Published by Communications and Public Affairs (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338
News Release
June 06, 2001
"Challenging assumptions" theme of annual sex conference
The 23rd annual Guelph Conference and Training Institute on Sexuality runs June 11 to 20 at the University of Guelph. This year’s theme is “Challenging Assumptions: Values and Diversity in Sexual Health.” Talks and workshops will explore topics such as sexual health and Canadian youth, when diversity is labelled deviance, and voices of diverse relationships. The event will bring together more than 400 sexual health professionals, educators and researchers.
The “open” portion of the conference runs June 19 to 20 and includes more than 35 concurrent sessions. The conference is open only to registrants and the media. Media passes may be arranged in advance. A media registration desk will be set up on the ground floor of the Thornbrough Building.
Program highlights:
Monday, June 18, 8 p.m.
- "When Diversity Is Labelled Deviance: Insights From The Study of Sex Addictions, Pornography and Other Topics that Make The News.”
Keynote address will challenge assumptions and take a provocative look at the mix of evidence and opinion that influences how and why we label sexual behaviours as “normal/abnormal” or “safe/harmful.”
Tuesday, June 19
Morning concurrent sessions, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- “Humour, Honesty and Sex: How to Teach Grown-up Sex Without Scaring People.”
Using humour and frankness, this session will introduce techniques to raise issues and respond to questions of an explicit sexual nature. - “The Business of Sex: Selling Safer Sex to the Commercial Sex Industry.”
A profile of three interventions designed to establish links with sex-trade workers, assess their sexual health needs, and facilitate access to services and decrease risk behaviours. - “Integrated Sexual Health, Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention in Secondary Schools.”
A model for delivering collaborative school-based service. - “Assessment and Management of Sex Offenders.”
An exploration of how we look at sex, including criminal and non-criminal sado-masochism, pornography and fetishisms.
Afternoon concurrent sessions, 2 to 5 p.m.
- “Working With the Faith Communities: Embracing Religion and Spirituality in Sexual Health Education.”
A glimpse of the diverse views, understandings and expressions of sexuality and spirituality among faith communities. - “Affairs: More Truths and Consequences.”
The latest research about the types of affairs, motivations for pursuing affairs, and the impact of affairs on relationships. - “Integrating an Anti-Oppression Framework in Sexual Health Education and Counselling.”
How to assist and develop further awareness and acceptance of diversity, increase self-awareness and provide a framework of cultural competency.
Wednesday, June 20
Plenary Address, 9 a.m.
- “Sexual Health and Canadian Youth: How Do We Measure Up?”
Birth and sexually transmitted disease rates among Canadian youth are lower than in some countries, but how do the sexual practices of Canadian youth compare with those in other countries?
Morning concurrent sessions, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- “Homophobia in Schools: A Youth-Driven Response.”
Profile of a youth-driven education program that lives up to its mission to tackle diversity. - “Everything You Wanted to Know About Sex After Brain Injury But Were Afraid to Ask.”
An overview of the sequelae of brain injury and how these can bring about changes in sexual function and intimacy. - “What’s in Your Head Vs. What’s in Your Pants.”
A challenge and discussion of gender norms in our lives and in our work. - “Why (Some) Gay Men Are Still Having Unsafe Sex.”
An examination of the range of issues, emotional snares and tensions that undermine consistent safer sex practice.
Afternoon concurrent sessions, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
- “What We Don’t Tell Boys About Sex and Their Bodies.”
A discussion of the issues often left out of sex education classes that boys find confusing and most want to know. - “What We Don’t Tell Girls: Plumbing and Pleasure.”
An interactive workshop that explores the barriers to teaching girls about sexual pleasure and the body’s functions and capabilities. - “Little Black Book.”
Eight young women discuss the guide they wrote about healthy sexuality. - “Sexual Awakening: Women as Lovers, Partners, Mothers, Daughters, Sisters and Friends.”
An exploration of intimacy, jealousy, self-acceptance, love and compassion. - “Tantra: Sex That’s More Physical.”
An introduction to Tantra, an ancient art of sacred sex, its principles and practices.
For more details and a full program of events, contact
Lori Bona Hunt, media relations officer,
(519) 824-4120, Ext. 3338.
