Black Women’s Bodily Autonomy, Sexual Freedom, and Pleasure

Clarissa Francis, Ph.D., is an award-winning sexuality educator and scholar-activist dedicated to fostering inclusive, liberatory conversations that empower Black women to reclaim their narratives around bodily autonomy, sexual freedom, and pleasure.

"This book is a defiant anthem echoing through generations of silenced voices. Clarissa Francis has crafted an honest and intimate exploration of Black women's complex relationship with pleasure, a territory long denied, distorted, and weaponized against us. The Hot Girl Movement has the potential to ignite a revolution, empowering Black women to reclaim their bodies, desires, and narratives."C. Amina Peterson, somatic sexologist and intimacy coach, Interim Executive Director, American Association of Somatic Sexology; Director & Founder of Atlanta Institute of Tantra"When academia tends to focus on the shame and stigma of Black sexuality, this book goes over and above to ensure that Black women's voices get heard, their bodies are affirmed, and their experiences are validated. Dr. Francis' brilliance radiates through the text, with words just as smooth as WAP and scholastically imperative for Black feminist and Womanist theoretical paradigms. This text proves we need to follow suit and capture how pleasure, autonomy, and liberation are useful systems for Black women and beyond."Marla Renee Stewart, Velvet Lips Sex Education, Co-Founder of the Sex Down South Conference"Dr. Clarissa Francis's insightful book on Black women's bodily autonomy, sexual freedom, and pleasure is a groundbreaking exploration that empowers and enlightens. A must-read for anyone seeking to understand and advocate for the rights and experiences of Black women."Christopher K. Bass, PhD, Dean of School of Arts & Sciences and associate professor at the Department of Psychology, Clark Atlanta University“A leading voice of the Real Hot Girl Movement, Dr. Clarissa E. Francis, a.k.a. The Real Hot Girl Doc, resolutely reflects on her journey for sexual liberation and empowerment. Her journey offers a shared experience that resonates with Black women in a generation needing healing. As an expert guide, her perspicacious observations take us from a historicized pained Black female body to a sexually liberated pleasured Black female body, where self-care, pleasure activism, and sexual healing are valued and not shamed. Her trailblazing advocacy and intellectual thought on pleasure activism is some “real hot girl sh*t!” and a must-read.”Ramona j.j. Bell, PhD, Chair and professor of critical race of gender & sexuality studies, Cal Poly Humboldt“Dr. Clarissa E. Francis has produced a triumphant study on Black women’s joy, pleasure, and self-definition on their own terms. Written by a protagonist in the movement who has intimately lived the terms of Black women’s sexual autonomy and pursuit of freedom—Dr. Francis’ work is deeply authentic, scholarly, and curative in many ways. This deep exploration of the ebullient Hot Girl Movement will leave you empowered and enlightened.” Michelle Marzullo, PhD, Chair and professor, Human Sexuality Department, California Institute of Integral Studies“Dr. Clarissa E. Francis beautifully captures the complexities and resilience of Black women's sexual liberation through historical and socio-cultural analysis. Dr. Francis demonstrates how Black women continue to push the needle forward and the importance of how Black women's sexual agency and resistance should be at the center of feminist discourse.”Ericka Burns, PhD, MPH, founder of Sacramento Peers on Prevention and reproductive justice activist“Dr. Clarissa E. Francis captures the essence of what it means to be a FREE Black Woman in today's society. She uses storytelling, historical information, modern insights, and lived experience to show us what (H)ealing (O)ver (T)ime looks like. You'll want to read if you're interested in exploring sexual freedom in a relatable yet nuanced way.”Lucretia Evita, PhD, sexologist & author of The Adult Show

• Chapter 1: Back It Up: Scholarship and Activism Supporting the Hot Girl MovementChapter 2: Atlanta Got Somethin’ to Say: Civil Rights, Freaknik, and Pleasure Activism in Atlanta, GAChapter 3: It Was the Music for Me: The Influence of Pop Culture on Black Women’s Sexual LiberationChapter 4: Women C.U.M. First: Centering Black Women’s Pleasure in Education, Practice, and AdvocacyChapter 5: Real Hot Girl Shift: Black Sexual Liberation in Atlanta and Beyond