Author

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

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
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September 23, 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
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August 26, 2022

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

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: Glamping
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Pleasure Practices
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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
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Pleasure Practices
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June 17, 2022

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

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: Grow something good, then eat it
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May 20, 2022

How to start a pleasure practice herb garden.

Pleasure Practices with Sami Schalk: Have a cathartic happy cry
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April 15, 2022

Feel-good TV shows that will help you reconnect to your humanness.

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: Learn something new!
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Pleasure Practices
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March 11, 2022

Books, TikToks, and vodka sauce.

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: Spread the love
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February 11, 2022

Giving more kinds of love in more kinds of ways.

Pleasure Practices with Sami Schalk: Back to basics
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January 28, 2022

Continue the practice of pleasure with a bacon bourbon BBQ sandwich.

Pleasure Practices with Sami Schalk: Taking pleasure at year’s end
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December 10, 2021

Celebrate being alive in all its joys and sorrows as we make way for a new year.