We’re living in a time when Black women’s bodies are more visible than ever. The biggest music stars in the world are Black women and neither Rihanna or Beyoncé have any problem with exploring their sexuality in public. But their overt displays continue to raise questions about the consequences of these types of performances.

Audre Lorde explores this tension in “Uses of the Erotic: The Erotic as Power.” The essay can be found in the collection Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches. Which can be purchased here.

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Kimberly Foster is the founder and editor of For Harriet. Email or