, the men, the women, the whole
experience, is a collective erasure of individuality
that serves to quicken one tourist’s shot at

Paradise, one million tourists at a time.
And what of the effects of this hypersexualized
hedonism which colors the
perception of the region as wanton and
illicit?
Nixon’s research called her to consider
the ways in which paradise is consumed
across the region, and the ease with
which black bodies are gobbled up
along with poolside dance contests and
coconut milk. Nixon mentions that we
tend to think of the exploitative tourism
images as benign. “We think of it as
just another poster, or an image; just
a woman dancing.” The truth is that
sexual labor is a reality of the world in
which we live.
Society demonizes people who work
inside informal economies such as the
sex labor industry. The damaging effect
of tourism is that people end up having
to do all kinds of work and are then
criticized. She suggests that society
needs to develop a different relationship
with sex, sexuality and sexual labor.
“That sexual labor is deeply a part of
tourism; which needs to be unsilenced
and acknowledged.”
What can we, as informed urban
travelers, do to reduce cultural
objectification and increase
sustainability in the places where we go
to seek paradise? Nixon is certainly not
waiving a sign that reads “Go Home,”
by any means. She is, however,
suggesting that there are some minor
changes that we can make in the way
we discuss and experience other places
that could have major impacts for the
tourism industry and the workforce
keeping it alive.
GOOGLE IT
Simply being an informed traveler can
mitigate some of the privilege we take
along as Nationals of the U.S., Canada
and Britain. Doing enough research
to simply acknowledge independent
governments, currency, and local
customs, could make a huge difference
in the way that a traveler might actually
experience a place and the people who
inhabit it.

NOMAD
NESSTM
#WhatsNext in Urban Travel
@nomadnesstribe
nomadnesstv.com

PRACTICE MINDFULNESS
The whole way the region is
understood and framed as a
tropical “paradise” can be quite
attractive. But, be careful not to
allow that framework to cause you
to reduce the way that you see the
place and the people living in the
region.
RESIST
Resisting the ideas of objectification
and exoticising of bodies. Instead
allow yourself to be drawn more
closely to a connection that is
more than sexual; perhaps one
that allows you to actually see the
beauty that surrounds you.
BUY LOCAL
Skip the resort and research some
amazing bed and breakfast sites.
Visit the local markets for produce.
Eat at local restaurants and make
sure that your dollar supports local
indigenous economies instead of
tourist corporations.
You can expect a more public
discourse from Dr. Angelique V.
Nixon in the near future as she
explores ways in which we can
identify and resolve oppressive
concepts by changing the narrative
around sex, gender, sexuality,
and how the Caribbean region is
influenced by global discourses.
ANGUILLA
A 2006 National Poetry Slam Champion, and recipient of
Westword’s Mastermind Award in Literary Arts for her work
as hostess of Café Nuba; Ebony Isis Booth is committed to
her work. She continues to fuel her drive toward art-ivism as
Programs & Communications Coordinator for Harwood Art
Center while simultaneously writing and performing original
poetry, heralding social justice, self love, and perseverance in
and around New Mexico.

There are still some artists left who do it for love,
whose voices speak to so many because they
take the time to listen. Unbound by conventions of
beauty and being, Saddi Khali is one such artist.
Khali’s faithful walk from writer to producer and
image evangelist is marked by trials and transience.
Displaced overnight by Hurricane Katrina, the
New Orleans native returned unsheltered and
untethered to his beloved community of 30 years.
Khali lost a lifetime of artifacts and keepsakes,
departing with bare means, memories and a
budding love for photography.
Crediting traditions that are distinctly southern, yet
unapologetic in their aesthetic, Khali continues to
craft a bold and brash brand of art and arts practice
through his exploration of vulnerability and courage
-inviting viewers to welcome the possibilities that
arise when they choose both.
It is through this listening lens that Khali stakes
claim to a healing arts renaissance, which
fearlessly intends the restoration of black love and
black beauty.
(From his website, www.SaddiKhaliPhoto.com)

TANTRA
One Woman’s Journey to Intentional Loving
and Living in a Tantric Community
WRITTEN BY: RENEE ADOLPHE

APRIL 2016
December 31, 2009
I arrived at Delhi airport for the beginning of what
was supposed to be a yearlong sabbatical to
India and Argentina to work on myself. I decided
to travel in order to work on my relationship
issues, get to know myself better and understand
why I have commitment issues. While in India, I
remember meeting a man from Sao Paulo, Brazil
who invited me to a tantra ashram. I declined. In
my mind, tantra was all about sex, and I pictured
a place where there were a bunch of orgies taking
place.
Six years later, I am now living in a tantra
community and I was wrong.
In that time, I stayed in India for three months
where I looked at relationships within the Indian
culture. They are not allowed to have sex until
they are married. I dated a man while there. It
was interesting because I was not allowed to go
into his house or else people would begin to think
that we were having sex and would speak badly
about us. So we always met in public places. It
was quite strange for me as I was 35 years old,
completely independent and carefree. As much
as I heard that women were seen as objects
and the rape rate was high, I was fortunate to
meet many wonderful people there without any
problems arising.
The next nine months were supposed to be spent
in Buenos Aires, Argentina but the freedom of

traveling led me on a journey
throughout South America.
I went to Argentina, Peru,
Ecuador, Colombia, with an
eventual unplanned move to
Brazil. As my goal was to work
on my relationship issues, I was
very observant of relationships
everywhere I went.
I noticed in South America most
singles lived with their parents,
and even after marriage they
often continued to live in the
same household. This meant
that after a date the man would
take the woman to a hotel for
sex. This is quite commonplace
and there are many hourly
hotels throughout South
America. Once the couple is
in a long-term relationship, the
girlfriend or boyfriend is then
brought into the home.
I arrived in Brazil February
2011, where I immediately
fell in love with the country.
Because I spent over five years
in the country, I was able to
delve deeper into Brazilian
relationship culture. Many
men immediately invited me to
a hotel or to their home, if by
chance they lived alone. They
would not invite me on a date.
This is not to say that this is the
norm, but what I encountered.
I remained single for a long
time because I do not find it
productive for me to have sex
with someone without dating
and getting to know him first.
It was in Brazil that I noticed
many couples would have
sex immediately before dating
and then would jump into a
serious relationship soon after,
sometimes moving in together
after a couple of months.
I decided to study Transpersonal
Therapy and Shamanism in
Brazil as I was fascinated with
these topics. I was already
a licensed and practicing
Psychotherapist in the United
States but wanted to continue
my studies as I saw a difference
This was
living
tantra. I
didn’t just
read about
it here or
listen to
talks on
tantra, I
lived it.
with the psychology of Brazil
and that of the States.
Here in Brazil they believe in
spirits and magic. It is quite
plausible to speak with an
ancestor or spirit guide, or
believe that someone could
put roots (or harmful witchcraft)
on you. In fact, this is widely
believed throughout the
countries I visited in South
America. My eyes began
to open and I no longer saw
people as crazy because of
their ability to connect with
other beings. Transpersonal
Therapy and Shamanism gave
me a new vision of how I can
work with people as a therapist.
During an event, I met a lady
from California. We began to
talk and somehow the subject
of tantra arose. She began
to explain tantra to me and I
learned that it isn’t about sex.
Sex is only a small percent of
the topic.
We decided to plan a tantra
night at the space where I was
working as a Reiki practitioner
and therapist. We planned
a night of events to awaken
the senses of the participants.
Participants would smell, feel,
taste, hear and see (or not
see, as we used blindfolds at
some points) various fruits,
scents, objects and sounds.
We also planned activities
such as meditations, breathing
exercises and dancing. I really
enjoyed this and longed to learn
more.
A year later I learned of another
American who lived in tantra
communities in India and
Thailand, so I connected with
her and offered my space for her
to do her six week tantra course.
It was awesome. We learned
about the philosophy of tantra,
tantric yoga, and exercises to
awaken the kundalini (which is
a powerful dormant energy at
the base of the spine), as well
as sexual techniques to prevent
ejaculation, since ejaculation is
believed to cause one to lose
energy in Tantra principles.
I wanted more, but there wasn’t

APRIL 2016
anything else that I could find related to tantra
until the day I learned of a tantric massage
course I completed the first module and was
quite impressed. Soon after, while at my shaman
course in Sao Paulo, I met a woman who told
me about the local tantra community. I was so
excited to hear about this community.
They offered many different workshops for
personal healing and growth such as “Journey to
the Heart,” which is a path where friendship, trust
and surrender develop in a profound way. They
work on releasing suppressed emotions thereby
healing phobias, anxieties, fears, obsessions
and depression. They also offer “Melting”, which
is a powerful course in which you die and are
reborn, additional courses in rebirthing and the
tantra therapist course.
Since I was living in Salvador and the community
was in Sao Paulo and expensive for me as I
was only teaching English 15 hours a week for
income, I didn’t know how I could afford to pay for
the courses and workshops. Luckily, the friend
who initially told me of the community shared
that they have a flowing program where you can
live and work in exchange for points to take the
different courses and workshops offered. I knew
right away I would go live there.
I wrote to the community and the coordinator said
I could stay for a week so that both they and I
could evaluate if this was a good fit. I told them
how I lived in Salvador and would need to plan
and that I wanted to stay the maximum threemonth
length of time. After many exchanged
emails, they accepted me and allowed me to stay
beyond the week trial period.
In this community, we practiced yoga at 7am every

morning and I participated or led meditations,
breathing exercises, and dance meditations at
5:30pm and 9pm daily. It was a strict schedule of
practices and work. No days off. Every weekend
was a course.
They taught me eagle vision, how to see
things from various angles and how to be more
observant. They taught me how to be disciplined.
I had to arrive on time to each daily practice. I
had to be disciplined in my work schedule. They
emphasized work meditation. We were not
allowed to really have loud conversations during
work hours. Many of days I wanted to leave and
would become frustrated.
I often heard “flowing is overcoming”.
Many times I felt like I was being tested. I had a
goal and knew I had to persevere to accomplish
it. I needed to finally do what I felt to be the last
bit of work to overcome my relationship issues. I
traveled through India and South America staying
at Ashrams doing meditations, yoga, and spiritual
work. This was the next step. I had to remain
strong through the disagreements with peers that
I ate, worked, meditated with and slept beside in
the same dorm. It was 24 hours with no privacy.
I had to remain strong through the challenges of
the coordinator being disappointed with my work
at times, or making me go work in the kitchen
instead of participating in the meditation due to
arriving two minutes late. I had to remain strong
to work 7 days a week with no days off for three
months. This was living tantra. I didn’t just read
about it here or listen to talks on tantra, I lived it.
I was/still am experiencing tantra through living it
day in and day out.
I have been living in this community now since
July 2015. After my three month period ended
I was offered a position to continue working as
the website translator. I decided to stay on as I
was growing and learning invaluable information
about tantra and myself. I think back to my invite
to the community while I was in India and realize
that what is meant to be will be. What we are
supposed to learn or experience will continuously
present itself to us until we go through the process.
Traveling has helped me to find that path and
experience what is meant for me. Through travel
I have gained numerous PhD’s that can never be
taken away.
Through this tantra community, I learned to
communicate and express myself. I learned how
to respect myself and demand respect. I learned
how to not allow my ego to take over; the ego will
always exist in me but I am better able to manage
The Metamorfose Commune is a
Centre for Human Growth, a
meditation laboratory where quantum
leaps occur for those who experience
the Tantric Vision of The Path of Love.
Only 120 kilometers from São Paulo,
the Commune is located on a stretch
of land of 35.000 square meters at the
top of the Mantiqueira Mountain
Range, which offers the ideal
environment, weather and energy
fields for therapeutic activities.
Visit www.centrometamorfose.com.br
for more information.

it. I learned how to love myself and made
wonderful friends that I would have never made
otherwise. It is through travel that I am able to
grow, heal, learn about myself, make friends from
other cultures and learn about different cultures.
I am forever grateful for the ability to travel! And
it is through tantra, that I have matured, connected
with my innate nature, and learned how to trust
and respect my body for the temple that it is. It is
through tantra that I can now be open to give and
receive love!
__
Renée Marie Adolphe is an international
psychotherapist, transpersonal therapist,
Reiki Master, and medicine woman, currently
training to be a tantric therapist. She is a
world traveler, journeying throughout the
Caribbean, South America, North America,
Europe and India. Her repertoire of healing
modalities include dance therapy, art therapy,
Reiki, massage, shamanic ceremonies and
rituals, regression therapy, and counseling.
She is currently residing at Metamorfose
Center in Minas Gerais, Brazil studying tantra
where she is working on her certification in
tantra therapy and rebirthing.

SEX
& THE
MAASAI
The juxtaposition between women's
expectations and men's realities.
By Alexis k. Barnes

Mombasa and Zanzibar have a lot in common.
Mombasa sits on the southeastern coast of Kenya
while Zanzibar is an island off the coast of
Tanzania. They both house fractured histories of
an “Africa meets Arabia” old world feel with their
location on the eastern coast of Africa; traders
and adventurers traveled down from what is now
the Middle East establishing Islam and trade
points in the regions since the 11th century. Both
locales are steeped in African, Persian, Arab,
Portuguese and British influences, evident in the
architecture, narrow streets, markets, mosques
and temples.
They are also both places where many European
white women come to buy sex from Maasai
men.
____
I spent March of 2015 in Mombasa. My friends
and I rented a large, private home on Diani
beach and we spent days alternating between
falling asleep on the veranda to floating in the
Indian Ocean. The foot traffic across our little
stretch of beach was consistent. There was always
a tall and slender African man draped in
the recognizably Maasai garb of crimson cloths
and bright, primary colored beads. He usually
had his arm around the waist of a considerably
older white woman. The women were always at
least twice the age of the men, and in some cases,
triple. These pairings, with blatant disparity in
age and attractiveness, would walk up and down
the beach each day. Walking oftentimes turned
into passionate displays of public affection. My
Kenyan friends said the women come for the
Maasai’s “skill in sex.”
I thought it was a European women’s version
of “How Stella Got Her Groove Back,” and occasionally
a Maasai even headed my way with
questions of if I wanted company or needed a
friend. That is, until I learned of “The White Maa-

sai,” a book and later 2005 movie by a Swiss woman that
traveled to Kenya and fell in love. It sold four million copies
and promised “an exotic tale of love and adventure”
on its cover. In Corinne Hofmann’s 320-page autobiography,
she met Lketinga while on holiday with her current
boyfriend, went home for 6 months, and then decided to
uproot her life to live in the isolated bush, the traditional
Maasai way with her African lover.
The book was terrible; the author fetishized the Maasai
man while simultaneously showing a complete lack of regard
for the culture she barged into. But, it was my curiosity
in this possible sale of sex or search for love that had
me in Zanzibar last month, sitting on a stone ledge in a
narrow alleyway talking to Tobiko Melau. In Zanzibar, the
contrast is even starker. The Maasai men there looked
no more than 18 or 19, arms linked with older white mzungus
(the Swahili word for “white people” and generally
foreigner) from Italy, Netherlands and Germany.
I wasn’t interested in paying for sex, but I work in development
and I have a plaguing writer’s curiosity. Maasai
women are cut, or more than 80% of them have undergone
female genital mutilation, for reasons that include
purity for their mates and the promise of fidelity. Yet, it
seemed Maasai men purportedly, and for profit, regularly
seek and partake in sexual relationships outside of marriage.
The usual juxtaposition between expectations of
women and the realities of men spoke volumes.
____
Tobiko was missing two of his bottom front teeth and had
identical scars on each cheek; traditional characteristics
he told me prove that a man is a true Maasai. Between
asking me if my father would allow me to wed and sharing
secret Swahili jokes with his nearby Tanzanian friend,
we talked sex and love.
“Many Maasai men believe that white is a good blessing,”
he said. “If it is sex, they get good money. But sometimes
they try to make relationships because then they can
travel and move to the countries of the women.”
He told me white women are more adventurous and that
African women were too proud to try new things. While
Tobiko minced words, his friend Elvis Mwingira had a
more direct suggestion as to why white European women
travel thousands of miles to sleep with (fake or authentic)
Maasai men: circumcision. Elvis declared the Maasai
method of circumcising leaves a ridge unlike traditional

male circumcision. This ridge protrudes slightly
and causes “extra sensation” for women during
penetration.
We looked at Tobiko. He smiled and coyly refused
to confirm or deny.
____
The transition from Maasai girl to Maasai woman
is marked by a circumcision ceremony that occurs
sometime after puberty when a girl prepares for
marriage. There are four different types of cutting
procedures that involve the removal of the clitoris,
inner-and-outer lips of the vagina, and the sewing
or stapling together of the two sides of the vulva
leaving only a small hole to pass urine and menstruation.
All the methods can lead to recurring infections,
severe bleeding, pain, difficulty in childbirth
and urine retention.
“Our women our cut because it is our culture…our
tradition, and it makes desire lower,” Tibiko told
me. “If they don’t, it is easier to get disease.”
When Maasai men leave home to hunt or find
grass for cattle, they are oftentimes gone for weeks
at a time. This is a time, this Tanzanian Maasai,
told me the women are vulnerable to increased
sexual desire. It is a time where, if women were
uncut, they might have sex outside of their marriage.
Circumcision supporters believe cut women
are more prone to sticking with one partner, thus
lowering the risk of HIV/AIDs.
So while some true Maasai men frequent tourist
beaches and cities in search of sexual profit,
women are expected to keep their households in
order and their legs closed.
____
The Maasai people are the most marketed ethnic
group in all of Africa. They reside near many
of the most popular game reserves in the African
Great Lakes region and their villages are common
stops on safari drives offering popular photo opportunities.
Traditional Maasai beadwork is touted
in many stores and marketplaces. They have im-

personators and imposters. On the beaches of Mombasa, they’re called “beach boys” or
“rastas”. Young men mostly of Samburu origin, a semi-nomadic people of north Kenya
related to but distinct from the Maasai, dress in traditional Maasai swaths of fabric and
intricate beaded jewelry. In Tanzania, Elvis told me the percentage of real versus fake
Maasai in tourist areas could easily be 50/50. The topic of sexual tourism within the community
is rarely called prostitution. It’s a budding business that leaves many speculating
whom is being taken advantage of: sex and love-seeking white European women or (potentially
phony) Maasai men seeking a payout.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alexis K. Barnes is a multimedia journalist currently based in Lusaka,
Zambia as a Global Health Corps fellow. ​Previously she​ worked in
the United Nations bureau of Al Jazeera English in NYC​. She has also
worked in ​Washington, D.C., then South Korea and Thailand.

03 HEATHER
HUNTER
TRAVELER PROFILE
Heather Hunter - a celebrity, author, painter, and
photographer born in the Bronx of New York
City. Hailed as her generation’s most adored
erotic icon, Heather Hunter has proven that she
is more than a pretty face with erotic skills over
the past decades.
She is the first African-American women to
bodly cross racial barriers into mainstream
entertainment through adult film. Recognized
by her loyal cult of fans around the world and
referenced in songs by super star rappers like
LL Cool J, Lil’ Wayne, Snoop Dog, Lil’ Kim, and
Tupac Shakur, Heather has smashed taboos
and led the charge of sexual liberation.
Having been in the entertainment industry for
over 25 years (mostly in front of camera) she
decided to switch sides. As a photographer
she specializes in transforming and capturing
the natural beauty inside and out. According to
her website, it was during her frequent travels
around the world that she discovered her
passion for photography.
For more information on Heather Hunter
Photography, visit her website at www.
heatherhunterphotography.com.

PRIDE
FEST
A THOUSAND MILE CHALLENGE
According to Wikipedia, a news article discusses current or recent
news of either general interest (i.e. daily newspapers) or of a specific
topic (i.e. political or trade news magazines, club newsletters, or
technology news websites).

MEXICO
Attending an LGBT Pride festival
typically means very different things to
different people. For some, it will be their
opportunity to support a family member
or loved one. For others, perhaps it is
their first time publically exclaiming their
gayness to the world. For many; however,
attending Pride is another chance to break
free from the judgment and “closets” that
hold so many captive and keep them
fearful of truly expressing who they are
or wish to be. Interestingly enough, that
oftentimes equates to a serious amount of
partying, fun, and sex!
I have been to several Pride festivals
around the globe. Sao Paulo, Brazil;
Toronto, Canada; Mexico City, Mexico;
Amsterdam, Netherlands and several
Many pride parties are
known for having back
rooms and secret invitation
only areas where patrons
escape from the general
public to seek respite in the
hidden party within the party.
other cities in the United States. The one
common theme that binds all of them
together, aside from the supportive gay
atmosphere, is an underlying culture of
sex, and drugs, in many cases. Depending
on your knowledge of gay culture and

BRAZIL
JOBURG
ISRAEL
ARGENTINA

DENMARK
assimilation into said culture, one can
easily look past the Pride floats, beautiful
dancing bodies and sponsors that support
the effort, and the community at large, to
see the abundance of partying and sex
that is available.
In most cases, Pride festivals last for a
full week with the main events occurring
Friday to Sunday. There are usually events
hosted during the week but often are events
within the community and not attended by
the masses. Most people will attend the
Pride Parade during the weekend and the
festival if there is one. The festival will
typically offer various events, venues for
live concerts, demos, beer gardens, etc.
However, for many Pride goers the main
focus is the parties that are hosted by the
community organizers or private citizens.
Oftentimes there are many large-scale
parties that occur during the Pride
weekend. Of course, not all of the parties
will have this theme but a large portion of
them will. Many pride parties are known
for having back rooms and secret invitation
only areas where patrons escape from
the general public to seek respite in the
hidden party within the party. These are
the areas where alcohol, drugs, and sex
have been known to run rampant. Many
people are inclined to join these parties
just for the opportunity to watch those that
actually participate in the various activities
that occur behind closed doors.
Pride weekends are a lot of fun and
provide the opportunity for self-expression,
introspection and freedom. In short, like
most things in life, Pride weekends are
what you make of it. Some just enjoy the
large gathering of LGBT individuals while
others smile at the chance to break free
from their lives and live a little!
NEW YORK
Khalif Hayes, also known as Mr. Carryon,
is working to reach 100 countries.
To that end, he has become skilled at
traveling as light as possible; refusing
to ever check a bag.

GLOBAL PR
APRI
Curacao
Apr. 30-
South C
Pride
MAY
Hannov
German
May 11-2
Hannov
JUNE
Milan, It
June 22
Milan Pr
F

IDE FESTS
P L A N A N D G O
L JULY OCTOBER
, Caribbean
May 4
aribbean
Amsterdam,
Netherlands
July 31-Aug 2
Amsterdam Pride
Johannesburg, S.A.
October
Johannesburg Pride
er,
y
5
er Pride
aly
-28
ide
AUGUST
Reykjavik, Iceland
Aug. 4-9
Reykjavik Pride
SEPTEMBER
Quebec City, Canada
Sept. 3-7
Quebec City Pride
NOVEMBER
Hong Kong, China
November
Hong Kong Pride
DECEMBER
Manila, Philippines
Dec. 5
Manila Pride
or a full list of Pride Events visit www.GayPrideCalendar.com

SEX
POT
The Moche, Sex Ed &
Ancient Peruvian Art
W r i t t e n B y : E n r i c o C i o n i

When people come across Moche sex pots, they
usually find them amusing, gross, or weird. But what
if we take them seriously, as objects that can tell us
something about people’s lives in the past, how they
thought about things, and what they valued?
First, a few words on the Moche. They inhabited the
North Coast of Peru between 200 and 850 AD (way
before the Inca), and they produced a huge amount
of beautiful pottery. Some of this pottery is painted
with hunting scenes, duel scenes and scenes of ritual
sacrifice, as well as stories from mythology. Some of it
is shaped to look like agricultural products, animals,
warriors, musicians, gods, the faces of prominent
individuals, amputees, animal-human hybrids, old
men, seashells, mountains, sacrifice victims, labourers,
blind people, headdresses, skeletons… and, of course,
people having sex.
Not much has actually been written on Moche sex
pots–despite the fact that the Moche are very well
studied (they’re probably the
ancient Peruvian culture
we know most about,
after the Inca), and the
fact that they produced something like 500
of these pots. These pots clearly reflect very
different notions of sex and reproduction from
ones that prevail in contemporary Western
culture, and, because of this, a lot of researchers
have had trouble making sense of them.
For example, depictions of vaginal sex are rare.
Why? One of the theories used to be that Moche
sex pots were meant to encourage birth control,
by showing how one might enjoy sex without
risking babies. However, there’s something
unconvincing about the notion that people
made hundreds upon hundreds of expensive
ceramics, just for a Sex Ed lesson.
Another example of the strange stuff you see in
Moche sex pots: women masturbating skeletons.
For a while people thought that these pots were
supposed to illustrate the dangers of excessive
sex--but this theory is suspiciously reminiscent
of Western notions of sex as something
dangerous or sinful.
Joan Gero’s 2004 article
“Sex Pots of Ancient

Peru: Post-Gender Reflections”
probably offers the first really
interesting interpretation of
these strange objects. Gero
points out that Moche society
was more hierarchical than
previous societies in the region,
and she suggests that the
pots may have been used as
metaphors to justify the new
power relations.
In her view, Moche sex pots
are all about dominance and
subordination. Because (1)
depictions of anal sex and
fellatio are common, while
depictions of vaginal sex and
clitoral stimulation are very rare
and depictions of cunnilingus
non-existent, and (2) the women
never seem to be enjoying
themselves, Gero suggests that
the women in Moche pots may
be stand-ins for “the people”,
who do all the hard work and
get little in return, while men
may represent the rulers, who
get all the pleasure and give little
back.
I’m not entirely convinced. For
one thing, it’s often very difficult,
in Moche pottery, to tell what
exactly the people depicted
are feeling–sometimes there
are obvious frowns, or smiles,
but most of the time facial
expressions appear to be neutral.
This goes for sex pots as well: the
women don’t seem to be having
much fun, true–but, usually,
neither do the men. There are
a few rare cases in which men
are shown to be enjoying being
fellated, but then there are also
a few rare examples of women
smiling while they masturbate
their partner.
Secondly, who says that anal sex
or fellatio can’t give pleasure to
women? As far as I am aware,
they both can, and, in any
case, though it may well have
a biological basis, “pleasure”
is also often influenced by
culture. In other words, if in
some societies things that are
thought of as delicious to eat
can be thought of as disgusting
who says
that anal
sex or
fellatio
can’t give
pleasure to
women?
by others, then the same should
apply to sexual practices.
Overall, I think that Mary
Weismantel’s 2004 article
“Moche Sex Pots: Reproduction
and Temporality in Ancient
South America” offers a more
persuasive theory.
Weismantel points out that the
way humans think about sex
and reproduction changes from
culture to culture. For example,
contemporary Amazonian
peoples like the Tukanoa, the
Barsana and the Wari’ believe in
“seminal nurture”–-that is, they
think it’s not the single moment
when sperm meets egg that is
important for reproduction,
but repeated intercourse, as
it’s through regular infusions
of semen from men, and the
mother’s own substances, that
the foetus is gradually formed.
In Melanesia, at least until
the 1980s, the Sambia people
believed that boys could become
men and have children of
their own only if they received
precious vital fluids from their
elders—that is, only if they
fellated older men. In sum:
many cultures don’t believe
that vaginal sex is necessary
for reproduction and some
cultures specifically believe
that reproduction is all about
the transferral of bodily fluids,
regardless of the orifice through
which they pass. In light of this,
maybe Moche sex pots depict
reproductive acts after all.
Indeed, Weismantel writes
that there are pots in which
women are shown breastfeeding
infants as they are
penetrated–suggesting that a
link is being made between the
vital fluids that the man passes
on to the woman, and those
that the woman passes on to
the infant. And pots depicting
women masturbating skeletons
may well be illustrating the
transferral of vital fluids from
long-dead ancestors to current
generations.
Consider, as well, that these are

high-quality ceramics, and, in all likelihood, only
the ruling classes could afford to commission
them. If Moche sex pots are indeed all about
reproduction, then maybe they specifically
reflected elites’ concern with furthering lineages,
producing heirs, ensuring that their family
remained powerful, and remained connected to
the ancestors’ power, through the generations.
In fact, it’s particularly interesting that these pots
probably accompanied the elite dead to their
graves (we don’t know for sure because many
were looted rather than properly excavated)–
maybe they were meant to indicate that, despite
the death of single individuals within a lineage,
their descendants lived on, and would produce
other descendants, and so on.
This theory is not flawless: for example, pots
in which breast-feeding and anal sex co-occur
are rare. Also, as Weismantel herself points out,
the words “Moche sex pots” cover such a huge
variety of objects that many do not fit very easily
with her theory–for example, pots depicting
possible venereal diseases, or copulation scenes
between animals, or other weird things that defy
categorisation. But, after all, it seems reasonable
to guess that the Moche themselves thought of sex
pots as divided into different categories, each with
its own attached meanings and values—some had
to do with reproduction, some didn’t.
In the end, even if we’ll never truly be able to tell
what it is that Moche sex pots mean, they are
inspiring all the same, as they give us a precious
example of how, throughout history, there hasn’t
been one single, biologically-based way of having
sex and thinking about sex, but a wide range of
weird, creative and diverse ones.
Enrico Cioni studied Archaeology and
Anthropology at the University of Cambridge
and the Arts of Africa, Oceania and the
Americas at the University of East Anglia.
He currently works for Seshat Global History
Databank, and lives in Norwich (England)
with his partner and an extremely fluffy cat.

BLOGGER
OF THE
MONTH
J E T L A G S E X
T H E A N A T O M Y O F A B A E - C A T I O N

“Babe, info I need… passport
name, number and date of birth,
if you’re going to fly to NYC first
before we head to the island.”
Ten seconds later, I had all the
relevant details. I don’t even
think he was in the country at the
time of that WhatsApp request.
All I knew was that my new
lover and I were taking our first
trip together to one of the most
romantic islands in the world,
after having only spent a few
hours together in person. And
technically speaking, this would
only be our third date.
I should probably back up, right?
Explain a few things? Give you
a bit of context? Considering this
was only the third date. What you
should know is that this is how I
live my life. My dating adventures
are unconventional. I don’t have
set rules. Instead, I make my own
experiences by remaining open,
flexible, curious, adventurous
and, at times, spontaneous as I
meet amazing men and go with
the flow of us.
I met him in Chicago by
happenstance at an outdoor food
festival. Neither of us lived there. I
currently call the east coast home
and at the time his was the west
coast. However, serendipity was
on our side and for 15 minutes I
had his attention at this crowded
festival. I remember being so
enamored by his presence that I
asked him to keep his sunglasses
on. I could NOT look him in the
eye. His energy was too strong.
I knew right then and there I was
going to be in for a ride, if I spent
more time with him. Instead, I
said goodbye, having no idea
what would come to be over the
course of a few months. You
should also know, prior to this
we had been friends for about a
year.
Fast forward a few months later
and by happenstance, we were
both in Washington D.C. I was
there for a business conference.
He was passing through, as he
headed elsewhere for a vacation.
A friend connected us, realizing
that we BOTH were in the same
city and should meet up. This
became known as our first date.
An impromptu first date on my
birthday. What I remember about
that time together, which only
lasted a few hours as it was in
between his layover flight and
my conference lunch break, was
that he had my full attention and
I was captivated.
There were two other things
to note about this date. One,
apparently he had been watching
me for awhile over the course
of our friendship. Instead of
engaging in small talk or asking
the 5 or 7 or 10 questions one

“should” ask on a first date…as found on way too
many blogs, he was very open with his feelings
and observations of me. He was commanding, kind
and had a deep, piercing gaze. That same gaze
from months prior in Chicago. This time, though,
there were no sunglasses. I let his gaze drink me
all the way up.
The other thing to note is the “impromptu” part.
This first date was spontaneous. I didn’t know I
was about to start dating this guy. I didn’t know I
was going to have a romantic rendezvous on my
birthday. Had our friend never made the connection
that we were in the same place at the same time,
I have no idea how our friendship would have
unfolded. What I’m glad for…is that I just went with
the flow. While I might lean more towards a Type A
personality, when it comes to love, travel and a fine
ass man, I make exceptions and ere on the side of
spontaneity. I could have easily said, “Why don’t we
set a future date when we are in one of our home
towns and go on a ‘proper’ first date”…whatever
that is. I could have said, “Why don’t we PLAN a
date.” But nope. He was there in the same city as
I was and we both were free. Time is precious and
you can never get it back. Shoot your shot!
Unlike the first, our second date was planned.
He flew to NY and we had dinner at my favorite
place in Harlem. However because of both of our
schedules, our time was limited again. In fact, I
had a flight the very next day at 6 am, as I was
traveling back to D.C. again on business. He also
had plans later that night. Dinner was fantastic but
what slightly annoyed me was that I knew I wasn’t
going to have sex at the end of this particular date.
My hunger for this man was beyond my hunger
for that grilled tilapia on my plate. Sigh! Be that
as it may, it was still a very good time together.
Beyond the incredible food was the intensity,
intimacy, and intentionality of his energy and the
conversations, which would go on to become some
of the foundational principles in our relationship
and world adventures. There was also his kiss
which still lingered on my lip by the time the check
arrived. He spoke of wanting to travel the world
with me and his daydreams of what it might look
like. I remember saying that most of my stuff was
in storage, so I was ready to go!
A few months later, after many phone calls, “Skype
dates”, and about a hundred Glide videos later,
we were planning our third date in the Caribbean.

I really don’t know what the rule books say about
dating, lovers and when the best time to travel
together might be but what I do know is we both
had a week free, I had complimentary flights and
a complimentary suite at a five-star resort. We
both loved to travel. We were both hungry for each
other. So all I needed was his passport information
to book our flights!
In the planning process for this luxurious island
getaway, he asked if he could take control of one of
the days and plan a series of surprise adventures
for me. I like to know who, what, when, where, why
and HOW! But I was enjoying the tone that we were
setting with each other and gave him permission to
do as he pleased. In return, he told me what to pack.
That list included hiking shoes and ….something for
him to tie me down with. LAWD! My spirit and my
vagina were willing and able! The trip was magical.
He surprised me with hiking excursions, outdoor
volcanic spa clay body painting rituals, a perfect
sunset on a semi-private beach and more.
And the sex? Given how hungry we were for
each other. Given how our relationship was long
distance. Given how we were on one of the most
romantic islands in the world. Given how he made
me bring things so that he could tie me down with
considering our interest in BDSM….by day two,
I was already sore, satiated and elated from the
mind blowing sex. That didn’t stop me, though. Any
chance we got, we were on top of each other. Our
energy must have been spilling all over the place
because every person we encountered asked if we
were on our honeymoon. Nope. This was just our
third date!
My review of the trip? A simple Facebook status
explained it all, vaguely. “Well, he just took date
night to a whole other level. I think I might have to
bow down..... Or bribe one of the gods of pleasure,
seduction, and love for a day with their powers.”
The fourth date was a surprise to me…but
apparently he had been plotting with two of my
best friends. A month after our third date, I spent
two weeks in Thailand on vacation. I remember
exploring Thailand and wishing he were there with
me and being sad overall because based on our
schedules, the next time I’d be able to see him was
maybe in six months. However, unbeknownst to
me, he had changed his travel schedule to be in NY
upon my return. For weeks…he had been in cahoots
with my friends, so much so that he answered the

door to my apartment… when
I went to use my keys after a
30+ hour flight. From having a
flower infused bath drawn for
me, including a warm, dry towel,
to rearranging my room, adding
mood lights, and more…he made
my “Welcome Home” a trip to
remember. Oh, and the sex was
our best sex ever. #JetLagSex,
anyone? I mean, we didn’t have a
long standing history of a sexual
relationship considering we were
long distance. But of the limited
sex, we’d had, considering this
technically was our “fourth date,”
life was swell. After a week of
bliss, he boarded a plane and I
had no idea when I might see him
next.
A few months later, I saw him
for our “fifth date” in Thailand.
I took two weeks off work, went
half way around the world and
he met me in Thailand. Actually,
he arrived a few days early to
set the stage. Working with the
hotel staff and a local friend in
Thailand, he plotted and planned
for not only my arrival but also
our 3 cities, 2 country tour. The
sex was different this time. It was
definitely good. I’d been sooo
hungry for him, I thought I was
going to lose my mind. However,
when you travel, shit happens.
In the midst of those two weeks
together, I’d been sick twice with
a fever and sinuses, I had a death
in the family, my FUCKING period
came (I had to teach him about
sex with an Instead Soft Cup), and
because of our Muay Thai boxing
lesson, I was sore and sensitive.
We simply adjusted and kept on
fucking. A lot. In fact, this time, we
brought some fun games and hot
candle wax too!
Its been a few weeks since our
vacation in Thailand, which
included flower baths together
(of which I can now cross off
#BathTubSex), massages, kite
flying, temple visits and outdoor
photo shoots under waterfalls.
I’m starting to feen again which
means, we’re plotting.
This is what I want you to
know about my unconventional
relationship where we’ve had
5 dates. , 28 dates, if you count
each day of our various vacations
together. Of which, if I count all
the hours…we have only spent
a total of 23 days together. They
are scattered. The 2 hours in
Washington D.C. The 3-hour
dinner in Harlem. The 4 days in
the Caribbean. So, in 7 months
of dating, we’ve seen each other
for the total of 23 days having 5
date experiences ranging from 2
hours to 2 weeks. And this is what
I want you to know.
Life is what you make it. If you’re
willing to trust your intuition,
try new things, go with the flow
and seek adventure at every
opportunity, you’ll find yourself
on romantic islands and half
way across the world taking a
flower bath with your lover, right
after you land. This sex and love

is so hot because the trust is deep, the intimacy
continues to grow, the support is unparalleled and
the compassion and understanding for handling the
changing tides of life is mutually respected by us.
When time allows for planning, we are deliberate
about creating sensual, romantic and erotic
experiences for each other. And when time doesn’t
allow, we embrace the spontaneity of only having two
hours together. We infuse elements of surprise. We
incorporate different date night ideas so as to have a
sense of wonder and delight…because we know that
once you set the stage and create the mood…..later
or when no one is looking, the sex is FIRE!
Date number six, he’s coming back to NY. Date
number seven, we’re going out of the country again.
Date number eight, maybe I need to finally go to him
on the west coast? Or meet him in Iceland? Or Paris?
And the rest, I have no idea. I’m excited, though. And
I’m wondering what goodies I should pack next! A
gag ball? A riding crop? Sex toys?
Sheena LaShay is an “Intellectual Sensual
Shaman, Wild Magical Woman and Cultural
Provocateur” who leads workshops, retreats and
events. Her digital home, www.SheenaLaShay.
com, is the space where vulnerability, eroticism
and power intersect.

04 ARIELLE
LOREN
TRAVELER PROFILE
Arielle Loren is a sexuality thought leader, writer, and
filmmaker, who has dedicated her career to empowering
dialogue about sex. Her work has been featured and
praised by The Huffington Post, NPR, ESSENCE,
Jezebel, NBC News (The Grio), BET, EBONY, The Root,
and Clutch Magazine.
In 2012, she sat as one of three panelists on the
“Erotica Out In The Open” panel for BlogHer, the largest
conference in the world for women in social media, and
the Women’s Media Center honored her in 2011 for
empowering women online. Loren is one of the select
contributors to be featured in the first-ever anthology
about E. L. James’ 50 Shades of Grey called 50 Writers
on 50 Shades of Grey. She also directed and produced
a media-acclaimed documentary, Bideology, about
women dating bisexual men (http://muvi.es/w2240).
A graduate of New York University & Georgetown
University, she also works as a business and media
strategist to small businesses and large organizations,
while teaching online (http://touringforstartups.com).
She’s the founder of CORSET and serves as the
company’s CEO and magazine’s Editor-in-Chief, leading
CORSET’s international community of readers on their
journeys to sexual empowerment.
(Taken from website: corsetmagazine.com)

SACRED
SEX
The Intersection of Race, Culture & Sexuality.
Written By: H. Sharif "Herukhuti" Williams, PhD., M.Ed.
All Photos By: Saddi Khali

“Do you want to
experience the best
orgasms ever? Not only
is it possible, but it’s also
sustainable - full bodied,
earth-shattering orgasms
for the rest of your life.”
How much would that be worth to you? What would you
do to have that life? Those are the questions facing many
of today’s personal development seekers as they explore
the field of sacred sexuality. Sacred sexuality is the nexus
of spirituality and sex. It includes the development of
an appreciation for the spiritual nature of sex. Think about
how often, on the verge of orgasm, you feel the urge to
call on God or reach out into the abyss as you enter into a
space of oblivion within orgasm. In this area, sacred sexuality
practitioners perform a variety of practices before,
during or after sex such as reciting prayers; performing
ritual or intentional body cleansing and baths with herbs
and oils; burning incense, smudging sage or other herbs
to purify the space; or anointing their lovers with oil.
Some practitioners even use sex, sensual touch, and erotic
intimacy as forms of spiritual practice. These practitioners
may bring a life goal into the sexual moment and focus on
that life goal during orgasm as a form of invocation. Other
practitioners, sometimes called sacred whores or sexual
healers, have sexual ministries that offer healing, pastoral
counseling, and care to people who are living with needs
for affection, connection, affirmation, understanding, intimacy,
and/or clarity. Priests of temples of certain deities
during ancient times fulfilled the role of sacred whores. In
the contemporary context, people have accepted the call
to serve as sacred whores.
Dr. Loraine Hutchins, in the article Bisexual Women as
Emblematic Sexual Healers and the Problematics of the
Embodied Sacred Whore, recognized, “Visualizing women,
and men, as Sacred Whores seems…to be a key part
of many newly-forming erotic communities where sacred
sexuality is practiced in a variety of forms…. Unless we
find ways to make erotic healing rituals more available
to more people, at a variety of levels suitable to different

needs, and woven into resistance movements
that profoundly change people for the better, we
will never have what we really need: a community
of sacred erotic healers who practice beyond
current gender constraints and the constraints of
all oppressions.”
Today, sacred sexuality is not inherently altruistic.
Like prosperity theology, it can be big business.
Evangelists and gurus, with sacred products to
sell, devise effective ways to convince people in
spiritual, physical, emotional and/or social turmoil
that they have a need that can be met by buying
their particular brand of product or service.
Sometimes the product is a book; other times it’s
a weekend retreat or workshop. Whatever the
product, the claims are roughly the same—become
a more orgasmic person i.e., have better
orgasms.
Orgasms are important parts of health and wellness.
Great orgasms can be a vital component of
one’s relationships and sex life. But when great
orgasms become just another product on the
open market, one that is saturated with trends
and fads, the power of sex to transform our society
as well as how we feel about ourselves and
each other is sidelined. In her speech, which later
became the essay, Uses of the Erotic as Power,
poet Audre Lorde reflects upon the potential for
this power to act as “a well of replenishing and
provocative force” that disrupt and even destroy
the forms of structural inequality and social violence
inherent in an oppressive society.
Beyond sexual consumerism, sacred sexuality
can be a vehicle for political activism, community
organizing, and environmental and social justice.
We can remake the world into one that is more
socially just and ecologically sustainable through
an intentional cultivation of our erotic selves. As
a revolutionary, that idea is extremely appealing
to me and is the reason why I became a sacred
sexuality practitioner, educator and author.

My journey as a sacred sexuality practitioner
began when, at the age of fourteen, I was initiated
into the Temple of the White and Gold Lotus,
Shrine of Amen Ra, a Kemetic (i.e., ancient
Egyptian) priesthood and part of the 20th century
movement of people in the African Diaspora
to reclaim their African heritage. Like many other
parts of the movement, the knowledge traditions
of the priesthood were pulled together from
a number of different systems of thought. In our
specific case, priests studied an eclectic mix of
so-called Egyptology (i.e., Kemetic history, language,
theology, and culture), rkh hti kmti (i.e.,
Kemetic mysticism), snb ntchr (i.e., spiritual healing),
hatha yoga, kundalini yoga, pranayama, tai
chi chuan, and chi kung.
An initial reflection on that course of study usually
results in questioning the presence of seemingly
Indian—yoga and pranayama—and Chinese—tai
chi and chi kung—practices in what
is supposed to be an African priesthood. Members
of the modern Kemetic Movement justify the
seemingly syncretic fusion of different cultures by
pointing to the fact that human culture began in
Africa and traveled with humans out of it into other
parts of the world.
Kemetic culture, which included what we would
today call ancient Nubia and Egypt, was the prevailing
and preeminent civilization of its day and
influenced the culture of the ancient Indus Valley
Civilization of what is the northern part of present-day
India. We believe this influence led to
the development of kundalini yoga in India. Indian
culture, through the travels of people like the
monks Buddhabhadra (also known as Ba Tuo)
and Bodhidharma (also known as Da Mo) influenced
ancient Chinese culture. Chinese martial
arts, including Shaolin kung fu and tai chi chuan,
are products of these cultural exchanges.
Kemetic spirituality is an African and African Diaspora
religious tradition that is similar to jazz—a
magical use of tradition, structure, hybridity, and
improvisation. One of the key approaches to Kemetic
knowledge and sharing knowledge that I
learned while I trained as a priest was knowledge

management. These approaches
were taught through terms like “inner
temple and outer temple” knowledge
and parables like “To those who have
the eyes to see, the truth of the world
is revealed.” These statements reflected
our belief that knowledge was
power and some knowledge was so
powerful that it had to be protected.
Protection meant that access to such
knowledge was contingent upon the
demonstration that one could ethically
and effectively possess and utilize
the knowledge.
The purpose of our training was twofold:
to prepare us to be the possessors
and wielders of certain knowledge
and to evaluate our preparedness to
do so. This approach is the reason
why Kemetic priesthoods have been
called secret societies and their temples
referred to as mystery schools—
they contain knowledge-power that
is held in secret and away from easy
access for the community.
People who wish to possess and
wield secret knowledge-power must
commit themselves to intensive study
and responsible use of it. Sacred sexuality
is one such knowledge-power.
But in today’s capitalist, consumerist
global economy, it seems everything
is obtainable if you have enough money,
privilege or access. Individuals
who wish to dabble in sacred sexuality
can register for a workshop, class,
seminar, or weekend retreat without
paying any price other than the registration
fee or making any commitment
other than attendance.
Who’s providing these experiences?
Mostly middle class people of European
descent with new age philosophies
and fancy marketing materials,
touting products usually priced at
hundreds of dollars; they are generally
not within reach of the average

working class Black person.
There are also books on sacred
sexuality, written by the same
type of people who provide
these experiences.
More recently, a number of
these sacred sexuality teachers
have marketed ankhing as a
sacred sexuality product. They
promote ankhing, a gerund adaptation
of the Kemetic word for
eternal life ankh, as a form of
Kemetic sacred sexuality that
relies upon a practitioner consciously
breathing during sex
and intentionally sending the
orgasmic energy they experience
through a specific part of
their microcosmic orbit or kundalini
system known as a chakra.
They market the practice as a
way of achieving orgasms that
“increase your life-force energy,
making you stronger, more
alive, and more conscious.
And…may lead you into eternal
life.”
Generally, they do not offer a
source for this knowledge-power
nor provide a cultural context
for why, when, and how this
practice was used in ancient
Kemet. In history, for example,
sacred sexuality was practiced
by a small segment of the Kemetic
population, e.g., priests
(all genders) of certain temples
and shrines and of certain levels
of initiatory education/training.
It was not something the
average person practiced and
those who did practice it only
performed the very rudimentary
forms given to them by priests
as medicinal aids. The present
phenomenon of ankhing, therefore,
becomes just another personal
development product of
knowledge-power stolen from
people of color.
If you’re a person of African
descent, why would you go to
people whose ancestors contributed
to the reason why you
don’t have direct access to the
knowledge-power of your ancestors
to learn what they’ve
gleamed from their reading of
your ancestor’s wisdom? Be
sure to seek out sacred sexuality
resources, learning opportunities,
and practitioners of African
descent.
Kemetic
spirituality is
an African and
African Diaspora
religious
tradition that is
similar to jazz
One of the earliest sacred sexuality
practitioners in the United
States was a Black man named
Paschal Beverly Randolph.
A contemporary of Frederick
Douglass and Alexandre Dumas
and acquaintance of U.S.
President Abraham Lincoln,
Randolph founded the oldest
Rosicrucian organization in the
United States. Rosicrucians
are a Western secret society
that borrows from Kemetic and
Asian teachings. Randolph
published a number of texts of
sex magic philosophy and theory
as well as manuals including
The Mysteries of Eulis and
Eulis! The History of Love: Its
Wondrous Magic, Chemistry,
Rules, Laws, Modes, Moods,
and Rationale; Being the Third
Revelation of Soul and Sex.
Also, Reply to “Why is Man
Immortal?” The Solution to the
Darwin Problem. An Entirely
New Theory published in 1874.
In Sacred Sexuality, Ancient
Egyptian Tantric Yoga: The Neterian
Guide to Love, Sexuality,
Marriage, Relationships, and
the Secrets of Sexual Energy
Cultivation, Sublimation, and
Spiritual Enlightenment, Dr.
Muata Ashby, a US-based Puerto
Rican/Bajan holistic health
doctor and Kemetic priest, applies
his reading of Kemetic
history, language, culture, and
sacred texts to provide readers
with a basic foundation for
understanding sacred sexuality
within Kemetic traditions. Much
of the information Dr. Ashby
provides in the book is useful
in addressing intellectual curiosity.
I find his work somewhat
problematic for people whose
experience of their desires,
bodies, and sexualities is not
particularly heterosexual (e.g.,
people who experience samesex
desire, similar-gender love,
sexual fluidity, bisexuality, etc.)
or experience of their gender
is not particularly binary (e.g.,
two-spirit, transgender, and
gender non-conforming people).
There are sacred sexuality
practitioners of African descent
and/or of color whose work
does address a wider audience.
M’Kali-Hashiki Nin, a priest of
Oshun in the Ifa tradition and
an erotic empowerment guide

at The Enstatic Body, specializes in working
for “radical transformation through erotic empowerment
for QTIPOC & allied folk.”
As a high priest of the Shrine of Sekhmet
and Heruhet and founder/chief erotics officer
(CEO) of the Center for Culture, Sexuality
and Spirituality, I work with people of various
sexualities and genders to use the knowledge-power
of the erotic, the spiritual nature
of sex, sensual touch, and erotic intimacy as
forms of spiritual practice in service of the
goal of creating a more socially just and ecologically
well world. This work goes beyond
providing another sacred sexuality product
or service to people in need. In addition to
providing short-term educational learning opportunities
to liberate the ways people love,
experience the Erotic, and connect to the
Sacred, we help people become agents of
social change through sacred sexuality. Because
while we believe great orgasms are
important, we also know a better world is
possible if we work to achieve it.
As you enter the field of sacred sexuality,
think about your motivations, commitments,
and responsibilities. Be mindful that knowledge-power
of any form can be detrimental
to those who posses it and those around
them.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
H. Sharif “Herukhuti” Williams, PhD, MEd,
is a liberatory sociologist, cultural studies
scholar, sex educator, playwright/poet and
award-winning author. Dr. Herukhuti studied
sex research methods, sexology, sexual
health, and HIV at the HIV Center for Clinical
and Behavioral Studies of the New York
State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University
through a National Institute of Mental
Health-funded graduate research assistantship.
Dr. Herukhuti holds a doctoral concentration
in transformative learning for social
justice and specializations in sexuality and
cross-cultural studies of knowledge.

HIV
+
TRAVEL
Written By: Gerald Garth
Black AIDS Institute

Working together
for better health
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your choice for a healthy life.
Visit us at www.anthem.com/inmedicaid.
Serving Hoosier Healthwise, Healthy Indiana Plan and Hoosier Care Connect
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AINMKT-0121-16 02.16

Global travel is an important aspect of life,
be it for business or pleasure, for many. But for
those travelers living with HIV, many countries
around the world may restrict the entry, residence
and stay of foreigners. While some countries
prohibit people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA)
from traveling to them, this is changing as
governments learn more about HIV. Being HIV
positive does not mean that individuals cannot
travel; however, travelers living with HIV should
plan more carefully when planning a trip outside
the United States.
Planning carefully to protect your health and
safety is important. Before traveling abroad,
travelers should talk to their healthcare provider
about health risks in the intended area to visit,
as well as any need for special medications—
especially in developing countries.
Infectious diseases are a big concern in certain
parts of the world and travelers with HIV may
be especially vulnerable. These diseases can
increase one’s risk of getting an opportunistic
infection; an infection that occurs more
frequently and is more severe in individuals
with weakened immune systems, such as
some PLWHA.
Healthcare providers
will also know
If a country does have
entry restrictions, people
with HIV who still decide
to travel risk being
refused entry.
the best ways to protect global travelers with
HIV from such things as malaria, typhoid fever,
and hepatitis. Travelers should also make sure
all routine vaccinations are up-to-date.
Additionally, travelers should be aware that food
and water in some countries
might not be as clean and
safe as they are in the
United States. By eating
raw or undercooked
food or drinking
contaminated water,
individuals could get
sick from bacteria,
viruses, or parasites.
Before traveling
outside of the United
States, the

Department of State recommends that travelers with
HIV get a letter from their doctor listing prescription
medications, including the generic names of
prescribed drugs. Medications being carried overseas
should be left in their original containers and clearly
labeled. When checking personal belongings for air
travel, travelers should inform officials if needles or
syringes for medication are present. In addition,
travelers with HIV should carry one week’s worth
of medications in their carry-on baggage in case
luggage is lost.
Also, travelers should check with the foreign embassy
of the destination country or countries to make sure
that required medications are not considered to
be illegal narcotics. When contacting an embassy
or consulate to ask about travel restrictions, an
individual’s name and HIV status can be kept
anonymous.
If a country does have entry restrictions, people with
HIV who still decide to travel risk being refused entry.
According to UNAIDS.org, America lifted its
restrictions on HIV-positive visitors in 2010.
Previously, the United States travel ban prevented
visits to the U.S. by people with HIV, excluding
exceptional circumstances. An HIV waiver could
only be obtained if the traveler met one of only
a few exceptions. Although the ban was widely
defied, individuals with HIV who were detected by

U.S. immigration staff were refused entry to the
country and deported. Following the removal of
this ban, HIV-positive individuals can now legally
visit and migrate to the U.S.
In other countries where restrictions have been
recently changed, added caution needs to be
taken if discussing HIV status. If someone with
HIV disobeys a regulation and traveled into a
country when a ban was in place, they could
still be open to deportation following a travel
ban being lifted. This could happen if there was
proof that the individual knew of his/ her HIVpositive
status when the ban was in place and
still entered the country. In this circumstance, the
individual would have broken the law in the past
and could be deported for that reason.
There are some simple steps all HIV-positive
tourists can take regardless of their destinations
to minimize chances of undue customs delays or
deportation:
• Keep anti-HIV medications in their original
bottles and do not attempt to hide the
containers. Customs officials may think
hidden bottles may contain contraband,
which could result in the traveler being
detained while medications are verified.
Opening packages or taking pills out of their
prescription bottles will delay time in security.
problems, ask to see a supervisor.
• Travelers should avoid starting a new
treatment combination within a month of
trip, as health care provider may need
to monitor and adjust treatment in case
of side effects or allergic reactions.
• Providers may also be able to suggest some
tips and tricks to help with adherence to your
dosage schedule when traveling across time
zones and wrestling with one’s body clock.
While some countries restrict visitors who are
HIV-positive from entering their borders or for
staying for long periods of time, there are many
countries that have legislation that clearly states
that entry, and permission to live and work will
not be affected by HIV status. There are also
several countries that do not require any type of
medical tests either for short-term or long-term
stays.
For more information for travelers with HIV, visit
hivtravel.org and aidsmap.org.
• Pack extra medicine and supplies when
traveling in case of unexpected delays.
• For those taking injectable medications,
when carrying empty syringes, travelers
must also have the medication.
• Depending on the circumstances, it may be
worthwhile taking along a doctor’s certificate
(in English), which shows that the holder is
reliant on the medication and that it has been
prescribed by the doctor. Also, carry a copy
of prescriptions in carry-on, purse, or wallet.
• Travelers may ask and are entitled to a
private screening to maintain confidentiality.
Show copies of prescriptions and/
or medication bottles. If there are any
Gerald Garth, a writer and publicist, works
at the Black AIDS Institute as Outreach and
Media Coordinator. Garth currently resides
in Los Angeles, California.

Griots Republic Vol. 1 Issue 4
April 2016
Cover Image
Courtesy of Saddi Khali
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