

Summer is upon us ladies and gentleman, and although I know you're probably in the gym working on your fitness in preparation for the upcoming months, don't forget to take a little time for yourself and focus on some TLC. And by that I mean television lying on the couch. If your Netflix queue is empty and you're looking for some new suggestions, xoNecole has you covered, sis.
Here's everything that's new and black AF on Netflix this May:
B*A*P*S - May 1
Amazon
B*A*P*S was an underrated cinematic masterpiece and possibly one of the greatest comedy films made in the 90's periodt. Don't @ me. When two ambitious waitresses from Decatur ditch their jobs and fly to Los Angeles to audition for a music video that could potentially fund their dreams of opening a hair salon/soul food restaurant, they meet an ominous stranger who offers them a lucrative deal that leads them to the estate of an elderly millionaire. Nesi (played by Halle Berry) and her best friend, Mickey (played by Natalie Desselle) find themselves in a whole new world filled with bidets and butlers and make an unlikely friend in the process.
Her Only Choice - May 1
Netflix
When a woman and her husband find out news that she is expecting after years of infertility, they are ecstatic; only to have that dream dashed in an instant upon discovering that she also has breast cancer. After losing her mother to the same fight years earlier, Tasha (played by Denise Boutte) must make a choice to fight for her life or sacrifice it to save her unborn child.
Knock Down The House - May 1
Netflix
While this is an extremely unpopular opinion, I believe that Donald Trump getting elected as president was one of the best things that has ever happened to our country and the Netflix original documentary, Knock Down The House is proof. Last year, we saw a historic number of women run for office and win, proving that the American people are angry, and these women are a part of the coalition that's fighting back. Featuring Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Cori Bush, this doc takes an in-depth look into the campaigns of four women who ran for Congress in the 2018 elections.
Tuca & Bertie - May 3
Created by the producer of Bojack Horseman, Tuca and Bertie is an adult animated comedy series that features a sensible songbird (played by Ali Wong) and a carefree toucan (played by Tiffany Haddish) who struggle to navigate their adult lives and find their identities as women (bird-women). The show, much like its predecessor, is a dark comedy but instead focuses on topics that millennial women face every day like career instability, harassment, and sexual frustration. You can binge watch these BFFs experience life after 30 this Friday.
Pose: Season 1 - May 10
Craig Blankenhorn/FX
The FX hit-series Pose is coming to a streaming platform near you, and now you can experience all of the glamour and drama these ladies of drag have to offer in HD. Set in the 1980s, this series follows the rise of NYC Ball Drag culture through the eyes of a group of transgender women fighting for space in a very intolerant world. The show was brought to life by creator of American Horror Story, Ryan Murphy, and will premiere for a second season this summer.
See You Yesterday - May 17
The Stefon Bristol-directed See You Yesterday is a next level sci-fi style film that tells the story of a brilliant young science prodigy named C.J. who loses her brother Calvin in a tragic police shooting. She and her best friend, Sebastian, develop a plan to invent homemade time travel backpacks in an attempt to alter history, and to their surprise, it works and sends them on a number of dangerous trips in the past.
Moonlight - May 21
David Bornfriend/Courtesy of A24 Films
Winner of the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2017, Moonlight is a heart-wrenching tale based on the semi-autobiographical play In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue by Tarell Alvin McCraney, and tells the story of Chiron, a young boy from Miami who struggles to navigate his sexuality while dealing with a drug-addicted mother and school bullies. This drama features Janelle Monae, Mahershala Ali, and Naomi Harris and was the first film with an all-black cast to win an Oscar.
Wanda Sykes: Not Normal - May 21
Netlix
Wanda Sykes has been a staple in the comedy world for decades, and now she finally has her own Netflix special. Tackling topics like racism, politics, and reality TV, as always Wanda holds nothing back in this hour-long standup show.
The Perfection - May 24
Netflix
When a cello prodigy reunites with her former mentors only to find that they have a new favorite student, all hell breaks loose and grossness ensues. This psychological thriller featuring Logan Browning is not for those with a weak stomach.
She's Gotta Have It: Season 2 - May 24
David Lee/Netflix
Nola Darling is back to give us all of the polyamorous drama we've missed so much of over the past two years. This 1986 Spike Lee remake took the internet by storm in 2017 when the series was released, and it was renewed for a second season last January. Last season ended with a mildly uncomfortable dinner party featuring a few of Nola's beaus at the same dinner party and a case of butt injections gone wrong, so I can only imagine what chaos will ensure May 24th.
When They See Us - May 31
Get your tissues and black power fists ready ladies and gentleman because this Netflix original limited series will make you want to take it to the streets and fight the man your damn self. Created and co-written by Ava Duverney, this show tells the story of five teens from Harlem who were wrongfully accused and convicted for a crime that they did not commit. The series paints an emotional portrait of what life was like for these men from the year 1989, when they were initially accused, all the way up until 2014 when all five men were exonerated.
Featured image by Getty Images.
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'Sistas' Star Skyh Black On The Power Of Hypnotherapy & Emotional Vulnerability For Men
In this insightful episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Sistas star Skyh Black, as he opened up about his journey of emotional growth, resilience, and self-discovery. The episode touches on emotional availability, self-worth, masculinity, and the importance of therapy in overcoming personal struggles.
Skyh Black on Emotional Availability & Love
On Emotional Availability & Vulnerability
“My wife and I wouldn't be where we are today if both of us weren't emotionally available,” he shared about his wife and Sistas co-star KJ Smith, highlighting the value of vulnerability and emotional openness in a relationship. His approach to masculinity stands in contrast to the traditional, stoic ideals. Skyh is not afraid to embrace softness as part of his emotional expression.
On Overcoming Self-Doubt & Worthiness Issues
Skyh reflected on the self-doubt and worthiness issues that he struggled with, especially early in his career. He opens up about his time in Los Angeles, living what he calls the “LA struggle story”—in a one-bedroom with three roommates—and being homeless three times over the span of 16 years. “I always had this self-sabotaging thought process,” Skyh said. “For me, I feel therapy is essential, period. I have a regular therapist and I go to a hypnotherapist.”
How Therapy Helped Him Heal From Self-Doubt
On Hypnotherapy & Empowering Self-Acceptance
Skyh’s journey is a testament to the power of tapping into self-development despite life’s struggles and being open to growth. “I had to submit to the fact that God was doing good in my life, and that I'm worthy of it. I had a worthiness issue and I did not realize that. So, that’s what the hypnotherapy did. It brought me back to the core. What is wrong so that I can fix it?”
Watch the full podcast episode below:
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Pack A Travel Case With These 12 Items For Amazing 'Summer Vacation Sex'
It’s kind of funny that while I’m literally in the process of writing this article, the Los Angeles Times published “How to get lucky on your family vacation” hours prior. LOL. Although this year marks a bit of a dip in the amount of Americans who plan on taking a summer vacation (because this administration ain’t making coin-keeping easy, y’all) — it’s still being reported that around 53 percent will do so in the name of rest, relaxation and spending quality time with their loved ones.
And for many, the loved ones category absolutely includes their bae. And if that is the case, that probably means that sex is somewhere on the menu.
Yep. I actually read one survey (that consisted of 2,000 people) that said folks tend to have twice as much sex while they are on vacation than they do when they’re at home. It makes sense too when you factor in that you have less to do (unless you’re traveling with those folks who act like you need an itinerary for every damn thing — and we all know one…SMDH), which makes you less stressed out, which makes it easier to feel sexy and to want to get sexual.
And so, in the spirit of that indeed being the case, I want to make sure that you carve out a corner of your suitcase or carry-on to include at least half of the following 12 things that are on this list — things that can help to make “summer vacation sex”…that much hotter, y’all.
1. Edible-Grade Sunscreen
It can’t be said enough that, no matter how melanated you may be, your skin needs sunscreen. Not only to protect yourself from the risk of skin cancer (which 1 in 5 Americans will get in their lifetime) but from premature aging that can come from sun damage too. That said, if the urge arises to have sex outside somewhere, I did find some edible-grade sunscreen, in case you’re either worried about what sex in the sun will do to your skin or how all of the chemicals in sunscreen will affect your (digestive) system. The company is called Sky & Sol and you can read up on them here.
2. Flavored Lip Balm
If you’ve ever wondered why your lips are so susceptible to being chapped, it’s because they don’t contain any oil glans to keep them moisturized. This is especially important to keep in mind when the weather is extremely cold or hot because that can do a real number on the sensitive skin that your lips are made out of. That’s why it’s essential to stay well-hydrated and to also keep some lip balm in tow. Lip balm is especially designed to moisturize your lips, reduce chapping, exfoliate, soothe irritation and protect your lips from UV damage. As a bonus, lip balm will also help to keep your lips super soft and kissable; especially if you get the flavored kind. #wink
3. Condoms
I’m still out here, literally shaking my damn head, that reportedly, only one-third of men and one-fourth of women use condoms (and even many of those folks don’t do it consistently). It can’t be said enough that if you’re not in a monogamous (married) or exclusive (dating) relationship where you both are getting regularly tested and are on some other form of birth control (unless you want to get pregnant) — you absolutely should be using condoms and, as a woman, you should not solely rely on your partner to have some that are ready and available.
Not just because you should be responsible for your body and health but because not all condoms are made equal, so you should bring along some that you prefer/enjoy. If you’d like a lil’ help picking those out, check out “These Are The Kinds Of Condoms Your Vagina Would Actually Prefer.”
4. Crotchless Swimsuit
Packing some sexy lingerie? I certainly hope that goes without saying. If you’ve got a hot tub around, though and you want to “get it in” without getting totally naked (so that nosey people won’t see every damn thing), you do know that there are some crotchless swimsuits out in these streets, right? An example of one is here. Of course, you can always do what Beyoncé said in “Drunk in Love” and just move ish over to the side but…I’m just giving you another creative option…if you wanted one.
5. Blindfolds
If you’d like to cultivate an atmosphere of mystery or anticipation, a simple blindfold will do the trick. There is another reason why I think they are great for summer vacation (sex) trips, though — if your hotel room doesn’t come with blackout curtains and you want to have a quickie or two without the room being so bright, putting on a blindfold can solve that “problem” too.
6. Waterproof Sex Toys
Who said that you have to wait until you get to your hotel room to engage in some foreplay? If you bring a couple of sex toys around, you can tease each other practically anywhere — and if they are waterproof, that includes in the ocean or pool. Some, you can pair up with your smartphone in order to stimulate your partner from just about anywhere. Whew, chile.
7. Homemade Sex Toys Too
Speaking of sex toys, you’d probably be amazed at how many things in your house can double up as one. A spatula or wooden spoon is great for spanking. A necktie, some tights and a pair of clothespins work well for BDSM (use your imagination, sis). An electronic toothbrush is its own vibrator. A string of (lubricated) pearls in between your thighs? Girrrl…GIRL. Oh, and cop a silicone ice tray that comes in different shapes.
When you are rubbing ice in the shape of fruit, flowers or even animals over each other’s bodies, you’ll be surprised by how the combination of the cold with the texture of the space of the ice will stimulate you (make the ice out of juice instead of water for an extra sweet treat!).
8. Portable Charger
I don’t know what took me so long to get a damn portable charger but it’s one of the best things that ever happened to me. What I personally purchased is the ANKER Zolo Power Bank, 20,000mAh 30W High-Speed Portable Charger. I can throw it in my purse, it charges fast, I can use more than once before needing to recharge it; plus, it complements most devices. A great thing to keep in mind, so that your sex toys don’t end up going out on you while you’re…wherever you are.
9. Massage Oil Candle
Going through security at the airport can be a HEADACHE. And while, how long it can take, oftentimes varies on the airport you’re at and the time you are traveling (you can read more about that here), the process is going to be especially annoying if they have to go through your bags. Since you can currently only pack a quarter-sized bag of liquid products on your carry-on, my two cents would be to leave the massage oil at home and pack a massage oil candle instead.
That way, you can still engage in some temperature play (check out “Hot Sex: 10 Super Sultry Reasons To Bring Wax Play Into Your Bedroom”) while you’re on the road without going through any security hassle hang-ups. Some edible massage oil candles are located right here.
10. Wine Cooler Sleeve
Say that you end up going on a wine tasting tour while you’re on vacation and you end up purchasing a bottle or you simply want to toast with some champagne but you’re not sure how to store the bottle. Did you know that there are wine cooler sleeves that are lightweight, portable and will help to keep your bottles cold without condensation for hours on end? A brand that comes highly recommended is here.
11. Rose Petals
I think there are a few reasons why rose petals are oftentimes used to create a sexy mood. Red symbolizes love and passion. Rose petals are soft to the touch. The scent of them is considered to be an aphrodisiac as well. For all of these reasons, bring along some fresh rose petals for your hotel bed. If you put a damp paper towel in something like a small Tupperware container and then place the rose petals inside of that, they won’t dry out quickly which will make them feel great once you’re ready to start rolling around in them (you can also keep them in your hotel room’s fridge to further extend their shelf life).
12. Mints
Morning sex. Outdoor sex. Whatever kind of sex — it’s always going to be better when your breath and his smell good. And just so you don’t have to lug around a big bottle of mouthwash, pack some mints. Altoids are always going to be my number one draft pick — yet go with whatever are your personal faves. They’re the perfect hack for unbelievable summer vacation sex. Wouldn’t you agree? Enjoy!
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