Revised 4/3/06
In the more than three decades that have passed since the publication of Alex Comfort’s The Joy of Sex, social and cultural changes have shifted the dominant themes of public discourse about sexuality from its joys to anxieties about its danger, abnormality, disease, abuse, and morality. The focal question that this conference addresses is “Where are the joys of sexuality, and how can we highlight and implement them in effective and accurate ways?” We have drawn together sexologists, educators, clinicians, writers, creative artists, and social and behavioral scientists who will provide us with presentations and papers to illuminate our understanding of the joys of sexual expression, the effects of current cultural stereotypes, and the social policies that affect our behavior and profession. Our understanding will provide options for behaving in ways that help us to effect a transition from sex negative contexts to well-articulated positive contexts of sexual meaning.
We will be engaging in a small segment of a cultural rite of passage which is marked by some of the characteristic stages of individual rites of passage: separation from a past structure; entry into a marginal period that involves discomfort and acquiring new knowledge; movement into a different structure and role. This conference situates us in our marginal role as pioneers departing from a world of negative conceptions of sexuality to one that is more positive and balanced. During our time together, we will explore new ways of thinking and acting in our chosen roles related to sexuality. Although accentuating the positive may not eliminate the negative, it will go a long way to stimulating perspectives and methods that offer constructive solutions to the barriers we face in dealing with sexuality.
A variety of experiences are designed enhance and reinforce the joyful focus of this conference: food/libations, social events, entertainment, media, and good company. We hope that you will become part of the intellectual stimulation and social celebration that this conference will offer.
We are presenting an art show of photography by David Steinberg -- color portraits of 45 transgender women associated with Divas, the transgender club in San Francisco. David has captured these women in his excellent style, showing both the glamour of the Divas scene and the personalities of the women behind the glamour. The photos will be on display during the reception Thursday, and in the exhibit area on Friday and Saturday.
300 N. Harbor Drive, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
800-368-9760 or 310-318-8888 www.ichotelsgroup.com
Room rates (valid through March 6, 2006): $139 per night for a single or double (+$20 for triple, or quadruple). Make sure you indicate the SSSS rate. The SSSS block of rooms reserved for this meeting is expected to sell quickly, so call in your reservation early! The hotel is wheelchair accessible. Upon request, hotel rooms are available for people with disabilities.
Most rooms have private balconies with full or partial ocean views, and all have high speed Internet connections. Walk across the street to the beach, or to 15 nearby fine restaurants, many unique boutiques, lively comedy nightclubs, and theaters. The hotel features a heated outdoor pool, Jacuzzi and tennis courts with a view of the ocean, saunas, European Day Spa, complimentary use of adjacent Gold’s Gym and fitness center (open 24/7), and extensive concierge services. Plan to come early and linger afterwards to enjoy world-class accommodations in one of the most picturesque and safe beach cities on the West Coast. Priority Club Reward points are available and the rate is good for 3 days before and after the meeting.
The hotel is only seven miles south of Los Angeles International Airport. You can take a Super Shuttle (about $14) or Taxi (about $22). If you are driving, exit the airport taking Sepulveda Boulevard south and go 7 miles. Sepulveda becomes Pacific Coast Highway. When you get to Beryl, turn right and go 2 short blocks to Harbor Drive, turn left and then left into the parking garage. Self parking is $10 for day use only. Self parking is $14 and valet is $18 per 24 hours.
A typical room at the Crowne Plaza
The pool area and tennis courts
