LOS ANGELES—Jessica Drake received rousing ovations at the conclusion of her recent speaking engagements at UCLA and Chapman University where she spoke about sex education, pornography and consent.
“Presenting information and leading group exercises with students is always an amazingly unique experience,” Drake said. “Each time I have an opportunity to interact with people in an academic setting, I am both encouraged by the openness and hunger for information, and at the same time, reminded of how much harm is done when sex education lacks information about consent, pleasure, porn, STIs, HIV, and so much more. Sex remains a marginalized subject and although it’s a joy for me to be able to progress and normalize these discussions, it’s also imperative. We must have these conversations more often.”
Drake visited Associate Professor of Health Psychology David Frederick’s Human Sexuality classes at UCLA and at Chapman last month. At UCLA, she spoke about the importance of consent – a much needed dialogue that has been trending around the nation. She continued to discuss pornography, it’s role in sex education, and she also touched on societal stigmas associated with sex work.
“Jessica's talk helped students understand the stigma faced by pornography performers. She describes how consent is communicated and obtained in the films that she has worked in, and uses this to launch into a discussion of how people can negotiate consent more effectively in their own romantic relationships,” Frederick said. “Her talk was engaging and interactive, using multimedia and online polling apps that allowed students to ask questions anonymously and share their thoughts about pornography, with their thoughts scrolling across the projection screen.”
He added: “Jessica thoughtfully and openly addressed all of the questions and concerns students had. At the next class period, I asked the attending students if I should invite Jessica back the next time I teach, and students enthusiastically and overwhelmingly expressed that she was a wonderful speaker and that hearing her talk was an important and unique experience.”
During her talk at Chapman University’s Crean College of Health & Behavioral Sciences on Sept. 30, Drake opened up about her experience in the adult industry and how it shaped her relationship with her family and friends. The discussion also gave audience members a chance to discuss their views about pornography while promoting positive communication about sexuality. To read The Panther's account of Jessica's presentation at Chapman, click here.
“Jessica Drake is an amazing presenter, and she really shines when answering questions from the audience,” Frederick said. “The audience asked questions ranging from how to communicate and obtain consent with a new dating partner, her views on free speech and pornography, and how working in the porn industry affected her personal lives. Her responses were very open, articulate, and thoughtful, and the audience was clearly engaged.”
An award-winning adult star as well as writer, director, producer and host of the acclaimed instructional video series “Jessica Drake’s Guide to Wicked Sex,” Drake is a highly sought-after sexual wellness speaker and educator. She has lectured at universities, colleges and trade conferences as well as led seminars and workshops around the world. She is also a frequent contributor to a variety of media outlets such as The Huffington Post, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29 and many others.
To inquire about booking Jessica Drake to present at your educational institution, email [email protected].
