Finding Freedom with Taylor

Taylor V. Smith, M.A. (she/they) is a testament to a rich and multifaceted identity. A native of St. Louis, MO, currently residing in the ​DMV.


Professionally, Taylor stands at the forefront of DE&I, championing its values not just as a profession but as a profound calling. ​Parallelly, as a sexologist & pleasure educator, Taylor seamlessly melds expertise in learning, education, and the art of community-​building. Such passion has manifested in notable presentations at Sex Down South, including the insightful 2023 workshop ​"Returning Home: A Conversation on Creating Your Sexual Home in Your Body After Major Life Changes." In the same year, Taylor ​also contributed her insights at Palo Alto University’s PAGES panel discussion on Sexual Health & Kink. Additionally, in 2023, ​Stockton University witnessed Taylor's expertise on topics of reimagining friendships and pleasure mapping.


Taylor's contribution to Afrosexology's "Intercourse" project illuminates the diverse sexual liberation journeys of Black individuals. ​Further, engagements with platforms like "Let's Talk Bruh" emphasize a deep exploration into Black masculinity and the overarching ​narratives of patriarchy within Black communities.


For Taylor, community learning spaces are sanctuaries. With a focus on inclusivity, there's a distinct emphasis on curating spaces ​for Black individuals, especially centering Black Women and Black Femmes. Such spaces are envisioned as realms of liberation, ​pleasure, joy, love, and healing. Taylor's work magnifies the importance of decolonizing Black and Queer bodies, especially within ​the spheres of nude & sensual expression. This mission is interwoven with efforts to diminish the STI stigma in historically ​marginalized communities, emphasizing the liberation found in sex and sensuality. Taylor's research pursuits, ranging from ​Historically Black Colleges and Universities to the nuances of other mothering and Black Women's sexuality, are approached with ​both depth and a touch of poetic precision. She received her B.A. in Graphic Design from Hampton University, M.A. in Education and ​Human Development from The George Washington University, & Sexology certification from the CESW & The American Board of ​Sexology.


Finding Freedom Experiences

  • 2023 Sex Down South conference presenter, “Returning Home: A Conversation on ​Creating Your Sexual Home in Your Body After Major Life Changes” Session
  • 2023 Black Feminist Future: Get Free, A Black Feminist Reunion conference presenter, ​“Let’s Slide: A Communal Exploration of Line Dancing & Intimacy”
  • 2023 Palo Alto University PAGES guest panelist on Sexual Health & Kink
  • Stockton University Women's History Month 2023 Guest Speaker and Workshop facilitator: ​"Romancing Your Life: Defining Friendships and Pleasure Mapping"
  • The Haux Hive (sex-positive community centering the safety and free expression of Black ​queer womxn, SWers and QTPOC) Community Operations Manager and Head Honey + ​Audience Care Specialist.
  • 2021 Sex Down South conference presenter, Invisible Ink Selfie, “It’s the Nudes for ​Me!” Workshop
  • Fall 2021 cohort Washington University in St. Louis' Knowledge is Pleasure Soul Circle ​LLC's "All About Love Reclaiming Black Women's Bodies" art & storytelling program.
  • “Inclusive Sex Coach Certification Program" through the Center of Empowered Sexual ​Wellness & The American Board of Sexology Summer 2022 Cohort.
  • Guest speaker on "Let's Talk Bruh, A Podcast on Black Masculinity." discussing protection ​and love for Black Women.
  • Guest panelist and facilitator on " Bwitch Please Podcast." discussing prioritizing pleasure ​and sexual health for Black Women and femmes.
  • Afrosexology's "Intercourse Project" participant.

The Artist

Multi-Creative

  • SHE:DC Women’s History Month Exhibit March 8, 2024 - March 29, 2024, La Cosecha, ​Washington, DC
    • Selected as an artist alongside 179 other women and non-binary for Shop Made DC’s ​SHE:DC Women’s History Month exhibit. One photography piece on display.
  • SEEN: A Love Letter to Black Queer & Trans Folx II, June 2, 2023 - June 30, 2023, Urb ​Arts Gallery, St. Louis, MO
    • Returning invited artist for St. Louis PRIDE exhibit curated by Kris Blackmon. Three ​photography pieces were displayed.
  • SEEN: A Love Letter to Black Queer & Trans Folx I, June 26, 2022 - July 29, 2023, Urb ​Arts Gallery, St. Louis, MO
    • Invited artist for St. Louis PRIDE exhibit curated by Kris Blackmon. Seven photography ​pieces were displayed.
  • The Finale: Senior Art Exhibit, April 1, 2013 - May 13, 2023, Hampton University, ​Hampton, VA
    • Graduating fine art students exhibit. Twelve pieces were displayed in the following ​media: charcoal, graphic design, photography, and printmaking.
  • Annual Conference on the Black Family, March 16, 2012 - Hampton University, ​Hampton, VA
    • One of six fine art students selected to display their printmaking prints based on the ​2012 theme, “Roots and Wings.”