About Me

In the image, a red clitoris holds a white cane for the blind while standing under a banner that reads 'Blind & Proud!' In the background, there are other diverse clitorises, some with canes of their own.
I am a leading Sexual Health Educator, Researcher, and Consultant with a focus on the blind community. As a blind queer mother navigating multiple disabilities and chronic illnesses, my personal experiences enrich and shape my professional expertise, influencing both my coaching and consultancy work.

Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about advocating to ensure comprehensive and inclusive sexual health information and services for everyone. In more recent years, my dedication has evolved to ensuring that sex education is not only comprehensive and inclusive but also accessible to all. This dedication stems from a blend of personal, academic, and professional experiences. Central to my mission is the promotion of consent, which is intertwined with blind positivity, sex-positivity, and principles of disability justice.
Laura Millar, a white woman, is seen in a dark blue dress and a name badge. She stands behind a table displaying various tactile models of reproductive anatomy, and resources sharing sexual health information. A poster in the background reads, 'feeling sexy'

Early Background

Growing up in East Africa with parents in the medical field, I was exposed to many different cultures and innovative public health programs, each leaving an indelible mark on my worldview. In Eritrea, I learned about the cultural practices of female genital mutilation and it was there that I realized the importance of combining cultural humility with harm reduction methods.

In Kenya and Uganda, I witnessed the overwhelming impact of HIV and AIDS; however, I was inspired by advances in public health and the resilience of families and communities to thrive against seemingly insurmountable odds. My visit to an organization in Mozambique, which rehabilitated child soldiers using transformative and restorative justice, was especially life changing.

These experiences shaped my worldview and inspired my decision to pursue higher education in the field of public health and human sexuality.

Personal Journey Towards Blind & Sex Positivity

A graphic with a purple background featuring a silhouette, white line drawing of a half of a person's face with long flowing hair on the left side. A diagonal dotted white line runs from the bottom left to the top right. On the right side, there is text in white capital letters that reads '#METOO', slightly tilted to the right. Illustration 117618682 © Sommersby | Dreamstime.com

Adopting a blind and sex positive framework has been invaluable in reshaping my perception of both disability and sexuality. It has empowered me to challenge societal norms, break down barriers, and promote a holistic understanding of human relationships.

Through my advocacy work, I’ve witnessed the profound impact of combining these two powerful narratives, creating a space where individuals can embrace their identities, pursue pleasure without shame, and foster an inclusive and respectful approach to intimacy.

This ongoing journey has not only enriched my own life but has also allowed me to contribute to a more compassionate and enlightened society for everyone.

Throughout my formative years, I was often confronted with mixed messages about sexuality. Experiencing sexual abuse further complicated this narrative, yet it became a defining moment that ignited my passion for understanding sexuality and creating consent culture.

My diagnosis with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) in my early 20’s, resulted in being declared “legally blind”, sent me spiraling into a phase of denial and wrestling with internalized ableism.

This period also marked the start of my journey into the field of public health and human sexuality. As I navigated this path, I embarked on a personal quest for sexual healing and worked hard to embrace my sexuality and find my authentic voice amidst societal pressures.

When I was introduced to community members from the National Federation of the Blind and their uplifting motto, “You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back”, my life changed forever.I recognized the opportunity to blend their philosophy of blind positivity with messages of consent and sex positivity. This realization marked a defining moment in both my personal and professional journey.
photograph of Laura Millar walking with her dog guide in the San Francisco Pride Parade, leading the lighthouse contingent, holding a sign in the air that says ‘Blind & Proud.’

Values & Vision

Central to my work and personal philosophy are values deeply rooted in the pursuit of an inclusive, sex-positive world. I dream of a society where the intersection of blindness and sexuality is embraced and celebrated. Committed to empowerment, accessibility, and inclusivity, I strive to ensure everyone has the opportunity to fully engage with their sexuality. By fostering an environment that prioritizes consent and disability justice, my mission is to create spaces where every individual, regardless of their abilities, can lead a pleasurable, fulfilling and self-directed sexual life.
the cross-disability contingent at the Women’s March in Oakland. They are a diverse group of individuals holding a banner that reads 'The American Dream Must Be Accessible.'

Educational Accomplishments

I earned my Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH) at San Francisco State University, graduating with distinction. My deep commitment to sexual health inspired me to pursue another Master’s degree in Human Sexuality. Along with my designations as a Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) and a Certified Sex Educator, this academic grounding has provided me with a solid framework to promote comprehensive sexual health education and services.

Beyond academia, I’ve successfully undertaken courses in Consent for Leadership and am currently making strides in a nonprofit management certification program at California State East Bay. My journey has been enriched through the invaluable mentorship and practical training provided by distinguished advocates for disability rights and disability justice. This privilege has significantly enhanced my perspective and approach.

Community Engagement

My dedication to the blind community is deeply personal. It was within this community that I first received empowering messages about blindness, gaining insight into the essential skills and mindset that I needed.

This experience highlighted the transformative power of community for me. The sense of belonging, understanding, and growth I found was invaluable. That’s why I’m so passionate about giving back and fostering community — I want others to benefit in the same profound way I did.

I’m proud to serve on the board of the National Federation of the Blind San Francisco Affiliate Chapter, co-founded the Colorado Center for the Blind’s Alumni Association, the Bay Area Blind Community, and the Blind Sexuality Access Network.

These initiatives underscore my belief in the immense potential of community: a place where we celebrate its essence, tap into its transformative power, and envision a community that doesn’t just survive but flourishes.