By Yepoka Yeebo
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
UNION SQUARE — Though he's fighting for park space with chess hustlers and street performers, Francisco Ramirez isn't trying to pull a fast one on anyone when it comes to offering free sex advice.
Ramirez, a public health consultant with a masters of public health from Columbia University, spends most weekends in Union Square or Washington Square Park doling out free sex therapy like a male Dr. Ruth, equipped with two wooden folding chairs and a sign that reads, "Free Advice from Francisco on Relationships, Sex and Dating."
"I, for whatever reason, love talking about sex," said Ramirez, 32, who works during the week for such organizations as the United Nations, Planned Parenthood and the NAACP.
"I love helping people feel comfortable about their choices, and navigating through really tricky situations," he added.
Ramirez said he regularly consults with doctors and lawyers about his street therapy sessions, to make sure everything is above board, and warns everyone who sits in his chair that he is not a licensed therapist. Still, Ramirez seems to have no trouble filling his chair.
"He looked like he had his sanity about him, he looked pretty professional with the sign," said Melissa Clayton, who spotted Ramirez while strolling through Union Square Park.
"I wondered if he was legitimate or someone who has a gimmick or something to sell," she added
Clayton soon warmed up and they chatted about whether she should date someone she felt wasn't up to snuff, career-wise.
Hasanna, 26, waited about 10 minutes to speak to Ramirez. She wanted some advice about a relationship.
"I'm at a point when I think I could use another opinion," she said as a line of people formed behind her. "I want to hear what he has to say and take it into consideration."
Ramirez said he draws from what he knows professionally, and from his vast experiences dating in New York.
"I don't have all the answers about my own personal life, [but] I think that's okay," Ramirez said. "It's important to be honest with ourselves that we don't have all the answers, and that it's really helpful and useful to talk openly about these things."
