Ruth Westheimer

Dr. Ruth Westheimer (born 1928) is a German-American sex educator, therapist, and media personality who revolutionized public discourse around human sexuality in America. Born in Frankfurt, Germany, she is a Holocaust survivor who lost most of her family in the Nazi genocide. After immigrating to the United States, she earned a doctorate in family therapy and began her groundbreaking career in sexual education during an era when such topics were largely taboo in mainstream media. In 1980, her radio show Dr. Ruth on WYNY in New York became a sensation, as she candidly discussed sexual health, relationships, and intimacy with callers in a warm, non-judgmental manner. Her approachable style and direct answers to previously unspoken questions about sexuality made her a media phenomenon, leading to television appearances, bestselling books, and international recognition. Dr. Ruth became a trusted authority on sexual health education, helping normalize conversations about desire, pleasure, and reproductive health across American society. Despite her focus on adult topics, she maintained an educational, dignified approach that appealed to diverse audiences. Her legacy includes not only shifts in public attitudes toward sexual education but also her remarkable personal story of resilience and reinvention. Now in her nineties, Dr. Ruth remains active in media and advocacy, particularly around Holocaust remembrance and sexual health education.