Rebecca Alvarez grew up in a Hispanic household where discussing sexual pleasure was not a cultural norm. Sex was viewed as the act of creating a family, with pleasure being primarily for men due to the “machismo” mentality. However, Alvarez’s curiosity about sex led her to pursue a career in sexual health and establish Bloomi, a sexual education and intimacy brand. Through her work, she aims to change how the Hispanic community views sex, pleasure, and exploration.
Growing up, Alvarez’s family supported her pursuit of her passions, but they were hesitant when she chose sexual health as her career path. After experiencing sexual assault during her freshman year of college, she saw a lack of resources available to address what happened. This motivated her to focus on sexual health and the stigmas surrounding it, inspiring her to bring education and awareness to the community. She pursued a master’s degree in human sexuality and founded Bloomi, offering products and resources to help individuals broaden their views on sexual wellness.
Alvarez has observed a shift in how sex is viewed in the Hispanic community, with more conversations happening where information flows from younger generations to older ones. Young people are seeking authentic conversations about sex and want to break the stigma that surrounds discussing it openly. Alvarez has had honest conversations with her family members about sexual health, hoping to create a more open dialogue and make older generations feel comfortable with their own sexual wellness.
Despite progress, Alvarez continues to see antiquated ideas about sex in her work, including the belief that pleasure is shameful. She works with clients to identify their curiosity about pleasure topics and encourages them to pursue them to achieve greater satisfaction. She also challenges those who struggle to tap into their sexual desires to consider how nonsexual responsibilities in their lives may be impacting their libido. By addressing stress and prioritizing self-care, individuals can improve their relationships with intimacy and pleasure.
Looking towards the future, Alvarez hopes to see more people embrace their desires and own their intimacy preferences. She believes that brands like Bloomi can help individuals overcome shame and embarrassment related to sex and intimacy. By empowering people to reclaim pleasure as a vital part of themselves, Alvarez aims to improve their quality of life and overall happiness. Ultimately, she wants individuals to feel comfortable pursuing what brings them joy, whether that entails more or less intimacy in their lives. By embracing their desires, individuals can lead more fulfilling and authentic lives.
