Quickie with Rica Cruz and Trish Bautista
Meet the Duo Behind Unprude: Rica and Trish
Unprude is a sex therapy app created with a clear mission: to help everyone embrace their sexual self on their own terms. We caught up with sexologist Dr. Rica Cruz and creative strategist Trish to talk about, you guessed it- pleasure.
What's on your bedside table?
Rica: A book, my phone, and my rosary.
Trish: The issue is I don't have a bedside table...
What's the perfect date?
Rica: It is imperative for Pez and I to go on a 3-day sex vacation every year. And for me, each time is perfect.
Trish: One where we both feel seen. Also, one where I don't have to pay. Kidding! Unless?
What's your top tip on becoming more confident?
Rica: Don't give a f*ok. But enjoy your f*ok.
Trish: Recognize that we are all unique, and we each have something special to bring to the table. Each of us is a one-of-a-kind combination of experiences, traits, perspectives—isn't that so cool? Embrace it, and let it be your power.
What gives you pleasure?
Rica: At the moment, given that everything else in my life is well and good?
Money. Money gives me pleasure.
Trish: Expressions of creativity! From myself, or seeing others express themselves creatively. Writing, art, music, film, humor. Also, a solid karaoke night.
Best sex tip you received?
Rica: No one ever gave me one!
Trish: His tip. Kidding! Best sex tip I learned through experience is to stay in the moment. When I let go of concerns about how I appear or sound, I create space for deeper connection. It is not really about "perfecting" sex but about having the kind of sex that is perfect for you in that moment.
Worst sex advice you received?
Rica: When I started talking about sex publicly almost a decade ago, a person messaged me and said that I should have more sex like them because I may know sex by theory, but they know it by experience. Say, what, again!?
Trish: To keep feelings and sex separate. I understand what people mean when they say that (get on the same page with your partner about your expectations!). But to operate under such hesitation and guardedness does not sound to me like good sex. Whether you're in a serious relationship with your sexual partner or not, good sex involves care and vulnerability. I mean, hello, you're literally naked and defenseless. I think it is in these shared moments of vulnerability that we truly see our humanity, making sex a profound thing, whether in a casual or committed arrangement.
How do you prioritize pleasure?
Rica: By knowing that | deserve it.
Trish: By recognizing that pleasure isn't frivolous. It's not a luxury; not this silly little, indulgent little thing. It is essential for our wellbeing, and there is nothing wrong with it.
How do you own your sexual power?
Rica: I own my power by having a deep understanding of who I am, what I'm capable of, and who I see myself to be. Everything I do, who I am, and what I've achieved is a product of owning my sexual power.
Trish: By recognizing that we are all freaks. You, me, that person on the street.Everyone. In our own cute little human ways.
What sex or relationship advice would you give your younger self?
Rica: Oh... you'll get through it!
Trish: Stop faking it, silly.
