Laura Bogush
Cleveland, OH
It’s my passion to provide opportunities for women/vulva-havers to explore their sexuality, heal body shame, and maximize pleasure. I create a warm, supportive space for women/vulva-havers of all ages. I’m comfortable with all forms of sexual expression including, BDSM, swinging, polyamory, and LGBTQ. As for me, I’m kinky, plus-sized, and post-menopausal with a wide variety of experiences to support you in your journey.
Carlin invited me to join the Betty Dodson Foundation Board of Directors after Betty’s death. I’m a certified Bodysex Coach as well as editor-in-chief of Bodysex.com and BettyDodson.com. I support Bodysex educational classes, events, and workshops plus manage the Bodysex Coach Certification program.
I’ve followed Betty Dodson since reading Sex for One in 1992. My first Bodysex Workshop with Betty in 2016 set me on the path to finding self-love. Professionally, I spent 37 years in the field of education, from teaching first grade to Master’s level college courses for teachers seeking certification. I have a background in curriculum development. I love building WordPress websites and creating online courses. My “retirement” years are now dedicated to Bodysex.
When I look back at my life, all of my experiences and skills have led me to Bodysex and continuing Betty’s legacy. I am beyond grateful to be working with Carlin and the BAD Foundation. I am honored to help women experience more pleasure, heal shame, and find self-love through Bodysex.
My website: BodysexCleveland.com
My email: BodysexCLE@gmail.com
Read Articles by Laura
I Let the Orgasm Come to Me
I’ve always been orgasmic. My parents didn’t get the memo that I should be discouraged from touching my vulva as a child. I remember exploring my genitals as a preschooler. It felt good. When hormones brought me orgasms at puberty, I masturbated multiple times a day....
I Finally Gave Myself Permission
For many years, I didn’t even consider that I had preferences for anything. “Where do you want to go for lunch?” “Anywhere is fine with me” was always my pat response. I found a way to like – or maybe a better word is accept – most anything. I accommodated the...
My Arousal
I love feeling sexually aroused. My vulva feels warm and tingly. My breath and heartbeat quicken. My senses are alert.The sun shines brighter.Every aroma smells robust,My skin welcomes every touch.Foods taste delicious. I feel alive. Arousal isn’t a necessarily a...
Feeling Full and At Ease
I always think of a word to sum up a Bodysex Workshop. My word for May’s workshop is ease: “to be free from something that pains, disquiets, or burdens.” The day before the workshop, there were some bumps. Carlin’s flight was late which made getting the equipment to...
My Experience with Penetration
I remember penetrating myself with my fingers for the first time when I was 3 or 4 years old while taking a bath. “Mommy, I found a hole in my vulva and it’s not where my poop comes out.” “That’s your vagina,” my mother replied matter-of-factly. “It’s the place where...
Permission for Pleasure
I’ve always managed to find pleasure through mindfulness in everyday moments: The orange and deep pink in the sky and water during a sunset The calming sound of the water lapping at the shore. The lemony smell of the soap as I wash my hands The soft, warm feel of...
Anger Has a Purpose
I find my power when I’m angry I saw him enter the building, walking past signs that read: Do not enter. Private event for women only. “Get out! No!” I shouted as I propelled toward him, pushing him with the energy from my body. Now I imagine myself in that moment as...
My Menopause Story
I’ve been taking hormone replacement therapy for nearly 30 years. It’s improved my quality of life and physical health. I wouldn’t want to live without it. At age 37, my periods stopped abruptly. I would awaken at night, hot and drenched in sweat. These episodes...
Gut-Punched by the Dobbs Decision
I was a teenager in 1973 when Roe v. Wade was decided by the Supreme Court. The 70’s was a time when women gained so many basic rights – The right to own a home The right to have a credit card The right to work while pregnant Just to name a few. I was optimistic about...
I Didn’t Know I Was Good at Sex
For most of my life, I believed that I just wasn’t good at sex. I considered myself to be later bloomer with partner sex. I was 31 when I had intercourse for the first time. After about an hour of kissing and touching, we went to my bedroom. I was aroused and eager. I...
My Memories of Betty
“A sister needs our help,” said 87-year-old Betty as she crawled on all fours across the circle and sat next to me. It was my Bodysex certification workshop and we were practicing the breath of fire. To my horror, Betty put her hand on my stomach, my most-hated and...
Finding My Voice
Art by Betty DodsonFor most of my life, I didn’t feel comfortable speaking up for myself. I was raised to be a “good girl,” to be “seen and not heard”, to “stop crying or I’ll give you something to cry about.” My own thoughts, feelings, and wants were diminished,...