Have you heard The Telepathy Tapes? This wildly popular podcast seems to present compelling evidence that non-speaking autistic people can communicate telepathically, but what’s really going on, and how might it be promoting potentially harmful practices? jmpurnell.substack.com/p/sex-lies-a...

Have you ever wanted to go to a sex positive event, but aren’t sure how to find them or what to expect when you get there? Check out my latest Substack post to learn more! open.substack.com/pub/jmpurnel...

I often find myself wishing there was an antidote to all of the garbage advice about dating geared at men. So I decided to roll up my sleeves and offer some advice myself. open.substack.com/pub/jmpurnel...

When most folks hear the word "consent," they often think it's mostly about some version of "getting permission". That is important, but it's also a bare minimum for relating. When we say "consent" we mean something much richer!

♾️💜

In my Sexuality and Society class last semester, we covered the topic of fantasy. Most people are fine with having fantasies and never acting them out. Your fantasies are fine, even if you’d never do it in real life!

Curious about how to navigate having a genuinely pleasurable sexual experience but not sure where to start? I share some insights and tips based on my years of experience as a sexuality professional! open.substack.com/pub/jmpurnel...

Pride Month commemorates the Stonewall Riots, which began in the early hours of 28 June 1969. Patrons of the Stonewall Inn, a mob-run, low rent gay bar in the West Village of Manhattan said, “Enough!” to Police raids. Prominent among the rioters were trans women, drag queens, dykes and sex workers.

These issues often get collapsed together, but it’s possible to both oppose trafficking and support rights for sex workers! ☂️❤️

The story of Adriana Smith and her medical autonomy and choice to give birth (or not) being taken from her is deeply disturbing, however is very much situated in the historical roots of anti-blackness and misogyny (misogynoir) in the medical field. open.substack.com/pub/jmpurnel...

My heart is broken by the decision to allow states to ban trans care for young people. However, I’ve lived long enough to see tides turn over and over, and this isn’t the end. Trans people are here, trans youth are loved. This regime can’t permanently change that, just throw up temporary obstacles.

So exciting to get a shout-out from @cuddlist.bsky.social! 😁

The loneliness epidemic has made the world feel smaller, but touch and connection can give a sense of belonging and being seen.

Detransition fear mongers often skip over this point.

Absolutely surreal to be in LA for a wedding today of all days. My family and I are gonna at least tune in for the livestream!

Not able to march with us tomorrow? Tune into the livestream! June 14th starting at 9:30am PST, hosted by Jessica Denson of Lights On. Everyone has a role in this fight: tinyurl.com/50501LiveStr... #lightson #iceoutofla #fiftyfiftyone #socal #losangeles #losangelesprotest #live

This looks awesome!

What am I up to the next few months, you ask?! It’s so exciting to be working with such awesome orgs and collaborators! If you’re interested in having me come to your org for a workshop or are looking for a keynote for your upcoming event, please reach out: julesmpurnell.com or linktr.ee/jmpurnell

Love Dr. Eli Sheff’s work!

What is the triadic model? Simply put, it’s when two professionals and a client collaborate on the client’s goals. This is broadly applied to touch therapy when a client’s “neck-up” therapy requires additional support from a touch pro.

Exciting announcement! I’m launching my new intimacy coaching practice and can’t wait to book new clients! Feeling adrift and like you could use some time to connect with your body? Hoping to overcome shame/anxiety related to touch? Check out my new website and book with me! julesintimacycoach.com

Next Week! Register for Understanding Non-Monogamies: ENM & Libido Differences. Great for therapists and educators or folks who are curious to understand more about the intersection of things like polyamory and asexuality. June 12th, 6:30-8pm EST Link: www.eventbrite.com/e/understand...

If you’ve been around me for longer than 45 minutes, you’ve probably heard me (very glibly) say “Agriculture was a mistake!” In this video I dig into the connection between agriculture and monogamy with a side quest into the roots of patriarchy: youtu.be/BpVcO9XNc14?...

🏔️🏔️🥧☕️🌲🌲

Reconnecting with the body is vital during times of high stress! Glad to see healing touch get a shout out ❤️‍🩹

Whether you know it or not, there’s a good chance someone you love is a sex worker or has performed erotic labor at some point. Each and every sex worker deserves to be safe and respected, no matter what kind of work they do.

Feeling disconnected from others, from your desire, and from touch? In this video, I talk skin hunger, the loneliness epidemic, and the power of touch! youtu.be/32ynX_zm6TU

Sex workers as community assets 🖤

Hosting the second VIRTUAL workshop Understanding Non-Monogamies on Thursday, June 12th! If you’re curious about the overlap between libido differences and ethical non-monogamy, this is a great opportunity to learn more! Check out our registration link for more info: bit.ly/UnderstandENM

Relationship status: “It’s complicated” — or why I’ve moved away (although not entirely) from Facebook and Instagram. open.substack.com/pub/jmpurnel...

My second Sexuality Mini-Lecture video! Here I borrow from my most recent essay to tease out the differences between Kink, Fetish, and BDSM: youtu.be/qEqQm-PwMdI?...

Current bedside shelfie.

I brought them donuts and they gave me Trans Pride roses, and that’s how our trans ass family celebrates Mother’s Day! This day feels hard but little rituals like this make it more fun. Shout out to all those who have a complicated relationship to this day, to motherhood, to all of it! 💐🏳️‍⚧️

Based on one of my students' anonymous questions, I explore the difference between kink, fetish, and BDSM! substack.com/@jmpurnell/p...

Go Emily!

Making sense of how we fall for con artists — and how to hold people close then they start to come to their senses: open.substack.com/pub/jmpurnel...

So excited to be presenting at the all-virtual Kink and Non-Monogamy conference, hosted by the NCSF and Kiss & Tell Magazine. My workshop, RASH, RACK, & RJ explores the ways BDSM/kink spaces can respond to harm using restorative practices. Check it out!  www.kissandtellmagazine.com/shop/confere...

Just released my first YouTube mini-lecture on the subject of Paraphilia! Where do our notions about sexual shame come from? Watch to learn more: youtu.be/gUJaE4lrvqc?...

Pro-tip: It’s that time of the semester where the only sensible thing to do is throw on a heavy industrial playlist, look your pile of grading dead in the eye, and LOCK IN. open.spotify.com/playlist/37i...

So proud to see such a big turnout! www.gazettenet.com/Protest-in-N...

Northampton Mass showed up! Easily 200 people in attendance. @indivisible.org

Today I’m just happy to live on the same planet that produced puffins. www.reddit.com/r/NatureIsFu...

“Joshua Croke… said they often hear people say ‘thankfully we’re in Massachusetts,’ when it comes to protections for the transgender community. But [this amendment is] ‘one of many warnings’ that these types of actions are happening here, too…” www.bostonglobe.com/2025/04/09/m...

What’s actually up with “kids these days”? open.substack.com/pub/jmpurnel...

In social justice circles, transformative justice is often treated like the holy grail, or like the sexier version of restorative justice. What’s wrong with this picture? open.substack.com/pub/jmpurnel...

I may be tired and a little hoarse, but as I said again and again on the Senate floor, this is a moment where we cannot afford to be silent, when we must speak up.

Exciting news from my front yard!

People are being disappeared everywhere. "More than 300 foreign students have had their student visas revoked in the three weeks 'Catch and Revoke' has been in operation, the official said"

School officials in Maine say they will not comply with a proposed agreement from President Trump’s administration that would bar transgender athletes from participating in girls’ sports.