Why Lisa Ling Wants You to Talk About Sex

The CNN host has conflicted feelings about it, but she's ready to open up.

September 19, 2017 5:00 am
Lisa Ling attends the 12th annual Unforgettable Gala at Park Plaza on December 7, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Tibrina Hobson/WireImage)
Lisa Ling attends the 12th annual Unforgettable Gala at Park Plaza on December 7, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Tibrina Hobson/WireImage)

Accomplished CNN host Lisa Ling can sum up her feelings about sex in one word: Ashamed.

In a new essay for Elle, Ling elaborates on the inspiration for her new digital series This is Sex, recounting how her family and culture made talking about sex near-impossible, which led to “risky behavior” throughout her life.

“Let’s put it this way, it took me a long time to be able to have the lights on during intimate moments,” Ling writes. She continues: “I haven’t always been responsible about condom or birth control use, so I’ve left myself open on numerous occasions to unwanted pregnancies and STDs.”

Ling notes that her personal experiences helped inspire the new series, which investigates the taboos surrounding sex and sexuality, including how it’s been stigmatized, policed and politicized.

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