Sex, Stigma, and Saying it Out Loud: The Challenges of Discussing Sex Openly

Sex is everywhere—but actually talking about it? That’s still a challenge. In this episode of Unzipping Taboos, we get personal about what it’s like to openly discuss sex and sexuality. As co-hosts of a podcast that dives into taboo topics, we’ve seen firsthand how conversations about sex can empower, educate, and even shift cultural narratives. But we’ve also had to navigate the challenges that come with having these discussions openly.We explore how having a platform like Unzipping Taboos has changed the way people perceive our expertise in human sexuality—sometimes in surprising ways. We talk about the social calculus of deciding what to share, setting personal boundaries, and how cultural and religious expectations can shape the way people engage (or avoid) conversations about sex. From family reactions to public scrutiny, we break down the complexities of being open about topics that many still prefer to keep behind closed doors.Whether you're someone who's hesitant to talk about sex or you're already challenging taboos in your own circles, this episode unpacks the power of conversation, the risks and rewards of being open, and why normalizing discussions about sexuality is more important than ever.If you have a story, thoughts and/or a topic or question for Dr. Sue and Charlie please share your ideas here:  ⁠Show suggestionsIf you want to ask Dr Sue a sex question for the weekly Q&A you can submit it here: Ask a question