ON SEXUAL LIBERATION
It’s safe to say that American society is within a new wave of feminism and female sexual liberation, and when it comes to this topic, Adina has no issue with discussing how she feels. As a sexually liberated woman herself, she empathizes with how sexual confidence benefits a woman’s overall well-being. “I feel it’s important because sexual confidence means a whole lot,” she begins as her voice becomes more passionate. “I can’t say it means everything, but it is a part of the self-esteem. If a woman can be sexually comfortable and confident, then to me it reflects in other areas of her life. She isn’t questioning her value or her worth. Every aspect of who we are makes up the whole. And that was important because you don’t have to feel inhibited or restraint.”
Throughout history, society has gone to great lengths to dampen female sexuality, discouraging many women from embracing and enjoying a natural component of themselves, but Adina believes a woman’s sexuality is for her to claim. “Sex isn’t just for men to enjoy. It’s for women, too. ‘Freak Like Me’ was successful because it just wasn’t about men being satisfied. It’s stating “as a woman I’m allowed to have sex and be satisfied by it.” It’s liberating,” she explains. “As women, we have to understand that it’s not about what society thinks, it’s about how you feel and how confident you are about your own sexuality”
WHY SHE LEFT THE INDUSTRY
It’s always baffling to the public when a popular artist is on top one day and then non-existent the next, and for Adina Howard her sudden drop from the spotlight was based on business deals gone sour. “I was committed to what I signed up for, but people on the other end were not doing their part and weren’t as committed,” she states. “They constantly wanted to use me up for their gain, and in the process I’m losing. I got to the point where I said I can’t do this and I will not do this because I am more than what they are telling me I’m worth. No one can tell you your worth, unless you believe it, and I knew they were telling a lie because of their actions and through paperwork.”
Fed up with one-sided treatment, Howard made her exit from the industry to pursue other interests outside of the music industry that would help her regain control over her life and her career. After going into prayer and being led into the culinary arts as a second calling, Adina attended Le Cordon Bleu and went on to receive an Associate’s Degree.
After utilizing her skills as a line cook for two years, Adina quickly realized that her talents would be better served elsewhere, and just like that the industry that once pushed her out was once again at her doorstep asking for her contributions once again.
Adina Howard Reflects On Changing The Face Of Sexual Liberation & New Projects 20 Years After “Freak Like Me” was originally published on blackdoctor.org
