Heal On Purpose Inc. conducts and supports research on the prevalence and impact of sexual trauma in the Black community, and on the intersection of kink identity, racialized experience, and affirming clinical practice. We recognize that the communities most affected by sexual stigma and systemic harm are also the most underrepresented in existing research. Our work exists to close that gap.
We understand that this topic can be difficult to engage with and are sensitive to the capacity of everyone. We respect that some may not have the bandwidth to lean into this content and send love and grace to those who cannot. To those who can, we send an enormous amount of gratitude. Without you we would not have the information needed to create relevant interventions, resources, and support.
THANK YOU.
Active Research Initiatives
Our Data Matters Survey
An ongoing community research initiative documenting the prevalence and impact of sexual trauma within the Black community. The survey is anonymous and open to anyone who identifies as Black.
Start date: September 14, 2023 Status: Ongoing Goal: 500 submissions
A preliminary report based on current data is available below.
Kink Identity, Therapeutic Practice, and Community-Informed Research
In 2025, Heal On Purpose Inc. founder Dr. Yulinda Renee Rahman published two peer-reviewed studies in the inaugural issue of the Journal of Kink and Community, the first peer-reviewed publication dedicated to kink practice, community knowledge, and clinical care.
The first study drew on responses from 100 participants across client, clinician, educator, and pro practitioner roles to examine community perceptions of Therapeutic BDSM and the Self-Reconciliation Therapy framework. Findings documented widespread recognition of the therapeutic potential of BDSM alongside clear community priorities around ethical facilitation, cultural nuance, and accessibility.
The second study examined Therapeutic BDSM specifically as a somatic tool for addressing sexual trauma in Black women, grounding the framework in the lived experiences and healing needs of a population central to Heal On Purpose’s mission.
Both studies are available open access through the Journal of Kink and Community.
Therapeutic BDSM and SRT: A Community-Informed Framework
Therapeutic BDSM as a Tool for Trauma Healing in Black Women
Heal On Purpose Inc. 