"Deaf U" star Alexa Paulay-Simmons gets candid about who she is (and always has been) as a sexual person, and how that's shaped her life—both on the inside through her choices and experiences, and on the outside with the tight-knit Deaf community and the show's global audience.
Alexa is a 24-year-old cisgender female. She describes herself as white, straight, monogamous, with a sporty body. She was featured in the Netflix series "Deaf U". At the time of this broadcast, she is dating fellow Deaf U cast member Braxton.
- Alexa shares her first memory of sexual pleasure and asking her mom questions at age 6 or 7.
- Alexa finally has good sex—with someone she can give instructions to.
- She talks about how it can be awkward to use your hands for dual purposes—talking and pleasing—during sex.
- Daddy issues: Alexa struggles with game-playing, distancing herself, and a lack of communication with her sexual partners. With self-awareness, she chose to develop healthier habits.
- Leah and Alexa discuss the conversation on Deaf U around the unintended pregnancy, and consent (especially around ejaculating inside a woman). Alexa talks about power imbalances and ignored communication in the relationship, and how his wants began to supersede her needs.
- Alexa's current relationship is full of communication and thereby trust.
- She shares how the Deaf community has responded to (and judged) her openness about sex.
- Her father is less than thrilled.
- Vaginismus is discussed; lubricant is your friend. (If it still hurts even with lube, it's a good idea to get it checked out.)
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Our American Sign Language interpreter for this episode is Courtney Farbman.
Update:
Since this episode was released, the podcast has concluded. Here's how you can find me now:
EPISODE CREDITS:
Host / Producer – Leah Carey (email)
Audio Editor – Gretchen Kilby
Administrative Support - Lara O'Connor, Maria Franco
Transcript creation – Jan Acielo
Music – Nazar Rybak