Founder of sexual wellness platform Nak-Ed Courtney Devereux felt that growing up, finding advice online and in magazines for sex, sexuality, or mental health wasn’t necessarily relatable or accurate.
Devereux’s concern was that New Zealanders have no place to go media-wise that normalises sexual identity and wellness or that their experiences, like everyone else’s, are human.
And while many organisations and government bodies impart essential information, they often read like a medical brochure, taking away the ability to inspire and enjoy while consuming content.
With a background in media and communications, it was a natural fit for Devereux to create the online platform Nak-Ed, a play on the combination of words’ Naked’ and ‘Education’.
Courtney Devereux, founder of Nak-EdNak-Ed works as a partnership model, with key content partners like Family Planning aiding the creation of relevant, educational, and sometimes entertaining content.
Devereux emphasises that sexuality and mental health are two things that go hand in hand, which is why there is a growing need to support the diversity of mind, body and soul through proper inclusion and exploration.
“Issues with our sexuality can lead to mental health issues and visa versa, while those with a strong state of mind are usually more confident with who they are sexually and mentally.
Although we are aware mental health issues can form over time, and while sometimes sex and sexuality doesn’t play a role in any of it, they are still two strong aspects that makeup how we see the world”, says Devereux.
Topics Nak-Ed has recently covered include an investigation into the underfunding of Family Planning and the far-reaching implications on society, how period-tracking apps are selling sensitive personal data, and a sexual wellness guide for single women.
The platform explores sexual wellness fads like using Yoni Eggs and delves into the orgasm gap between genders.
Speaking of the recent 2020 launch of Nak-Ed, Devereux says “the feedback and support for Nak-Ed has been incredible. We’ve received submissions from people wanting to share their stories in case they may help others who are going through the same experience. Yet at the same time, this excitement is bittersweet. It makes me think of all the people that could have had more education surrounding ‘taboo’ conversations, had something like Nak-Ed launched years ago.”
Find out more at nak-ed.co.nz.
