We’ll set the scene. It was a rainy Saturday afternoon; the Library Lounge fireplace was ablaze and our chamomile tea runneth over for an afternoon with Liv Little of gal-dem and the unstoppable sex educator, Ericka Hart. What took place was a riveting Q&A session with topics spanning mental health, sexual wellbeing and what it means to be queer, Black and femme today.
If you don’t already know Ericka Hart, she’s a force to be reckoned with; an activist, poly cancer-survivor, Instagram icon and sexual educator. With unique experience and self-taught knowledge, Ericka Hart teamed up with the gal-dem crew to lay down some truths and guide us with self-care and sexual empowerment gems, packaged with plenty of warmth and confidence.
We
loved having you talk at The Standard, London. Liv from gal-dem and yourself were
a dream to listen to. How did you spark such a great relationship with gal-dem?
I loved being there, so thank you for having me! I
think whenever two Black queer femmes are talking to each other, it’s
always pretty effortless and perfect. I also knew I would be speaking at
Anti-Diet riot festival, so I wanted to connect with some Black English folks,
and my team found gal-dem and it was just a match!
What
do you have planned for the rest of the year as far as activism goes?
Well, I am currently working on an Instagram
series curated by myself and partner, Ebony, for Black History month called
#ihartBlackhistory. Where every day of the month we or one of our friends talks
about an aspect of Black History. It’s been truly so beautiful and a labour of
love that it might spill over into March. Other than that, I am doing another
speaking tour beginning at the end of February through March. My activism lives
in my teaching.
What
hints and tips would you give our readers on self-care?
Self-care tips: masturbation – it’s free! – sleep, rest, giving yourself permission to do nothing,
leaning on your community.
What’s
the importance of sexual empowerment and owning your sexuality, no matter what
anyone may think?
The importance of owning your sexual empowerment is
that you are owning a piece of yourself. Your sexual empowerment is not
separate from you, it is a part of who you are. It's challenging to do that in
a world where everyone is not honoured for who they are. The work to constantly
move away from the world’s ideals and into your own is spiritual and sacred
work.
Finally,
how did you like London? What surprised you about this city and will we ever
see you again?
I freaking love, love London!
Ebony and I were talking last night about how we could move here! Should we? I
think what surprises me is that "tea time" really does happen. Issa
thing and I love it! And absolutely I will be back, and I’m staying at The
Standard!
