To quote the hip-hop trio, Salt ‘n’ Pepa, “let’s talk about sex,” shall we?
On Wednesday, BET’s Rap-It-Up Black College Tour will be stopping in New Orleans to usher in an open conversation about relationships, sex, sexually transmitted diseases/sexually transmitted infections (STDs/STIs), and more. Since 1998, the Rap-It-Up initiative to educate young people about sexual health has been a staple of BET’s efforts to support the African-American community.
In light of the tour passing through New Orleans this week, we spoke with panelist Shannon Boodram. A Canadian TV/YouTube personality and author known for holding the title of “sex expert,” Boodram took the time to talk to us a bit about her work and the tour’s mission.

According to recent reports, the Centers for Disease Control ranks Baton Rouge second among major U.S metro areas for new HIV cases per 100,000 persons, New Orleans following the capital city ranking third. Even further, according to the Baton Rouge AIDS Society, while African-Americans make up only 12% of the U.S population, they make up 45% of all U.S AIDS cases.
Shannon Boodram says that when it comes down to changing these statistics, it’s all about the individual.
“The only thing you can really do is get tested and get protection. It’s an individual thing. There also has to be more opportunities for getting tested and more information on it,” Boodram said. “The BET Rap-It-Up event or other HIV awareness campaigns that bring this to people’s minds makes a difference, but it’s the individual who makes that change for themselves by really looking at their own personal health.”
While there are also many organizations in the state doing great work for community members living with HIV/AIDS, it’s no secret that, even in 2014, many people still find it taboo to have honest discussions about sex, STDs/STIs, and how to prevent them.
Unfortunately, those open discussions about safe sex and preventing STDs that are barely happening anyway, are even less likely to reach African-Americans who are often the hardest hit by HIV, genital herpes, and other infections.
“I personally think that there is no group that needs more positive, honest, non-preachy, informational discussions than the African-American community,” added Boodram. “I’m really grateful to be able to go around and to be able to be a myth buster…The major thing that I’ve realized is how many myths there are that people take as common fact.”
In regards to the BET Rap-It-Up event in New Orleans, Shannon adds that it’s a can’t-miss event saying, “It’s a fun time, it really does feel like close friends having a discussion and you get to be a part of that circle. I guarantee you’ll find someone or something to really connect with.”
Click here for more information on BET’s Rap-It-Up Black College Tour which will be stopping in New Orleans on Wednesday, September 24 at New Orelans KIPP Renaissance High School.
For more HIV/AIDS resources and organizations in Louisiana, click here. 
Check out more of Shannon T. Boodram’s work here including her book “LAID.” 

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