Summary
Addressing sexual pleasure in clinical interactions with gender diverse persons: A sexual embodiment perspective
This talk is intended to contribute to clinical perspectives of professionals addressing issues related to sexual pleasure. The talk’s objective is to consider sexual pleasure of gender diverse people in the contexts of sexual justice, sexual health, and sexual wellbeing. The talk addresses four specific areas: the place of sex/gender in clinical discourse about sexuality and sexual pleasure; a framework for linking sexual pleasure to sexual justice/health/wellbeing; a sexual embodiment perspective to sexual experiences of gender diverse people; and a review of evidence-based understanding of sexual pleasure in gender-diverse people. The talk concludes with a proposal for universalizing sexual pleasure through embodiment rather than sexed or gendered categorized bodies.
Bio
Dr. Fortenberry (he/him) is Donald Orr Professor of Adolescent Medicine, Professor of Pediatrics at Indiana University School of Medicine, and adjunct Professor of Epidemiology at the Fairbanks School of Public Health. He is past president of the International Academy for Sex Research, past president of the American STD Association, a fellow of the Society for Scientific Study of Sex, and past chair of the Board of Directors of the American Sexual Health Association. Dr. Fortenberry received the 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society for Adolescent Health & Medicine, the 2019 Gold Medal for Research from the World Association for Sexual Health, and the 2023 Distinguished Career Award from the American STD Association. His research program has five major elements: adolescent health, sexuality and sexual health, sexually transmitted infections, HIV prevention and treatment for adolescents, and clinical issues related to health care of gender diverse people. Dr. Fortenberry has received continuous NIH funding since 1987 and has published more than 400 commentaries, book chapters, and peer-reviewed papers.
