It may be awkward because sex is taboo to talk about in our culture, hence How To Be Books had a chat with comedian and Sex Bomb author Sadia Azmat. People generally have shame around bodies and sexuality, so talking openly about sex and sexuality may bring up feelings of awkwardness. Starting a conversation about sex can be sensitive and requires a thoughtful approach, especially considering the context, relationship between the parties involved, and cultural considerations. Here are some general guidelines to consider:

• Ensure privacy and comfort
• Assess readiness
• Start with permission
• Use open-ended questions
• Educate yourself
• Express your own feelings and desires
• Listen actively
• Be prepared for any response
• Emphasise consent and respect
• Seek professional guidance if needed

Remember, the goal of such conversations is to foster understanding, intimacy, and respect. It’s about sharing and listening in a way that respects both your needs and boundaries.

So how do we start talk about sex openly?

Thanks to the following guests for participating:

Sadia Azmat is a stand-up comedian and writer from East London. Through a chance encounter with a comedian in a call centre, she was introduced to the circuit and now is a regular stand-up. In 2018, Sadia launched her critically acclaimed BBC podcast No Country for Young Women, which was named as one of the best audio 2018, by the Observer and Apple’s Top picks for 2018. She currently works as a producer for BBC Studios. Sex Bomb: The Life and Loves of an Asian Babe is her first book.

Other wonderful guests who took part:

Sex Positive Advocate & Founder of Jasexplains Jasmine Rajah.

Sangeeta Pillai, founder of Soul Sutras and host of the British Podcast Award-winning show the Masala Podcast.

Parenting teenagers expert and psychologist Angela Karanja.

Dr Selina Nath-Gordon, a psychologist and yoga instructor.

TedX speaker Lucy Vittrup, who is a therapist, best selling author and trains medical doctors in conversations about sexuality and intimacy with patients.

Here are some of the resources from the show:

Alain de Botton is a philosopher, author, and founder of “The School of Life”. His work has been described as a ‘philosophy of everyday life’ and explores love, status, meritocracy, religion, and self-knowledge. De Botton’s School launched in 2008 and it now has 13 locations globally and a YouTube channel with over 500 million views. Alain’s books Essays in Love, Status Anxiety, and The Architecture of Happiness, have sold millions of copies.

Books looked at this week:

Sadia Azmat: Sex Bomb: The Life and Loves of an Asian Babe

Alain De Botton: How To Think More About Sex

PS. I do not receive commission for reviewing books and talks.

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