Deputy Chairperson of the Sexual and Reproductive Justice Coalition of South Africa (SRJCZA), Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng chats to us about her book, A Guide to Sexual Health & Pleasure. By Kwanele Mathebula
Image: Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng IG
It’s always been my plan to write a book. I started doing research years before I considered writing it. This was because I knew that it would be a medical book, so my expertise as a doctor was key for it to succeed. Many people were receptive of what I had done on radio, television and print media as a sex doctor, and the book is an extension of that. So, when the managing director at Pan Macmillan wrote to me to discuss a potential book in 2018, it felt like it was the right time.
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The process of getting the book together was great. The support and care from my family, partner, editors and publisher made it possible to complete this project as fast as I did. My editor and I were constantly in communication, refining the work I was submitting. By the time we completed the book, we had become friends, and our families grew close. The final copy arrived on one of my busiest days on-set, and I rushed to Pan Macmillan just so I could touch and see it for the first time – it smelled so good. The team was amazing throughout. I had the freedom to write the way I wanted to and at my own pace, and they provided the support at all times.
Taking time out to write was a challenge. This was because I had to do it while travelling internationally which happened often last year. I found myself writing in airport lounges, in the Uber, on-set and using all the free time in between conference presentations and keynote addresses. Even if it was a few sentences at a time, in the end, it paid off because I never felt like I had big chunks of work that I needed to complete.
Conceptualising, sourcing, styling and directing the photoshoot for the book cover was a highlight. The most important thing after the content for me was the cover. I had a team of black women and queer people involved in the final version, and I could not be prouder of the vision. The final product is exquisite, and represents me quite well.
The book is for anyone who wants to have comprehensive sexual health information. This includes the anatomy, physiology of different bodily functions, medical conditions and discussions. It also has tips of ways to have safer and enjoyable sexual experiences. I also bring in my own experiences; what I wish I knew growing up, what my peers and I used to chat about and experiences with my patients at the clinic.
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I am excited about producing and hosting the second season of my TV show, Sex Talk with Dr T. The interest in the book has meant that I now have to plan more book tours in other regions such as Botswana and Kenya. I have also had to plan for trips to the US in cities such as New York, Atlanta and Washington D.C. I look forward to meeting readers and being present for #ThePleasureRevolution with #DrTSexBook.
