Pioneering Ebony poll promises breakthrough data on sexual behavior. Only - For Black Women age 21 and older

Ebony, April, 2004

SEX is an integral part of life. More to the point, it is the starting point of life. It is an important part of our being and existence, and it is, or should be, a fulfilling experience. For many women, and for many reasons, it is not.

In an effort to learn what is on the minds and in the hearts of Black women in regards to sex and their sexuality, EBONY is offering a ground-breaking survey to gauge the sexuality and sexual attitudes of African-American women. This study was designed and developed by EBONY and African-American specialists in association with Dr. Hope Ashby, a psychotherapist who specializes in women's sexuality issues. It was created in response to requests and queries from our readers and is addressed to African-American women age 21 and older. This survey is not intended for children and teens.

"Black women tend to have sexual issues and problems that fall under the radar of studies on women in general," says Dr. Ashby, who has a doctorate in counseling psychology from Columbia University and is based in New York City. "And many Black women don't realize that other women suffer from the same sex problems, that they are not alone in their lack of sexual fulfillment. What so many Black women don't know is that there is help for their particular problems. With this study we hope to provide some answers and let Sisters know that they are entitled to a fulfilling sex life."

All African-American women 21 years and older are asked to complete the questionnaire on the EBONY Web site: www.ebony.com. The results of the survey will be tabulated by a team supervised by marketing and research experts.

EBONY SURVEY ON SEXUAL BEHAVIOR OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN

THE confidential EBONY survey, which can be accessed on the EBONY Web site, www.ebony.com, contains detailed questions on the sexuality of African-American women.*

The survey and the questions are only addressed to African-American women 21 years of age and older.

There are 40 provocative questions dealing with sexual experiences, problems, preferences and the often neglected and sometimes unspoken desires of African-American women.

Among the questions are the following:

How satisfied are you with your sex life?

* Completely satisfied * Mostly satisfied * Somewhat satisfied * Somewhat dissatisfied * Mostly dissatisfied * Completely dissatisfied

The following statements summarize my views on the history of the sexuality of African-American women. Check all that apply.

* The sexuality of African-American women has been distorted by slavery and segregation.

* The sexuality of African-American women has been distorted by economic forces.

* The sexuality of African-American women has been distorted by negative media images.

* The sexuality of African-American women is a unique combination of endurance and triumph over oppression and cannot be defined by history alone.

Have you ever been sexually assaulted?

* Yes * No

Rate your first sexual experience.

* Very satisfying * Somewhat satisfying * Mostly dissatisfying * O.K.

The following statement expresses my views on the depiction of mature sexuality in the media.

* Movies, books and TV shows depicting mature sexuality should be available to mature adults at hours and in lock-out formats that exclude children and teenagers.

* Movies, books and TV shows depicting mature sexuality should not be circulated or sold if they violate community standards

Complete the provocative questionnaire on the sexuality of African-American women at www.ebony.com