Saying Farewell to a Legend -- Dr. Ruth Westheimer

I was so sad to hear of Dr. Ruth Westheimer‘s passing this weekend. She was such an inspiration to so many people in this world; especially to me. I was overjoyed by her encouragement for couples to be open with their desires and to dialogue about their needs and I strived to embody that same openness as I established myself as a world-renowned Clinical Sexologist. I was honored when several magazines began calling me “The Latina Dr. Ruth.”  I would often joke that I was taller and younger than Dr. Ruth and was honored to be compared to her. Dr. Ruth’s openness about sexual health inspired me to lectured throughout the US, Latin America, and even China to help men and women embrace their sensual divinity. I even dedicated one of my many books to her. Her courage to empower others despite the opposition she received on the topic of sexual health was beyond impressive. I recall a time, early in my career, when I was asked to do lecture  on sexual health by a popular car company to a group of Spanish adults they were trying to sell their luxury cars to. After 6-months of discussing my lecture and having it approved, the car company told me just before the curtains went up I wasn’t allowed to mention the word sex or intercourse. WTCrazy….As I stood onstage racking my brain for another word to indicate “sex” I remembered Dr. Ruth would use hand gestures of putting one hand in a fist and using the index finger of the other to imply sexual intercourse and so I shared that tidbit with the crowd. Till this day, thinking about that one gesture makes me chuckle and encourages me—as much as Dr. Ruth did. 

Dr. Ruth had a way of encouraging others. Her light will be greatly missed. I wish the best for her family and send my condolences. 

Sincerely, 

Dr. Charley Ferrer