Past Events: 2014
Sexual Health = Sexual Wellbeing
The Cutting Room, Manhattan, NY
Speakers
Sara Nasserzadeh, PhD DipPST
Dr. Sara Nasserzadeh, PhD is a world-renowned Social Psychologist and Sex and Relationship specialist. She is an award-winning author and host of the BBC World Service show on sexuality and relationship issues. With her unique combination of background and extensive international experience Dr. Nasserzadeh is a sought after keynote speaker and media commentator and has been hosted by governments and organizations across 29 countries. Her international works in the area of professional development and sexuality education has been granted the World Association for Sexual Health award for Excellence and Innovation. She serves at the Board of various professional organizations including the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS), chair of the Middle East Sexual Health Committee and the American Association for Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT).
August McLaughlin
August McLaughlin is an award-winning health and sexuality writer, radio personality and creator of the empowering female sexuality brand Girl Boner. Her work has been featured by LIVESTRONG.com, Sexual Wellness News, DAME Magazine, Healthy Aging Magazine and more. Her first novel, In Her Shadow, a thriller loosely based on her battle with anorexia while working as an international model, was an 2013 Indies for Excellence finalist, and in 2014 she was named one of BlogHer’s Voices of the Year. Known for melding personal passion with activism, she uses her skills as a public speaker and journalist to inspire other women to embrace their bodies and sexuality, making way for fuller, more authentic lives. August is represented by Jill Marr of the Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency and loves connecting with readers and listeners throughout social media.
Dr. Laura V. Harste, PhD
Dr. Laura V. Harste, PhD. is a sexuality professor and educator at Berkeley College and Aureus Medical University. She has over 15 years experience educating students in all areas of sexuality and in guiding them into having a fuller, more comprehensive understanding of their own bodies and appreciation of that vital aspect of their lives. Her passion for the field extends from vibrant in-person lectures to engaging, and often more personal, online educational opportunities. She incorporates her background in Biological Anthropology to aid students in understanding not only the biological basis of sexuality, but also cultural influences on the expression of that sexuality. Utilizing this foundation, she guides students in breaking out of the cultural stereotypes inflicted upon them to a greater understanding of each person’s unique and personal self.
Susan Gilbert, MPA
Susan Gilbert, MPA, is co-director of the National Coalition for Sexual Health, which includes over 50 leading health and medical organizations, and is dedicated to improving the sexual health and well-being of Americans across the lifespan. An expert in sexual health communications, Susan spearheaded the development of consumer-friendly language about sexual health in 2013. This new messaging, which was tested with consumers through focus groups and a national online survey, includes a new definition of sexual health, which consists of only 21 words; five key action steps to good sexual health; and the benefits of taking care of your sexual health. Previously, Susan served as a Senior Vice President at Ogilvy Public Relations and as a health communications consultant who created sexual health and HIV prevention campaigns in Tanzania and Zambia, in conjunction with Johns Hopkins University and Columbia University.
Performances
Jeffrey Solomon & Emily Joy Weiner
Acclaimed Writer-performer Jeffrey Solomon (represented at last year's event with the solo play "Mother/SON"), Founder, Co-Artistic Director, returns with an ensemble piece "BUILDING HOUSES ON THE MOON" performed with Emily Joy Weiner, Founder, Co-Artistic Director. "An Extraordinary theater piece that evokes both the isolation and the courage of GLBT youth in their search for identity and inclusion."-Inside Out Inspired by online posts and interviews with LGBTQA youth and educators from around the world, student groups and educators have embraced BUILDING HOUSES as a powerful tool for education and support. The production was featured at the National GLSEN Teaching Respect For All Conference in **Washington D.C., the Multicultural Conference at SUNY New Palz, t**he Philadelphia Public Schools Knock Out the Violence Conference, the **New York City Department of Education's Respect for All Week and **at high schools, universities and communities nationally. *The play has appeared Off Broadway at the Lucille Lortel Theatre won the Award for Best Playwright for an Ensemble, Best Acting Ensemble at The Columbus National Gay and Lesbian Theatre Festival. http://www.housesonthemoon.org
Greg Franklin
Greg Franklin, AcroYoga instructor, has been a student of various forms of yoga, bodywork, and conscious arts for the past 15 years. As an undergrad, he focused his education on Studio Arts & Religious Studies, and then set out to explore the world up close and firsthand, studying formally for a year in Indonesia, then continuing an informal education through further journeys around the globe. After a two-year world traveling sojourn inspired by a hand reader, HH the 14th Dalai Lama, & a moldy backpack, he made his way to New York City, where he discovered AcroYoga, a practice he's come to wholeheartedly adore. Greg finds the potential for self discovery, empowerment, transformation and fun in community that the practice of AcroYoga embodies ever-present and inspiring. He strives to make the work accessible to all who are willing and interested to give it a try, and invites you to spread your wings.