Sex therapist Jessa Zimmerman interviews Mandy Salley of the Woodhull Foundation about sexual freedom as a human right rooted in bodily autonomy and the ability to say yes or no. Mandy shares how peer sex education in college, graduate training in social work and human sexuality, and years volunteering with Woodhull led to her advocacy work blending sexuality, policy, and activism. They discuss how shame-based sex education limits curiosity and knowledge, and how free speech and online censorship affect sexual health information. Mandy outlines Woodhull’s current policy work, including opposing a proposed South Carolina abortion ban, Colorado’s trans bathroom ban, and state age-verification laws that threaten privacy and data security. She also notes concerns about intersex medical interventions and gender-affirming care bans. The episode ends with practical ways to get involved locally and how to find Woodhull’s resources.
00:00 Show Intro
00:56 Meet Mandy Sally
01:52 Her Path to Woodhull
06:17 Sex Ed Gaps and Shame
09:50 Defining Sexual Freedom
11:06 Censorship and Algo Speak
13:12 Quick Quiz Break
13:39 US vs Global Perspectives
17:02 Woodhull Policy Priorities
18:20 Age Verification and Privacy
22:46 Intersex and Care Bans
23:51 How to Get Involved
26:42 Find Woodhull Resources
28:55 Closing and Credits
Take my quizzes at https://www.desirediscrepancy.com
Bio:
Mandy Salley brings her passion for social justice and love for humanity to the Woodhull Freedom Foundation as its Chief Operations Officer (COO). Since 2014 when she first served as a volunteer coordinator, Mandy plays an integral role at Woodhull, now managing its day-to-day operations and community efforts – from its Human Rights Commissions to the monthly Censorship of Sexual Freedom Series. Mandy is also a licensed Social Worker and has experience in inpatient hospitals, geriatric day programs, and rape crises. She is based in Brooklyn, NY.
www.woodhullfoundation.org