“I certainly believe in the need for sexuality education, I do believe that it has to be taught based on scientifically validated data, and it has to be taught with some kind of humor,” shared Dr. Ruth. Dr. Ruth Westheimer led an extraordinary life. Losing both her parents in the Holocaust and forced to live in an orphanage, she eventually emigrated to the United States, where she rose to become an internationally-celebrated sex therapist, author, talk show host and professor. Working at Planned Parenthood in East Harlem, NYC, in the 60s, Westheimer trained professionals to be family planning counselors. She quickly realized there was a void in family and sex therapy. She once shared, “I knew that there is a lot of knowledge that is around but doesn’t get to young people.” WYNY-FM community manager Betty Elam was looking for a volunteer to help fill radio air time. “I thought she had the perfect voice to talk about these subjects because she sounded grandmotherly and had the perfect attitude,” Elam recalled. “She could say things and people would be shocked, but they wouldn’t be offended by it.” People certainly tuned in and her career took off. “Dr. Ruth took the shame out of sex, by emphasizing love and pleasure in its place, and she had that great giggle,” said Anka Radakovich, who wrote a groundbreaking sex column in Details magazine. “She influenced a whole new generation of women to pursue the field.” Thank you, Dr. Ruth.
Her work was a good example of navigating “sensitive” topics in a science based, honest and caring style … and fun; so much laughter! 🤭
She lived a long, productive life! Hail the traveller!
A true pioneer and she was also a reoccurring guest on Between the Lions teaching children how to sound words out ❤️
I have taught Thd Psychological Aspects of Human Sexuality at Georgian Court University and followed Dr Ruth’s approach bringing humor and openness to a subject that is overlooked by many universities. I have advocated introducing this class as a requirement for ALL graduate programs in Counseling, Psychology and Social Work.
Omg! I watched her for years. I loved her honesty and how she approached the subject of sex. She was so funny. May she rest in peace🙏
A pioneer!
I met Dr. Ruth once when she did a talk at UT in the '90s. She was as charming and delightful as you'd hope. ❤️
Dr. Ruth, What a revolutionary heartful woman & incredible communicator you’ve been ! Your sense of humor, your excellence, your therapy knowledge, those radio refreshing moments, what great memories. Thank you 🙏🏽
Passionate Supporter of Human Rights & Mental Health Initiatives | Cautiously Optimistic | Spreader of Kindness & Laughs | Semi-Cringeworthy Poet | Mediocre Chess Player
1moA true icon. I found myself tuning into her in high school and early twenties. Her kind way of approaching sex education was welcoming. Like many, I was at an age where I didn’t feel I could ask my parents certain questions. Dr. Ruth provided a safe place to do so and never presented sex as a bad or dirty topic, but rather a beautiful part of the human experience. You will be missed, Dr. Ruth. 🙌🏻