Local sex educator’s new book dives in to women’s pleasure

Shanna Katz, M.Ed, aCS is no stranger to the Colorado LGBT community or the sex education playground.

As a local board-certified sexologist, public speaker, writer – Full disclosure: Katz is a contributor to Out Front Colorado – and a diligent blogger with an eager following of fans and readers, it is evident that when it comes to the topic of all things sex, Katz doesn’t shy away.

Her main goal: to normalize the way we talk and think about sex, she said.

“We still feel so much shame around sexuality, whether it’s being part of the LGBTQ community, masturbation, getting turned on, the way our genitals look; you name it. So many of us are taught sexual shame from such a young age,” Katz said.

Katz hopes to change these preconceived notions, beginning with her new book: Oral Sex That’ll Blow Her Mind: An Illustrated Guide to Giving Her Amazing Orgasms, published by Ulysses Press and slated for public release May 22.

This is Katz’s first full book and is the first in a contract with Ulysses Press on the hot-topic. What’s next? An upcoming book on lesbian sex positions, Katz said.

Katz said it was during her college years when she began to become more interested in the topic. “We focus so much on trying to teach abstinence and the prevention of pregnancy and STIs that we forget to talk about identities, pleasure, anatomy and many more important facets of sexuality, especially once people leave their high school sex ed classes,” Katz said.

Katz began to realize through her classes, workshops and interactions, that many people have the same questions and insecurities surrounding sex.

“Mainstream pornography, traditional media and even conversations with our friends and communities set us up to have unrealistic expectations of sex, and of what our partners want,” Katz said. “Everyone has genitals, and everyone has a mouth. This means that everyone can participate, in some way, shape or form, in oral sex, if they so choose.”

It quickly became apparent to Katz that people needed a resource on oral sex for women, with a gender neutral language that doesn’t assume that the giver is male.

“It was important to me to write about oral sex from a queer perspective, allowing partners of all orientations to get the info. It’s so important to communicate sexually with your partners, whether they are a one-night stand, or your long-term committed spouse. The better our communication in the bedroom, the stronger our relationships and interactions become.”

Katz’s book delves into the realm of female pleasure and cunnilingus, and acts as a resource for people with tips and techniques. The importance of this discussion, according to Katz, is because too many people shy away from really talking with their partners about oral sex.

The book acts as a guide to help the oral sex performers or givers, and creates certitude: “Confidence is incredibly sexy,” Katz said, and the difference can make or break your experience.

“Think about it; if someone is between your legs looking like a deer in the headlights, you might wonder if they are about to up and run. On the other hand, if they dive in like a pro, you’re going to be ready to lie back and experience what they have to offer.”