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Sami Schalk

Sami Schalk is an associate professor of Gender & Women’s Studies at University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is the author of Bodyminds Reimagined: (Dis)ability, Race, and Gender in Black Women’s Speculative Fiction (Duke University Press 2018). Schalk is a fat Black queer disabled pleasure activist who loves fashion, cursing, and writing.

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Sami's Latest Articles

An illustration by Rodney Lambright II shows the face of the column's author, Dr. Sami Schalk, smiling against a rainbow background. In the foreground are a sandwich, a cup holding a steaming hot beverage, and a stack of books on which the text "Pleasure Practices with Sami Schalk" appears. Two candles sit on top of the books.
Pleasure Practices with Sami Schalk: The pleasure of endings
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Pleasure Practices
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June 14, 2024

Celebrating what has passed, and looking forward to the future.

An illustration by Rodney Lambright II shows the face of the column's author, Dr. Sami Schalk, smiling against a rainbow background. In the foreground are a sandwich, a cup holding a steaming hot beverage, and a stack of books on which the text "Pleasure Practices with Sami Schalk" appears. Two candles sit on top of the books.
Pleasure Practices with Sami Schalk: Alone time
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Pleasure Practices
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April 12, 2024

Making time to just be.

An illustration by Rodney Lambright II shows the face of the column's author, Dr. Sami Schalk, smiling against a rainbow background. In the foreground are a sandwich, a cup holding a steaming hot beverage, and a stack of books on which the text "Pleasure Practices with Sami Schalk" appears. Two candles sit on top of the books.
Pleasure Practices with Sami Schalk: Pleasure in the wake of increasing global crises
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Pleasure Practices
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March 8, 2024

Leaning into simple pleasures to feel more alive.

Three photos of Sami Schalk modeling vivid outfits in a mirror. One is a pink dress with a wide black belt. A second is a dress printed with geometric patterns in shades of orange and brown. A third is blue, with a lavender-colored belt.
Pleasure Practices with Sami Schalk: Remix your closet
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Pleasure Practices
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February 9, 2024

Give yourself a little fashion challenge to become more ethical and responsible.

An illustration by Rodney Lambright II shows the face of the column's author, Dr. Sami Schalk, smiling against a rainbow background. In the foreground are a sandwich, a cup holding a steaming hot beverage, and a stack of books on which the text "Pleasure Practices with Sami Schalk" appears. Two candles sit on top of the books.
Pleasure Practices with Sami Schalk: Take a break
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Pleasure Practices
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January 19, 2024

Say no when you have to—and see you next month.

Two selfie photos of column writer Sami Schalk are paired side by side on a salmon-colored background. Schalk smiles in colorful pink- and purple-toned attire, drawing attention to her homemade earrings.
Pleasure Practices with Sami Schalk: Homemade gifts and crafting just cuz
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Pleasure Practices
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December 8, 2023

Lean into your creativity this gift-giving season.

A photograph captured at dusk shows a pretty yellow-orange swirl of colors blending into a dull blue-ish sky above a row of houses.
Pleasure Practices with Sami Schalk: Take in the sun
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Pleasure Practices
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November 10, 2023

Make the most of what little sun we have.

An illustration by Rodney Lambright II shows the face of the column's author, Dr. Sami Schalk, smiling against a rainbow background. In the foreground are a sandwich, a cup holding a steaming hot beverage, and a stack of books on which the text "Pleasure Practices with Sami Schalk" appears. Two candles sit on top of the books.
Pleasure Practices with Sami Schalk: Stick-to-your-ribs fall meals
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Pleasure Practices
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October 6, 2023

Fall is the time for warm, hearty meals.

Sami Schalk holds Mercury Stardust's hardcover book up against a lavender-colored wall.
Pleasure Practices with Sami Schalk: Make your space your own
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Pleasure Practices
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September 15, 2023

"You are worth the time it takes to learn a new skill."

Two photos show Sami Schalk standing against a door. On the left, she smiles at the camera while holding a bright red unicorn popsicle; on the right, Schalk's hand with the popsicle is centered at a close-up.
Pleasure Practices with Sami Schalk: Hot 4 popsicles
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Pleasure Practices
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August 11, 2023

Try a flavorful update on a nostalgic summer treat.