Sexology: Science & Sensationalism Closing Reception
February 19, 2025 from 5:00 PM 鈥� 8:00 PM. Remarks begin at 6:00 PM.
Institute for Human Science and Culture | 73 S. College St. Akron, OH 44325
Our Sexology: Science & Sensationalism exhibit closes this February, and we鈥檙e sending it off in style! Join us for a free closing reception celebrating the legacy of Sexology magazine and the importance of sex education. We鈥檒l be joined by featured speakers Courtney Johnson-Benson and Nikki Crawford, who will discuss sexuality in the media and in education.
We鈥檒l also be featuring information on local organizations focused on sexual health, LGBTQ+ identity, and victim assistance. Visitors are invited to browse the Sexology exhibit, enjoy light refreshments, and explore important resources available to them in the Akron community.
Please click the link below to RSVP for this free event.
Program
5:00pm 鈥� 6:00pm: Reception begins 鈥� enjoy refreshments, explore local resources, and browse the Sexology exhibit
6:00pm 鈥� 6:10pm: Opening Remarks
6:10pm 鈥� 6:40pm: 鈥淭he Past, Present, and Future of Sex Education鈥� with Nikki Crawford
Nikki Crawford (she/they) will speak on current gaps in sex education. With a perspective based in sexual violence prevention, clinical research, and sex education, Nikki will address how current gaps cause problems in many areas of day-to-day life. From general health to cultural takes on sexuality and the censoring of expression and language, there are many ways that a lack of sex education has harmed society 鈥� particularly in the absence of educational/entertainment periodicals magazines like Sexology magazine. As the Sexology: Science & Sensationalist exhibit highlights the past, it is Nikki's hope to address needs for the future in sex education, both locally and globally.
6:40pm 鈥� 7:20pm: 鈥淧op Culture's Gaze: Unraveling the Media鈥檚 Erasure of Black Sexuality鈥� with Courtney Johnson-Benson
Courtney Johnson-Benson (they/she) will examine the misrepresentation and oversimplification of Black sexual identities within mainstream media. By exploring how pop culture essentializes Black sexuality, the session reveals how narratives perpetuate stereotypes and neglect the multidimensionality of Black sexual experiences. Drawing on historical and contemporary examples, the session will underscore the role of media in shaping societal attitudes and erasing authentic expressions of Black sexuality. By referencing archival sources, such as the now-defunct Sexology magazine, and engaging theoretical frameworks and lenses, such as Black Feminist Thought, Intersectionality, and Critical Sexuality Studies, the session will encourage participants to engage with the complex realities of Black sexual expression and reclamation of their sexual pleasure and agency. The interactive session will feature media analyses and reflection exercises to foster a deeper understanding of how these pervasive stereotypes affect both personal identity and collective liberation.
Plan Your Visit
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