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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.

Sami's Latest Articles

Weird cute kawaii spring prairie scene featuring a smiling orange sun, a waffle rainbow, and a peanut butter bee. A cute inari sushi wearing a bear hat is screaming “CA-YOOOOT!” with love at the sun.

Pleasure Practices with Sami Schalk: Make it cute!

By Sami Schalk ● Pleasure Practices ● March 17, 2023 March 16, 2023

The value of embracing adorable things.

Dr. Sami Schalk is shown seated in a chair on a stage during a recent book tour. She is holding a microphone in one hand, and is smiling towards the camera as she wears a fluffy purple dress.

Pleasure Practices with Sami Schalk: Black joy

By Sami Schalk ● Pleasure Practices ● February 17, 2023 February 17, 2023

“We recognize that pleasure is an experience of freedom and also a measure of it.”

An illustration 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. Illustration by Rodney Lambright II.

Pleasure Practices with Sami Schalk: Spice up your life

By Sami Schalk ● Pleasure Practices ● January 20, 2023 January 19, 2023

In these winter doldrums, reach for a flavorful kick.

The author and her partner pose with a peacock made of lights at the Henry Vilas Zoo.

Pleasure Practices with Sami Schalk: Lean into lights

By Sami Schalk ● Pleasure Practices ● December 9, 2022 December 9, 2022

Embracing the comfy cozy glow of the holiday season.

Sami's partner, Jess, a masked white non-binary person with pink hair and a red checkered shirt with jeans holds Gravy Rae, a small black and white dog in a jean jacket along with two advent calendars, one with dog biscuits and one Dolly Parton-themed.

Pleasure Practices with Sami Schalk: Countdown calendars and daily delights

By Sami Schalk ● Pleasure Practices ● November 18, 2022 November 16, 2022

Many twists on an advent tradition, for you and those you love.

The author is shown posing in an apple orchard and wearing a red outfit with long billowy sleeves.

Pleasure Practices with Sami Schalk: Apple sitting

By Sami Schalk ● Pleasure Practices ● October 21, 2022 October 19, 2022

A leisurely fall trip to the orchard, plus a pie recipe.

A collage of two photos. On the left, a photo shows the author smiling and holding a backpack that resembles a stuffed unicorn, while sitting in a kayak with water in the background. The photo on the right shows the stuffed unicorn backpack from behind, seated in the front of the kayak, with the kayak's orange prow extending over the water.

Pleasure Practices with Sami Schalk: Embrace your inner child

By Sami Schalk ● Pleasure Practices ● September 23, 2022 September 21, 2022

Periwinkle Chiffon Sparkles and other profound sources of comfort.

In a detail from the cover of her 2022 album "Special," the artist Lizzo is shown posing in a sequined cap that covers her head and neck.

Pleasure Practices with Sami Schalk: Mood music and deep listens

By Sami Schalk ● Pleasure Practices ● August 26, 2022 August 24, 2022

Pleasure activism isn’t just about happiness—it’s about deeper feeling and fulfillment.

An illustration 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. Illustration by Rodney Lambright II.

Pleasure Practices with Sami Schalk: Glamping

By Sami Schalk ● Pleasure Practices ● July 15, 2022 July 15, 2022

The pleasure of safe and comfortable time outdoors with loved ones.

A custom-designed sticker for the author's birthday party shows a human butt, clad in purple underwear, emerging from a treasure chest. Sticker designed by Carlos of BloopMerch.

Pleasure Practices with Sami Schalk: Celebrating with intent

By Sami Schalk ● Pleasure Practices ● June 17, 2022 June 17, 2022

“If you bristle at the idea of celebrating yourself or others, take some time to think about why that is.”