Press Releases

Scientific Sexuality Research or Moral Panic?

rvaleev — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 23:41:31 +0000

02/18/2009

National Sexuality Resource Center calls out CNN and Georgia Legislators for misinformation, cloaking moral agenda as fiscal one.

San Francisco, CA: As Georgia State University sexuality researchers are forced to defend their work in front of the Georgia State Senate, the National Sexuality Resource Center protects the role of science in sexuality—and criticizes legislators and the media for attacking academic freedom and sensationalizing sex in an effort to get an audience.

The GSU professors are defending critical sexuality research: Dr. Mindy Stombler and Dr. Kirk Elifson’s work on topics including oral sex and male prostitution have contributed to policy and intervention on HIV/STI transmission—and have been funded by the National Institutes of Health. Yet Georgia legislators Charlice Byrd and Calvin Hill assert— wrongly and repeatedly—that college students are being taught classes on oral sex, purposefully stoking society’s fears about sex education and youth sexuality to further their own moral and fiscal agendas. CNN fueled the hype by polling GSU students for their thoughts on ‘oral sex classes’ taught at the school.

“CNN missed the real story. Scientific research is the underpinning of effective policy and prevention—especially in areas such as healthy sexuality, where misinformation and stigma flourish,” said NSRC director and San Francisco State professor Dr. Gilbert Herdt. “It is not only shameful to ridicule and undermine sexuality research, it undermines our national health. The public’s sexual literacy depends on it.” In fact, the NSRC has its own journal, Sexuality Research and Social Policy, whose primary goal is to translate research into policy.

NSRC board member Dr. Deborah Tolman, Professor of Social Welfare at Hunter College School of Social Work and the Graduate Center, CUNY, conducts research on adolescent sexuality, including oral sex. Tolman says, “Identifying and understanding developmental differences are critical to sound educational and social policy to support healthy development. Research can challenge myths and determine what, in the words of Bristol Palin, is realistic for adolescents and young people to know about their choices and expectations about oral sex.”

Few have come to the defense of the sexuality researchers, in an economic climate that makes many institutions feel financially vulnerable. Yet the NSRC’s petition to support sexuality research gathered thousands of signatures in only 48 hours, from advocates and sexuality researchers around the world, and has been linked to across the web, and comes to the support of other sexuality research, programs and courses being targeted across the country.

As one respondent noted, “We are not afraid to study the causes of heart disease or diabetes. It should be no different with diseases that have a sexually transmitted etiology.”

See the full press release.

Sign the petition.

2009 NSRC/Trojan Evolve Student Journalism Award

ann.whidden — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 20:12:10 +0000

12/03/2008

Trojan® Brand Condoms and NSRC Seek College Journalists Who've Got Sex Covered with Second Annual Journalism Contest

OFFICIAL CALL FOR ENTRIES: 2008 Trojan Evolve Student Journalism Award

Princeton, NJ • December 2, 2008 - The makers of Trojan® brand condoms and the National Sexuality Resource Center (NSRC) are now accepting entries for the second annual Trojan Evolve Student Journalism Award. The award recognizes college journalists who demonstrate outstanding sexual health reporting in their college print, radio, television or online media outlet, including journalistic blogs, and will be judged by a prestigious panel of experts, including former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Joycelyn Elders and GOOD Magazine Editor-in-Chief Zach Frechette.

A part of the ongoing national Trojan Evolve campaign, the Trojan Evolve Student Journalism Award is founded in the belief that an open and honest dialogue about sexual health, especially among young people, is essential to improving the poor state of sexual health in America. With one in four young women contracting an STI by age 19[1] and nearly 34 percent of teen girls pregnant at least once before age 20[2], it is clear that a deeper discussion on sexual health is urgently needed. The makers of Trojan brand condoms believe student journalists are uniquely positioned to play a vital role in advancing a sexual health dialogue essential to improving sexual health in this country.
"We must evolve the poor sexual health of our nation," said James Daniels, Vice President of Marketing, Trojan brand condoms. "With this award we hope to empower student journalists to use their influence as a way to raise awareness, and inspire change."

College students across the U.S. can submit articles relating to sexual health issues, statistics, products, policy, or opinions by emailing them to Trojanjournalismaward@edelman.com. The winner will be determined by a panel of judges consisting of sexual health experts and journalism professionals. One grand prize recipient will be awarded with a $2,000 cash prize and trip for two to San Francisco, where they will be honored at the 2009 NSRC Champions of Sexual Literacy annual event. The winning entry will also be published on the trojancondoms.com web site.

The NSRC believes supporting college journalists strengthens 'sexual literacy' as an expanded view of sexual health and invites positive conversations based on facts instead of hype. "At a time when sexual health misinformation and polarization are all too common, it is essential to shepherd in an honest, two-way dialogue," said NSRC's Executive Director Gil Herdt. "By recognizing outstanding pieces of journalism, this award encourages college journalists to start talking openly about sexual health from their own perspective, and gets students involved with improving the state of sexual health in this country."

For a complete list of rules and regulations, click here.

ABOUT THE TROJAN® EVOLVE STUDENT JOURNALISM AWARD
Entries must be submitted to TrojanJournalismAward@edelman.com no later than March 1, 2009. Contest entries must focus on sexual health issues, statistics, products, policy or opinions and align with the Trojan Evolve Campaign, which is aimed at raising awareness about the state of sexual health in America. Evaluations of the entries are based on journalistic quality (30%); communication impact (40%); scope (15%); and comprehensiveness (15%). Essays should include references to condom use and must be consistent with Evolve master narrative.

College print, online and broadcast (television and radio) media stories and journalistic blogs are eligible for submission and must be published in an official American college or university newspaper, magazine or online media outlet, during the 2008 calendar year. There is no fee to enter.

For more information and complete rules and regulations please click here.

ABOUT TROJAN
TROJAN® Brand Condoms are America's #1 condom and have been trusted for over 90 years. TROJAN® brand latex condoms are made from premium quality latex. If used properly, latex condoms will help to reduce the risk of transmission of HIV infection (AIDS) and many other sexually transmitted diseases. When used properly condoms are highly effective against pregnancy. Each condom is electronically tested to help ensure reliability. There are over 22 varieties of TROJAN® Brand Condoms. More Americans trust the TROJAN® brand than any other condom.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL SEXUALITY RESOURCE CENTER
The mission of the National Sexuality Resource Center is to equip advocates, scholars and researchers with the facts, skills and resources to improve lifelong sexual literacy and sexual well being for all Americans. The National Sexuality Resource Center, the Center for Research on Gender and Sexuality and the Department of Sexuality Studies comprise the National Centers on Sexuality at San Francisco State University. Visit us at nsrc.sfsu.edu

Click here to download NSRC Trojan Evolve Student Journalism Award press release.pdf (138.79 KB)

Research Reveals: When it comes to Marriage, Separate is not Equal

ann.whidden — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 07:00:00 +0000

10/21/2008

Research Reveals: When it comes to marriage, separate is not equal

New findings uncover harms that ballot initiatives and marriage-denial can cause

San Francisco, October 21, 2008: Denial of marriage and exposure to negative messages during ballot initiatives affect all gays and lesbians-not just those seeking marriage--say new findings released today by the Sexuality Research and Social Policy journal, a project of the National Sexuality Resource Center. Three research studies, two of which were to be published in March 2009, came to striking conclusions that moved the authors to release the data early. Findings show that same-sex couples want marriage more than other forms of partnership; that exposure to negative messages in states in which marriage amendments are on ballots negatively impact all lesbian, gay, and bisexual persons; and that the lack of legal recognition for same-sex relationships creates fears for and uncertainty about the future among lesbian and gay persons-both single and coupled.

The outcomes of marriage amendment votes may have an impact beyond just restrictive legislation; they may serve to alienate persons from democratic participation and serve to impair public health. "The absence of recognition for same-sex relationships conveys a sense of second-class citizenship and a stress associated with such an unwelcomed status," concludes journal editor and contributor Dr. Brian deVries. "All gay, lesbian and bisexual persons--not just those who want to get married--can experience negative impacts when initiatives like this get put on the ballot."

Without marriage, the choices of committed same-sex couples are not necessarily or automatically respected. Brian deVries' article, "State Recognition of Same-Sex Relationships and Preparations for End of Life among Lesbian and Gay Boomers," established that without marriage, fears of the future and one's independence for gay men and lesbians far exceed national averages. In states in which same-sex relationships are not formally or legally recognized, gay men and lesbians were more likely to have created a will and living will. They were also more likely to report fearing a death in pain, and fear of discrimination at the end of their lives because of their sexual orientation. These effects were evident for both coupled and single gay men and lesbians-an important finding highlighting the role that relationship recognition has on one's sense of well-being as lesbian or gay person whether or not one is in a relationship.
Negative messages become even more pronounced during state elections in which there is voting on constitutional amendments that restrict marriage rights. "Marriage Amendments and Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Citizens in The 2006 Election," by Ellen D.B. Riggle, Sharon S. Rostosky, and Sharon Horne, reveals that lesbian, gay and bisexual persons report higher levels of exposure to negative messages about lesbian and gay issues with associated higher levels of reported negative affect, stress and depressive symptoms. Anti-gay and lesbian and marriage initiatives have a negative impact on the well-being of lesbian, gay and bisexual state residents. Lesbian, gay and bisexual state residents report increased political participation and increased voting behaviors, and simultaneous feelings of political alienation.
The research of Gary Gates, M.V. Lee Badgett, and Deborah Ho in "Marriage, Registration and Dissolution by Same-Sex Couples in the U.S." (released July 2008), establishes that same-sex couples, like opposite-sex couples, prefer marriage. In fact, 37% of same-sex couples in Massachusetts married during the first year that marriage was offered-this is compared with the 12% of same-sex couples having entered in civil unions and 10% having entered domestic partnerships during the first year in which states have offered these forms of recognition.

One survey respondent decried effects of initiatives, saying that "These amendments make you feel like less of a person. They make you a second class citizen and make it seem that you aren't worthy of having the same rights as other people," and NSRC's former Director Gil Herdt agrees, "The physical and mental health benefits of marriage for heterosexual adults have been firmly established-benefits derived, at least in part, from the tangible resources, federal benefits and legal protections offered to spouses by society. Clearly, society favors marriage over other forms of intimate relationships-and all gays and lesbians suffer without it."

For access to full-text articles, findings overview, video and audio footage go to nsrc.sfsu.edu.

###

Marriage Research

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 07:00:00 +0000

10/17/2008

MEDIA ADVISORY— PRESS CONFERENCE

New Research Findings Support Marriage Equality for All Americans

Candidates and state initiatives have it wrong: new studies and real couples reveal that denial of marriage harms the health of lesbians and gay men

WHEN: Press Conference—Tuesday, October 21, 2008, 9:00 AM PST

WHERE:

National Sexuality Resource Center (at Westfield Center)

835 Market Street Suite 517

San Francisco, CA

WHAT: Three new research studies, two of which are slated to be released in the March issue of the National Sexuality Resource Centerʼs peer-reviewed journal Sexuality Research and Social Policy, demonstrate that separate is not equal. Clear evidence points to the benefits of marriage for same-sex couples—findings so critical that the journal and authors have agreed to release the articles to the public six months early. Leading researchers will discuss new data, joined by couples and singles who have already felt the personal impact of denial of access to marriage. The panel will address questions including:

• How does denial of marriage impact the mental health of lesbians and gay men?
• How many same-sex couples take advantage of legal opportunities to marry, and are their
relationships more or less stable than those of opposite-sex couples?
• Do marriage initiatives or amendments cause psychological harm to gays and lesbians?
• How does relationship recognition affect end-of-life preparation and death concerns of older
gays and lesbians?

The press conference on October 21 at 9:00 AM PST will release the studiesʼ main findings, discuss previously established research, and present the real stories of same-sex couples.

WHY: Initiatives limiting equal access to marriage are on the ballot across the country. Anti-equality proponents imply that gay marriage ʻharmsʼ traditional marriage, but the real—and under-reported— story lies in what this research uncovers: proof of the psychological benefits of full access to marriage rights for same-sex couples and evidence of the harm that denial of these rights can cause.

WHO: Speakers at the press conference will include:

• Marvin Burrows, denied health insurance and pension benefits after the death of his partner
of fifty years.
• Gary J. Gates, PhD, lead author of “Marriage Registration and Dissolution by Same-Sex
Couples in the U.S.,” Senior Research Fellow at the Williams Institute, UCLA School of Law.
Ellen D.B. Riggle, PhD, Sharon S. Rostosky, PhD authors of “Impact of Marriage
Amendments on Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Citizens: The 2006 Election.”.
• Brian De Vries, PhD, lead author of “Relationship Recognition and Preparations for End of
Life Among Lesbian and Gay Boomers.”

• Gilbert Herdt, PhD, lead author of “I Do, But I Canʼt,” anthropologist, and director of the
National Sexuality Resource Center at San Francisco State University.

###

Click here to download marriageresearch.pdf (82.19 KB)

SexTech Media Advisory

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 08:00:00 +0000

01/10/2008

More than 300 youth, sexual health educators, academics, and technology experts gathered in San Francisco in January 2008 for a groundbreaking conference, "Sex::Tech: Focus on Youth." Organized by Internet Sexuality Information Services (ISIS) and the National Sexuality Resource Center, the conference addressed the impact of technology on the sexual health of young people.

Click here to download SexTechAdvisory.pdf (181.18 KB)

SOGI Award

Tue, 29 May 2007 07:00:00 +0000

05/29/2007

The Sexual Orientation and Gender Institute presents its first annual SOGI Award for the Advancement of LGBTQ Mental Health to Dr. Gilbert Herdt, the executive director of the National Sexuality Resource Center. The award ceremony in June will cap off the Institute's LGBTQ Mental Health Symposium, which will focus on lifespan development.

The Sexual Orientation and Gender Institute has been developed to expand national access to high quality culturally competent mental health care for LGBT individuals and their families. The Institute offers graduate training and provides professional development programming. It also works to advance clinical practice through the promotion of research on LGBT behavioral health issues. SOGI is a program of Center on Halsted, Chicago's premiere community center for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons.

Dr. Herdt is the director of San Francisco State University's human sexuality studies program. His research on the Sambia people of Papua New Guinea, made famous in a series of books and papers beginning with Guardians of the Flutes, is a key case study that analyzes how culture and society create sexual meanings and practices. In the United States Dr. Herdt has studied adolescents and their families, the emergence of HIV and gay culture, and the the impact marriage denial has on the mental health of lesbians and gay men.

Thoughtful Thursday Speakers

Tue, 12 Dec 2006 08:00:00 +0000

12/12/2006

In 2007, NSRC hosted a series of speakers in an effort to connect academics in the Bay Area and
promote sexuality research.

Click here to download speakers.pdf (15.89 KB)

Research on Sexuality and Embodiment Featured in Special Issue of Sexuality Research and Social Policy: Journal of NSRC

Tue, 12 Dec 2006 08:00:00 +0000

12/12/2006

Researchers report on different aspects of sexuality from the unifying perspective of how we experience the world through our bodies and listen, or not, to what our bodies are feeling.

Click here to download SRSPDec06.pdf (149.53 KB)

Two Former Surgeons General—Drs. Satcher and Elders—Say New Approach Needed to Address Sexual Health Crisis in America

Thu, 02 Nov 2006 08:00:00 +0000

11/02/2006

Click here to download Champions06.pdf (662.67 KB)

Proclamation

Wed, 01 Nov 2006 08:00:00 +0000

In recognition of NSRC's Champions of Sexual Literacy Awards ceremony and conference, honoring the fifth anniversary of Surgeon General David Satcher's Call to Action report on sexual health and well-being, the City of San Francisco and Mayor Gavin Newsom have proclaimed November 2 Sexuality Literacy Day.

11/01/2006

Whereas, this year marks the fifth anniversary of the Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Promote Sexual Health and Responsible Sexual Behavior for all Americans;
Whereas, Dr. David Satcher, M.D., 16th Surgeon General of the United States, is visiting San Francisco to discuss the vital issue of sexual health and to announce the opening of our country’s first Center of Excellence for Sexual Health at the Morehouse School of Medicine;
Whereas, the United States is in great need of sexual literacy to support sexual health and well-being, to counter alarmingly high rates of HIV and related problems, and to close the gap in minority health disparities;
Whereas, the National Sexuality Resource Center in San Francisco is inaugurating the “Champions of Sexual Literacy” awards in the areas of education, research, and community intervention to implement the Surgeon General’s “Call to Action”;
Whereas, the National Sexuality Resource Center has convened a significant public conference here today that connects the public, researchers, advocates, and policy-makers to renew and recommit to the “Call to Action” for the United States,

Therefore, be it resolved November 2, 2006 Sexuality Literacy Day.

Media Advisory & Press Conference: Former Surgeons General Call For Immediate Action and Shift in Approach To Address America's Sexual Health Crisis

Thu, 26 Oct 2006 07:00:00 +0000

10/26/2006

Meeting in San Francisco for first Champions of Sexual Literacy Awards, Dr. David Satcher and Dr. Jocelyn Elders will highlight new tactics to address distressing health disparities as Satcher announces new Center of Excellence for Sexual Health

Click here to download LiveAdvisoryFINAL.pdf (649.83 KB)

Pioneering Trends in Sexuality Research Featured in Latest Issue of Online Journal Sexuality Research and Social Policy: Journal of NSRC

Thu, 28 Sep 2006 07:00:00 +0000

09/28/2006

Click here to download NSRCSRSPJournal92706.pdf (142.11 KB)

Young, Poor, and HIV Negative

Wed, 06 Sep 2006 07:00:00 +0000

09/06/2006

Across the world, young people experience a disproportionate share of unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and other sexual and reproductive health problems. How, in the face of the growing HIV epidemic, can policymakers and practitioners in resource-constrained settings develop programs that are likely to have the greatest impact? A recently published resource by Safe Passages to Adulthood (SPA)—Case studies of success and innovation: HIV prevention with especially vulnerable young people—provides new insight. Developed with the support of the UK Department for International Development, SPA is a research program that examines young people’s sexual health in poor countries.

New Research Examines Link Between Social Support and Health of Aging Lesbians and Gay Men

Fri, 16 Jun 2006 07:00:00 +0000

06/16/2006

A fascinating new article by Judith C. Barker, written with Gilbert Herdt and Brian de Vries, entitled "Social Support in the Lives of Lesbians and Gay Men at Midlife and Later" appears in the June issue of Sexuality and Social Policy: Journal of NSRC.

New Study Examines Attempts To Cut Public Funding of Research on Sexual Topics

Thu, 23 Mar 2006 08:00:00 +0000

Conservative Groups Create ?Moral Panic? to Control Dissemination of Sexuality Research Information With Public Health Relevance

03/23/2006

Click here to download March06.SRSP.FINAL.pdf (117.67 KB)

Study Shows That Denying Right to Marry Undermines Mental Health and Restricts Citizenship of Lesbians and Gay Men

Wed, 01 Mar 2006 08:00:00 +0000

03/01/2006

New Research Reveals Benefits Of Adolescent Sexuality

Thu, 05 Jan 2006 08:00:00 +0000

01/05/2006

Read latest findings from studies of adolescent sexuality in articles on qualitative methods, kissing in adolescent romantic relations, and more.
Press release
Table of contents

New Issue of Sexuality Research and Social Policy

Tue, 08 Nov 2005 08:00:00 +0000

11/08/2005

New research shows positive side to asolescent sexuality and challenges dominant view of teen sexuality as problematic

Click here to download SRSP_release_v2i1.pdf (146.88 KB)

New Issue of American Sexuality Examines How: A Paraplegic Creates a Sex Life, A Liberal Rabbi Views the Mitzvah of Sexuality, Doctors Are Not Trained to Talk About Sexuality with their Patients

Tue, 23 Aug 2005 07:00:00 +0000

08/23/2005

The new issue of American Sexuality, the online magazine at http://www.americansexuality.org examines the diverse ways sexuality plays a role in all aspects of American life.

New Research Raises Concern About the Rise in Criminal Prosecutions of People Living with HIV and the Creation of "AIDS Criminals"

Tue, 02 Aug 2005 07:00:00 +0000

08/02/2005

Researchers dissect legal cases involving HIV infection through sexual intercourse and assault, biting, spitting, needle-sticks, and surgical transmission; learning that laws can work against public health in preventing HIV spread.