Like Ludacris, we want to know, what’s your fantasy? Sexual Health Alliance (SHA) recently hosted an incredible weekend event all about fantasy and desire around the world! SHA students learned from experts from around the globe (Like Dr. Justin Lehmiller, Cam Fraser, and Jessica Lynn) and discovered the importance of having a global understanding of sexuality. It was both a fun and educational weekend. Can you imagine USA Medicare covering sex work? What is a love hotel? Are you La Santa or La Diabla? Get ready to learn more!
Day 1: Sexual Attitudes, Culture, and Education
What is a love hotel? Are you La Diabla or La Santa? Speakers like Lesley Croft and Tatyannah King taught us about how culture shapes sexual practices, expectations, and education.
Lesley Croft's exploration of sexuality in Hong Kong highlighted the city's unique challenges—ranging from traditional Chinese values and the impact of Western liberalism to the popularity of "love hotels" as a response to spatial constraints. Now, let’s talk more about Love Hotels! In Hong Kong, it’s common for adults to purchase several hours at a Love Hotel for privacy and intimacy with their partners. Love Hotels offer hourly and nightly rates. Would you take your lover to a love hotel?
Tatyannah King taught students about the concept of “La Santa y La Diabla” (The Saint and The Devil) in Latin American countries which refers to the woman you bring home to meet your family, versus the woman you invite into your bedroom. She also shared interesting information about a park in the Netherlands where public sex is allowed. This is something she learned during a Study Abroad session with SHA and Dr. Justin Lehmiller. What do you think? Would you have sex in a public park?
Day 1: Learning Globally with Dr. Justin Lehmiller
Dr. Justin Lehmiller shared a wealth of knowledge with our students! He talked about studying abroad and provided a global perspective on fantasy and desire. He shared with students the details of creating a study abroad course. Students learned about why this is beneficial and the ins and outs of launching a course like this. Dr. Lehmiller shared with event attendees what he has learned about fantasy and desire in countries like Berlin and Amsterdam.
Dr. Lehmiller also talked about how tourists' questionable behavior is impacting those who work in the red light district. One of the most fascinating facts presented was that Dutch Law allows for government-subsidized prostitution for the disabled. Can you imagine USA Medicare covering sex work? Dr. Lehmiller closed out the day by sharing the prevalence of different fantasies around the world. Students learned about the 7 most common fantasies and which countries have the highest rates of each one.
Day 2: The Global Transgender Experience
Jessica Lynn got personal with us on day two and shared her incredible journey as a transgender woman. She is a global ambassador for the Kinsey Institute and she shared with us the lived experiences of transgender people across various cultures and the systemic discrimination they face. She shared the struggles of coming out, the legal battles for parental rights, and the painful loss of connection with her youngest child due to discriminatory laws. This deeply personal account provided both valuable insight and education for our audience.
Day 2: Learning about Pet Play and Being queer in the Middle East
Woof woof! Did someone say pet play? Learning about Pet Play with Jeff Mannes was a fascinating exploration into a niche area of human sexuality and expression. Jeff Mannes, a social scientist with a background in sociology and gender studies, taught us all about pet play, particularly focusing on puppy play, from a sociological and human-animal studies perspective. His work shows the intricacies of human-animal dynamics and the symbolic meanings of animals in society, proposing theories on the emergence of pet and puppy play based on classical sociological theories and findings from human-animal studies.
David Khalili, LMFT shared with us what he has learned about queer individuals in the Middle East and those with Middle Eastern heritage living in Western societies. His work integrates his background as a licensed therapist, board-certified sexologist, and his personal journey. Challenges for queer middle eastern people range from internal conflicts and societal pressures to discrimination. He emphasized the importance of respectful communication, the significance of self-reflection on one's cultural upbringing, and the impact on views towards sex, sexuality, and mental health.
Day 2: Australian trends in men’s sexuality and Unlocking sensuality
Students took a fun and interesting journey Down Under with internationally known sex coach, Cam Fraser. Cam Fraser is a wildly popular and knowledgeable Australian men’s sex coach. He taught students about how Australian men's sexuality reveals a deeply rooted cultural and historical narrative that intertwines masculinity, cultural identities, and sexual desires. He shared how the rugged, stoic images of masculinity, shaped by the convict system, the Gold Rush, and military service, have historically influenced Australian men's sexual expression.
Candia Raquel, is a Mexican sensualist, whose goal is bringing back the sensuality in our lives. Her mission is to liberate individuals from the shackles of societal numbness, advocating for a sensual reawakening that is accessible to all, regardless of age, body shape, or cultural background. She shared with students 3 tips to awaken sensuality, and our students were blown away!
Are you fascinated by sexuality education? Transform your passion for sexuality into a career! Click now to take the 'Shape the Future of Sexuality: Which Certification Is Your Calling?' quiz and uncover the SHA certification that will launch your professional journey.
Watch the video highlights here!
Relive the excitement and insights of our March 2024 event, Fantasy & Desire Around the World with Dr. Justin Lehmiller