Rebecca Alvarez grew up in a traditional Hispanic household where discussions about sexual pleasure were taboo. Sex was viewed as a means to create a family, with pleasure being associated mainly with men due to the “machismo” mentality prevalent in many Hispanic households. Alvarez, curious from a young age, realized that conversations about sex were not common in her family and most other Hispanic households. This realization drove her to pursue a career in sexual health and education, aiming to change the way the Hispanic community views sex, pleasure, and exploration.
Despite initial concerns from her family, Alvarez was determined to pursue her passion for sexual health. After experiencing sexual assault during her freshman year of college, she felt a lack of resources and tools to address what had happened, which further motivated her to focus on sexual wellness. She transferred to the University of California-Berkeley and pursued a master’s degree in human sexuality. In 2016, she founded Bloomi, a sexual education and intimacy brand that offers products, articles, and resources to help individuals explore their pleasure preferences and enhance their sexual lives.
Alvarez has observed shifts in the conversation around sex within the Hispanic community, noting a trend of “teaching up” where younger generations are more open to discussing sexual wellness with their elders. She believes that young people are seeking authentic and shame-free information about sex, challenging outdated narratives that perpetuate feelings of shame and guilt. By engaging in open and honest conversations with her own family members, Alvarez hopes to break cultural norms and promote a healthier approach to sexual wellness that benefits individuals of all ages.
Through her work as a sexologist and founder of Bloomi, Alvarez addresses common misconceptions about pleasure, shame, and intimacy within the Latino community. She encourages her clients to explore their desires and challenges them to prioritize their own sexual wellness amidst the demands and obligations of daily life. By helping individuals tap into their sexual desires and preferences, Alvarez aims to empower them to embrace pleasure as a natural and vital aspect of their identities.
Looking ahead, Alvarez hopes to continue advocating for sexual wellness and intimacy for all individuals, regardless of cultural background. She believes that the emergence of more sexual wellness brands and solutions reflects a growing demand for open and honest conversations about sex. By normalizing discussions about pleasure and desire, Alvarez aims to help people reclaim ownership of their sexual experiences and improve their overall quality of life and happiness. She sees her role in supporting individuals on their journey to self-discovery and empowerment as a rewarding and meaningful endeavor.
