Plan to join us for a wonderful, relaxing, informative, fun-filled weekend of Sex and the Brain, beginning with the basics, Brain 101, and progressing through cutting-edge research on how genes, hormones, culture, and the nervous system affect and regulate sex and sexuality. Plenaries by internationally known neuroscience researchers and others are planned. The speakers scheduled include: Dick F. Swaab, MD, PhD, Director of the Netherlands Institute for Brain Research; Michael Bailey, PhD (Genetics and Human Sexuality); Barry Komisaruk, PhD; Beverly Whipple, PhD, RN (fMRI and Sexual Functioning); Kevin McKenna, PhD (Central and Peripheral Mechanisms of Erection); James W. Prescott, PhD; Eli Coleman, PhD; and John DeLamater, PhD.
Concurrent paper sessions on several topics related to sexuality and teaching human sexuality (including a free CD-ROM with PowerPoint presentations, clipart, etc.) will be interwoven and there will be special workshops including the anatomy and physiology of the human brain and the reproductive systems using human cadavers. You don't want to miss this wonderful and rare opportunity.
Six meals, refreshments, and the Saturday evening picnic and canoe trip are ALL included in the $180 early registration fee for SSSS members ($100 for student members plus student travel grants and outstanding paper awards). Hotel rooms are $77.76 (including taxes) per night. Participants are encouraged to bring their families and friends. A special program for partners/spouses, friends, and children is planned and includes free golf and tennis lessons, nature hike, and the FSU Animal Museum.
Still Accepting Proposals. We have allowed a few slots for late submissions; contact Charlene Muehlenhard, charlene@ku.edu
For more information see the Midcontinent Meeting Web site.
From the President
SSSS President, Milton Diamond
Advocate for Responsible Government Policy on Sexuality The Bush administration's policies are not just harmful to the individuals
they are supposed to protect. They fly in the face of knowledge available from
and contributed to by members of our professional society. There is no doubt
that the use of condoms reduces the likelihood of contracting an STD and there
is evidence that good sex education programs, including how to practice safe
sex, not only reduces the chance of infection but also significantly reduces
the chance for pregnancy and delays initiation into sexual intercourse. And,
perhaps most troubling, cutting off aid to international organizations that
help women control their fertility contributes to poverty and population pressures
that hinder world conditions. Keeping people ignorant and poor is not a way
to benefit the world. These sorts of things are reason enough to encourage everyone
to become politically active to increase the chance that government will listen
and respond to credible research. While sexologists don't have all the answers
to problems of sexual behavior, STD, and over population, we certainly have
enough to help shape government policy. There is an old Jewish expression that
says, "It is not incumbent upon you to complete the work, but neither are you
free to abstain from it." Write a letter, make a phone call, contribute some
time to back whatever cause you think is just.
In the news recently were several items that spark comment. Secretary of
State Colin Powel was criticized for advocating the use of condoms to reduce the
likelihood of contracting sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS in particular.
President Bush proposed additional moneys to finance abstinence-only educational
programs and he cut off funding for programs that might advocate or sponsor abortion.
Yes, I know such actions are popular with some but, to my mind, and the minds
of the majority, these are short sighted and dangerous policies. I'm ashamed to
have our country associated with these national themes. This is especially so,
since they seem to be flying in the face of proposals and recommendations made
only several months ago by Surgeon General David Satcher.
Professional Journal Submissions The best referees are like coaches. They are honest and doing their best to
make us better. Unfortunately, there occasionally are referees that have an
agenda different from that of good coaches. Fortunately -- unlike the Olympics
-- our field has many respectable journals and referees so one can always try
again. Our SSSS publication, the Journal of Sex Research, is a good place
to start. Just remember, if your manuscript doesn't earn you a gold medal, silver
or bronze are not bad either.
Most of you are by now familiar with the recent Olympic pair figure
skating scandal. The ratings were skewed so that, in a face-saving move, two gold
medal sets were eventually awarded rather than just one. One of the judges was
less than honest and it caused much hurt and damage to the integrity of the games
as well at to the individual's involved. The honor of judges is taken for granted;
and in a just world, it should be. Well, this turned my thinking to journal referees.
Indeed, they are supposed to be impartial judges and instead of medals, they allocate
journal space. The majority of reviewers do their best and contribute greatly
to science. If I receive back a review of an article I've submitted, and I think
it unfair, I grit my teeth, curse a little, and become depressed for a few days.
Then, when I calm down, I usually have to admit that responding to the reviewers'
comments will make my paper better. And I have to further state, I think attending
to the criticisms improves the quality of research.
SSSS Solicitation Drive Update
"... SSSS has received slightly more than $10,000 in contributions
from about 100 members. This response is wonderful!"
Several months ago, on behalf of the Society, I requested contributions to help our organization balance its books. To date SSSS has received slightly more than $10,000 in contributions from about 100 members. This response is wonderful! This means we have reached 25 percent of our goal by the contributions of just 12 per cent of our members. Those who have helped deserve hearty thanks from all members. Our solicitation drive is still on and we hope those who have been waiting for the right time to send in their contribution, will do so soon. The Future Task Force headed by Janet Hyde, the Financial Task Force chaired by Walter Bockting have been working hard along with the Society at finding ways to reduce costs and resolve past debts. There is definitely light at the end of this tunnel and it's not an oncoming train. Your contributions definitely help and are appreciated.
Valentine's Day and Sexual Diversity To you all, I wish the happiness that is associated with Valentine's Day.
Milton "Mickey" Diamond
As a last item, I would like to comment on Valentine's day. Here
at the University of Hawaii, as at many other schools, the students hold all sorts
of celebrations. This year, as every year, they had displays and booths teaching
about STDs, family planning, relationships, and counseling, and more. There were
booths for LGBT organizations, social and religious groups, and all sorts of school
related issues. There were booths discussing sex harassment and booths that promote
abstinence until marriage. Free condoms and leaflets supporting just about every
type of philanthropy imaginable were distributed. And there was a movement to
have the day co-labeled as "Vagina Day" in honor of the "Vagina Monologues" which
was being shown at one of the University theaters. Here was a true market place
of sexual ideas where the students could teach and learn, argue and debate, and
come out the better for it. Moreover, it was sanctioned by the University Administration
and paid for from student activity fees. Many faculty and staff participated in
one way or another. Secretary of State Colin Powel would have been right at home.
This is a far cry from the situation not so long ago when administrators and politicians
ran away from anything related to sex and would forbid such campus activities.
The present situation does my heart good. It will be most wonderful world when
all Universities can have their own Valentine's Day, where all facets of sexual
matters can be openly and freely discussed without unwarranted repercussions.
diamond@hawaii.edu
Society Updates
SSSS Seeks Nominations for Awards
Distinguished Scientific Achievement Award
This award was developed to honor a professional for outstanding
scientific contributions to the field of sexology, including such activities
as, educational programs, publishing research or developing new medical practices.
The award honors those whose careers reflect a continuing contribution to sexual
science. Nominees do not need to be members of The Society. To nominate an individual,
send the nominee's CV and a paragraph explaining why they should receive the
award to the Awards Committee Chair, Stephanie Sanders.
Distinguished Service to the Society Award
This award is presented to a member of The Society for outstanding
and extensive service to The Society. Examples of such service include, extensive
participation on committees, the holding of positions or offices, and the developing
of new local regions or chapters. Two letters of nomination by members of The
Society are required and should be sent to the Awards Committee Chair.
Public Service Award Stephania Sanders, PhD, Awards Nomination Chair
The Public Service Award is presented to individuals whose service
has had a major impact on The Society in general. Such service includes: outstanding
achievement or major impact in such arenas as public awareness of sexual issues,
political advocacy, professional practice by educators, therapists or health specialists
or public policy formation. Two letters of nomination by members of The Society
should be sent to:
c/o SSSS
PO BOX 416
Allentown, PA 18105
The Kinsey Award 2003
The Midcontinent Region of The Society for the Scientific Study
of Sexuality is currently seeking nominations for The Kinsey Award 2003. This
award recognizes scholars for outstanding efforts in research, education and
treatment in the field of human sexuality. Award recipients need not be members
of the Midcontinent Region. The Award is presented at the annual meeting of
the Midcontinent Region.
Send your candidate's name with a current CV by October 1, 2002 to:
Robert W. Hatfield, PhD, Kinsey Award Chair
University of Cincinnati
316 Dyer Hall
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0034
Fax: 513-556-2302 / Email: hatfierw@email.uc.edu
Fellows Program
The SSSS Fellows Program honors members of The Society who have
made unusual and outstanding contributions to the scientific study of sexuality.
Nominees must have been a SSSS member for three years, have five years of professional
experience in sexual science since earning their advanced degree, and must be
actively engaged in the advancement of the scientific study of sexuality. For
a list of application materials see the SSSS Web site (http://www.sexscience.org/) or contact the
office directly.
Are you interested in a joint venture in offering continuing
education on-line?
SSSS is seeking to potentially form relationships with professionals to offer
some of our continuing education on-line. If you are interested in pursuing
this opportunity further, please contact Sharon McNeely at mcneelys@execpc.com
WANTED: Exhibitors for Annual SSSS Meeting in Montreal
Do you know someone -- an organization, publisher, corporation, etc. --
who should be exhibiting at our annual meeting? If so, please forward contact
information to Sharon McNeely at mcneelys@execpc.com
WANTED: Sponsors and Advertisers for SSSS Annual Meeting
If you have any contacts or suggestions for sponsorship opportunities for
our Annual Meeting in Montreal, or advertisers for our preliminary and final
program, please contact David Fleming at thesociety@inetmail.att.net or call
610-530-2483.
SSSS Signs Letter to President Bush Opposing Abstinence-Only Funding
January 31, 2002
President George W. Bush
The White House
Washington, DC 20500
Dear President Bush:
The undersigned organizations, committed to responsible sexuality education for young people that includes age-appropriate, medically accurate information about both abstinence and contraception, urge you to reconsider increasing funding for unproven abstinence-only-until-marriage programs.
Research continues to show that a more comprehensive approach to sexuality education, which teaches both abstinence and contraception, is most effective for young people. Those who receive this kind of education are more likely to initiate sexual activity later in life and use protection correctly and consistently when they do become sexually active. Evaluations of comprehensive sexuality education programs found that these programs delay the onset of sexual activity, reduce the frequency of sexual activity, reduce the number of sexual partners, and increase condom and contraceptive use. Importantly, the evidence shows that these programs do not encourage teens to become sexually active. In short, responsible sexuality education programs work!
In contrast, there is little scientific evidence that abstinence-only-until-marriage programs that exclude information about contraception, except failure rates, are effective. Even your own Secretary of Health and Human Services, Tommy Thompson, expressed concerns about the "paucity of evidence of [the] effectiveness" of these programs.
Science and research should be the paramount considerations when evaluating public health interventions. Protecting the lives of America's young people, especially in the era of AIDS, should dictate that we do the best we can based on what the experts tell us works.
The most trusted medical and scientific institutions in our nation, such as the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Society for Adolescent Medicine, the Institute of Medicine, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Nurses Association and the American Public Health Association, all recommend sexuality education that includes age-appropriate and medically accurate information about abstinence and contraception.
In fact, the Institute of Medicine recommends that "Congress, as well as other federal, state, and local policymakers, eliminate the requirements that public funds be used for abstinence-only education, and that states and local school districts implement and continue to support age-appropriate comprehensive sex education."
And it is not just the science that supports these programs. Parents overwhelmingly support teaching teens about all aspects of sexuality education, including abstinence and birth control. According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, neither parents, by 70.6 percent, nor teens, by 74.7 percent, believe that discussing abstinence and contraception sends a mixed message to young people. They clearly understand that sexuality education is not an either/or proposition, but a successful education program that includes both.
Continued increases to these unproven abstinence-only-until-marriage programs fly in the face of both scientific evidence and the desires of parents. Congress has already allocated over a half billion in federal and state matching dollars since the fall of 1996 to fund unproven abstinence-only-until-marriage programs that exclude accurate information about condoms and contraceptives for the prevention of unintended pregnancy, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.
We urge you to follow the science, protect the health of America's teens and reconsider your funding request.
Sincerely,
| Advocates for Youth American Association for Health Education American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists American Association of University Women American College of Nurse-Midwives American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists American Psychological Association American Social Health Association Center for Reproductive Law and Policy Center for Women's Policy Studies Choice USA Comprehensive U.S. Sustainable Population Family Planning Advocates of New York Family Planning Association of Maine Florida Federation of Business and Professional Women Girls Incorporated MN Org. on Adolescent Pregnancy, Prevention and Parenting Mothers' Voices National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League |
National Abortion Federation National
Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health National Center for Health Education National Council of Jewish Women National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association National Organization on Adolescent Pregnancy, Prevention and Parenting National Women's Health Network National Youth Advocacy Coalition NOW Legal Defense and Education Fund People for the American Way Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health Planned Parenthood Federation of America Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice Sierra Club Ohio Chapter Population-Environment Committee Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States United Church of Christ, Justice and Witness Ministries Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations Voters for Choice Action Fund |
Briefly Noted
Books By Members
| Sexual Lifestyles
in the Twentieth Century: A Research Study by Elina Haavio-Mannila, Osmo Kontula and Anna Rotkirch A sociological exploration of sexual practice within five different types of relationships and from varying perspectives of gender and age. Based on the autobiographies of 166 adults in Finland, these real-life experiences reflect the way in which sexuality has evolved. $65.00 US (hardcover) / St. Martin's Press, March 2002 / ISBN: 0333794184 |
The Adventures
of HER in France by Patti Britton HER is the charming tale of a happy, sexy woman-of-the-world, and her adventures in the art of love. HER is the "Wonder Woman" of eroticism, showing how women may determine the course of their own sexual destiny. HER's numerous erotic adventures send chills up our spines -- from Goddess rituals, forbidden sex, and mysticism, to time travel and personal transformation. $19.99 US (paperback) / Mass Market Paperback, November 2001 / ISBN: 0971207100 |
Opportunity Alert!!!
AASECT Seeks New Journal Editors
The AASECT board of directors has entered into an affiliation arrangement
with the The Haworth Press, Inc. for 2002. As the Journal of Sex Education
and Therapy (JSET) is discontinued, Haworth is developing two journals for
the field with our assistance and collaboration. The two new publications are
set for premier in 2003. The tentative titles are: The Journal of Teaching
in Human Sexuality and The Clinical Journal of Sex Therapy.
Haworth and AASECT are seeking suitable editors for this new publishing venture.
If you or those you know might have the skills to edit this type of peer reviewed
journal, please contact:
| Stephen Conley, AASECT
Executive Director Email: DrSConley@mediaone.net / Phone: 804-644-3288 |
or | Kathy Rutz, Haworth VP
of Special Projects Email: krutz@haworthpressinc.com / Phone: 607-656-7981 |
PROJECT DIRECTOR / RESEARCH ASSOCIATE I (Salary Range: $45-50K)
The Center for International Community Health Studies (CICHS) in
the Department of Community Medicine at the University of Connecticut School of
Medicine announces the availability of a position of Project Director (Research
Associate I) to assist in the coordination, management, data collection, analysis
and publications associated with a five-year, National Institute of Mental Health
research project, "Male Sexual Health Concerns and Prevention of HIV/STDs in India."
This research, intervention and evaluation project will be conducted in urban
communities in Mumbai in collaboration with the International Institute for Population
Sciences (Mumbai) and the Institute for Community Research (Hartford, CT). The
Project Coordinator will work under the supervision of Dr. Stephen L. Schensul,
Director of CICHS and Principal Investigator of this project.
Applicants must have a Ph.D. in anthropology, sociology, psychology, public
health, or related fields; and knowledge and experience in: community-based
field research; qualitative data collection; computer-based, text programs;
survey instrument design; bivariate and multivariate statistical techniques;
SPSS or SAS. Research experience in South Asia and ability to speak Hindi and/or
Urdu is preferred.
Please send a cover letter and CV to: Nela Pinto, Center for International
Community Health Studies, Department of Community Medicine, University of Connecticut
School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Ave., Farmington, CT 06030-6325
or by e-mail to: schensul@nso2.uchc.edu
Events, Meetings, etc. 
SSSS Western Region Annual Conference: Sexual Paradigms: Challenging Our Thinking on Critical Topics, April 4 - 7, 2002, Manhattan Beach, California. Contact: Marty Klein, Program Chair. Phone: 650-856-6533 / Email: Klein@SexEd.org / Conference Web site: http://www.sssswr.org/
AASECT 34th Annual Conference: Advances in Sexuality -- The Hottest Topics, May 1 - 5, 2002, South Beach Miami, Florida. Contact: AASECT, P.O. Box 5488, Richmond, Virginia 23220 USA. Phone: 804-644-3288 / Email: aasect@aasect.org / Web site: http://www.aasect.org/
SSSS Midcontinent Region Annual Conference: SEX and the BRAIN: Theories, Data, and Politics, June 13 - 16, 2002, Big Rapids, Michigan. Contact: Program Co-Chairs, Robert Friar. Phone: 231-591-2542 / Email: friar@ferris.edu or Charlene Muehlenhard. Phone: 785-864-9860 / Email: charlene@ku.edu / Conference Web site: http://www.indiana.edu/~sexquest/ssss-mr/page4.html
Gender, Sexuality and Law II: An International Conference, June 28 - 30, 2002, Keele University, Staffordshire, United Kingdom. For program and registration information contact: The Law Department, Keele University, Staffordshire, United Kingdom ST5 5BG. Phone: +44(0)1782 583218 / Fax: +44 (0)1782 583228 / Email: GSL2002@Keele.ac.uk / Web site: http://www.keele.ac.uk/depts/la/GSL2002.htm
The 44th Annual Meeting of the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality:
Unresolved Controversies: Sex Questions in Search of Resolution, November
7 - 10, 2002, Montreal, Canada. Contact: Program Chairs, Brian Gladue or Joanne
Rouleau, c/o SSSS, P.O. Box 416, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18105 USA. Phone: 610-530-2483
/ Email: thesociety@inetmail.att.net / Web
site: http://www.sexscience.org/ [deadline
for submissions is March 15, 2002]
Call for Papers
SSSS 2002 Annual Meeting: Electronic Submissions Preferred
It's still not too late to submit a paper presentation or workshop for the
SSSS Annual Meeting in Montreal, Canada (November 7-10, 2002). This years Annual
Meeting is entitled, Unresolved Controversies: Sex Questions in Search of
Resolution.
Please visit our Web site for the online submission
form and guidelines.
DIRECTIONS:
Step One: Fill in the submission cover
sheet online, click on the "submit and proceed" button.
Step Two: Follow the directions on the auto-reply screen, i.e., email
the presentation files (submission abstract, 500-1000 words and program abstract,
150 words max.) to The Society as pdf, word or wordperfect attachment(s). The
Society staff will send an email confirmation of your submission.
Special Issue of the Journal of Homosexuality: S/M (Sadomasochism)
Guest Editors: Charles Moser, PhD, MD and Peggy J. Kleinplatz, PhD
We invite authors to contribute to a special issue of the Journal
of Homosexuality devoted to Sadomasochism. This issue will review the existing
research literature on S/M, present new empirical studies, discuss theoretical
and clinical issues, as well as discrimination and social problems facing S/M
practitioners, the legal status of S/M, and differences in the way S/M is expressed
among minorities (sexual, ethnic and other) groups. We welcome questions concerning
possible submissions.
To be considered for this special issue, manuscripts must be received by
November 30, 2002. Early submission is encouraged. An accompanying letter
should state that the manuscript has not been published and is not under consideration
elsewhere. Four paper copies must be submitted, prepared according to the Publication
Manual of the American Psychological Association (5th Edition).
Because an anonymous review process is employed, identifying information should
be removed from the title page and in the text of the copies sent to reviewers.
Authors should include one separate page that provides the title of the manuscript,
the names and affiliations of the authors, complete address, telephone number,
fax number, and e-mail address of the corresponding author. Papers are to be
20-25 typed, double-spaced pages in length, including abstract and references.
Please direct all
enquiries to:
Peggy J. Kleinplatz, PhD
161 Frank Street
Ottawa, ON K2P 0X4
CANADA
Phone: 613-563-0846 / Email: kleinpla@uottawa.ca Please submit all
manuscripts to:
Charles Moser, PhD, MD
45 Castro Street, #125
San Francisco, CA 94114
USA
Email: mailto:docx@ix.netcom.com
Special Edition of Radical Statistics: Sexuality and Statistics (Summer 2003 publication)
Statistical research has been a key feature of the emergence of modern
sexology and contemporary studies of heterosexual, lesbian, gay and bisexual life.
From the calculus of Kinsey and Masters and Johnson to the mass surveys of Welling
et al, statistical data has come to represent a rich diversity of sexual values
and experiences.
Statistical research has been significant in understanding issues of sexual
health, changing attitudes toward sex and sexuality and sexual diversity. They
have been both controversial -- the mass survey techniques of Shere Hite --
and all pervasive -- the plethora of sex surveys in contemporary mens' and womens'
magazines.
They have also been criticized for failing to reflect the sophistication of
sexual experience, reflecting dominant social categories and ideas above reflective
inquiry into sexual experience and values, and being inappropriately constructed
from surveys that cannot reflect except in parody people's explanations of their
sexual identity, orientation, relations, behavior and acts.
Radical Statistics is planning to publish a special edition on sexuality and
statistics. It invites expressions of interest and submissions from authors
on a wide range of issues that connect sexuality and statistics.
The issue will be published in the Summer of 2003 and articles should be between
3,000 and 5,000 words. The editors for this special edition are Colin Clark (University of Newcastle upon
Tyne) and Paul Reynolds (Edge Hill
College).
Offers of papers / brief abstracts should be sent, in the first instance, to
Dr Reynolds at reynoldp@edgehill.ac.uk Deadline
for submissions: May 1, 2002.