Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Arielle Egozi, an award-winning creative, strategist, and author. She is also a founding member of Women of SexTech. They talk about creating a safe space in healthcare for marginalized groups.
- [00:39] Introducing Arielle Egozi
- [04:45] Feeling Judged from Healthcare Practitioners
- [10:05] Creating Safe Spaces for All Patients
- [18:52] What is Sex Tech?
- [24:17] What Arielle Would Change About Healthcare
Judgment and Medical Gaslighting
Arielle recalls an experience with her gynecologist. The physician asked about her sexual history, to which she responded by saying that she was not sexually active. Despite Arielle’s honesty, her gynecologist kept on prodding her because she was unconvinced. Arielle felt as if her doctor had made certain assumptions about her which left her feeling ashamed. Instead of discrediting them, healthcare professionals should be empathetic to their patients because they are being vulnerable.
Why Healthcare Should Be a Safe Space for Everyone
Physicians are putting patients at risk when they project their biases and beliefs onto them. Marginalized groups such as sex workers, LGBTQIA+, African Americans, and others may refuse proper treatment because they feel judged by healthcare practitioners. When we can make space for all kinds of people, everybody wins. Every patient deserves to be authentically who they are in the healthcare system. Physicians can become more culturally competent by being open to feedback and being compassionately curious about their patients.
The Emerging Sex Tech Industry
Sex Tech is a burgeoning field that seeks to educate and utilize sexual wellness. There are numerous applications ranging from sex toys, creative media, to AI and chatbots. What all of these have in common is that sex tech aims to understand pleasure not just for cisgender men, but for everyone. It seeks to destigmatize sexual experiences and promote diversity and inclusivity through new technology.
You can reach Arielle Egozi through her LinkedIn or Instagram. Check out her website for details about her upcoming book.
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