Twanna A. Hines

Philosophy

Sex is not inherently wrong, slutty or vulgar. That’s why I promote judgment-free, inclusive sex education and healthy interpersonal relationships.

FUNKY BROWN CHICK® is my online creative portfolio. I started writing publicly about sex in 2005. I’d ditched a safe, stable life in my native Illinois’ bosom to leap into the big unknown called New York City. I took a risk. I jumped. And, I landed right on my ass. Mice in my Manhattan apartment. Dates with a guy who “showed” me he doesn’t wear underwear. Unemployment. A rendezvous with a man who told me he wanted to piss in my mouth. I needed a place to vent.

Soon, a publication that has since gone out of print, Nerve, asked me to pen a dating column. I was an experienced sex educator and advocate, but I was still awestricken: People get paid to write?! (Remember: I’m from rural Illinois.) I accepted their offer. In the years since, I’ve appeared on CNN, NPR, Sirius and other outlets around the globe, and I’ve been quoted by The New York Times. I’ve written for The Guardian, New York Press, TimeOut New York, Huffington Post, Fast Company magazine and others. (See: bio.)

When I’m not on TV, radio, or in bylines, I provide progressive causes with strategic communications consulting to help them scale awareness, change audience behavior, generate funds, and grow audiences. In Twannaspeak, I basically just want to make the world a happier, healthier, and more peaceful place.

Currently, I live in fabulous Silver Spring, Maryland. Previously, I lived in Manhattan, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Amsterdam, The Hague and elsewhere. Regardless where future path(s) may lead, I will forever be grateful to New York City for gifting me with a bolder, more creative life.