Healthy Sexuality Conference

Conference Overview

The George Washington University Office of Advocacy and Support (OAS) is excited to announce our first annual Healthy Sexuality Conference at the GW University Student Center (800 21st St NW, Washington, DC 20052) on April 17th. GW OAS provides trauma-informed and healing-centered confidential support to student survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The goal of this conference is to build connection and community among GW students, faculty, staff and community members through a day of programming dedicated to violence prevention and healthy relationship education. 

Register Here

 

2024 Healthy Sexuality Conference Schedule

Start Time Session Information
  10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

Keynote Address: Swipe Against Stereotypes, Navigating Racism in Online Dating

Presented by: Apryl Williams, Ph.D.

Facilitated by: Anissa Tanksley

  University Student Center

Session Overview

Hear from our Keynote Speaker, Apryl Williams, author of Not My Type, Automating Sexual Racism in Online Dating. Apryl is a jointly appointed Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication & Media and the Digital Studies Institute at the University of Michigan. She is also a Faculty Associate at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University, a Senior Fellow in Trustworthy AI at Mozilla, as well as an affiliated researcher at NYU's Center for Critical Race & Digital Studies. As a multidisciplinary scholar, Williams studies experiences of gender and race at the intersection of digital spaces and algorithmic technocultures.

 
  11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

SASA Workshop: The Romanticization of Intimate Partner Violence in the Media

Presented by: GW Students Against Sexual Assault (SASA)

   University Student Center

Session Overview

During this workshop, Students Against Sexual Assault will provide an overview of what IPV is, and how it differs from healthy relationships. They will discuss the more nuanced aspects of IPV, often which are dismissed (or even promoted) in popular culture (gaslighting, coercion, power dynamics, abuse) and delve into specific examples of how IPV is romanticized in the media in both film/TV and social media.

  11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

RAGE Workshop: Abortion Support 101

Presented by: Reproductive Autonomy and Gender Equity (GW RAGE)

  University Student Center

Session Overview

The workshop will cover what abortion support is, emotional and physical strategies for abortion support, and an overview of resources in the foggy bottom area that students can tap into. The objective is to equip students with the ability to better support themselves, their friends, and their loved ones who are seeking abortions, particularly knowing the barriers young people face to abortion care. 

  11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

TNBS Workshop: Trans Bodies and Intimacies

Presented by: Transgender and Non-Binary Students of GWU (TNBS)

  University Student Center

Session Overview

After this workshop, participants will better understand the unique challenges trans/non-binary/gender nonconforming people face about pleasure and sex. They will also feel comfortable navigating conversations with sexual partners (both trans and cis!) about their bodies and boundaries during sex. 

  11:00 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

Victim Advocacy and Healthy Sexuality Networking Mixer

Presented by: GW's Office of Advocacy and Support

  University Student Center

Session Overview

This mixer is intended to bridge a connection between GW students who are interested in the fields of victim advocacy and healthy relationship building and professionals working in the field.

 

  12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Sexsonian Exhibit

Presented by: Health Promotion & Education, GW's Office of Student Life

  University Student Center

Session Overview

Visit the Sexsonian – GW’s first ever sex toy museum! Featuring interactive sex toy displays, safer sex product demonstrations, and education on erogenous zones and ethical pornography, the Sexsonian will highlight the importance of pleasure in wellbeing. Come learn about incorporating pleasure into your wellbeing toolkit, grab some free safer sex products from JunkMail, and enter our raffle to win Lion’s Den gift cards and prizes!

  12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Panel Discussion: Heart-to-Heart: Unlocking the Art of Effective Communication in Relationships

Facilitated by: GW's Office of Advocacy and Support

  University Student Center

Session Overview

Join us for an insightful exploration into the intricate world of relationship communication. From navigating disagreements to fostering intimacy, our expert panelists will share practical strategies and invaluable insights to help you master the art of communication in relationships. Whether you're in a budding romance or a long-term commitment, learn how to bridge the gap between words and emotions, and cultivate stronger, more meaningful connections with your loved ones.

  1:45 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Conversation with a Sexpert

Facilitated by: GW's Office of Advocacy and Support

  University Student Center

Session Overview

Let's talk about sex...baby. Join us to learn about healthy sex with a diverse group of expertise from GW's campus and in the DC area. Enjoy a panel where you are free to ask anonymous questions about anything related to sex weather that be pleasure, STI's, and how to start the conversation. We are excited to see you there!

 

  1:45 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Title IX: Beyond the Bystander: Building a Future Without Sexual Violence

Presented by: GW's Title IX Office

  University Student Center

Session Overview

This workshop will focus on how the GW community can take daily action to build a campus with fewer incidents of sexual and intimate partner violence by contributing to widespread culture change. This interactive session will ask participants to envision a future GW campus where sexual and intimate partner violence no longer exists and consider what that looks like in practice.

  1:45 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Beginner Mat Pilates with Sarah

Presented by: Sarah Druckman

  University Student Center

Session Overview

Beginner Mat Pilates is a low-impact mat-based slow flow to strengthen the full body while focusing on core, posture, and flexibility. Bring your yoga mat if you have one!

  1:45 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Beginner Barre with Gabi

Presented by: Gabi Spina 

  University Student Center

Session Overview

Beginner Barre is a ballet-inspired class designed with low-impact, high-energy sequences to engage both your body and mind. This class is made for everyone looking to enjoy mindful movement and feel stronger!

  2:45 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Indian Dance with Anjana

Presented by: Anjana Kuttamath

  University Student Center

Session Overview

Indian Dance combines traditional Indian dance with energetic fitness routines to Tollywood & Bollywood music, suitable for all levels. Get ready to sweat, smile, and embrace the spirit of Indian dance while enjoying a dynamic workout in a friendly environment!

  2:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Breathing and Meditation with Anuraag

Presented by: Anuraag Srinivas

  University Student Center, Room 302

Session Overview

Our session offers a transformative exploration of the Arab-Israeli conflict, delving beyond mere facts to address biases in media coverage. Attendees will engage in critical discussions, fostering a heightened sensitivity to diverse perspectives and recognizing personal biases. We will navigate through a brief history of the conflict, utilizing anecdotes to humanize its impact. Additionally, the session will touch on the contemporary origins of antisemitism and Islamophobia, providing insights into the intersectionality of identities, and finally highlight personal and institutional responsibilities thereof.

  3:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.

Trauma-Informed Relationships, A Workshop by the Office of Advocacy and Support

Presented by: Anissa Tanksley, GW's Office of Advocacy and Support

  University Student Center

Session Overview

Looking to build greater connection, safety, and joy in your friendships and intimate partnerships? Hoping to build more resilient networks of support in the communities and organizations that you belong to? Join GW's Office of Advocacy and Support for our Trauma-Informed Relationships workshop where we will explore the foundations of trauma-informed care and how to incorporate the practice of non-judgmental empathy and unconditional positive regard in all of your relationships.

  3:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.

Mobility with Theresa

Presented by: Theresa Hernandez

  University Student Center

Session Overview

Mobility is designed to elevate your flexibility and mobilize your joints, helping you discover your Best Stretch Ever. Whether you're aiming to improve posture, coordination, or balance, we've got you covered. 

  4:15 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Healthy Sexuality Trivia

Hosted by: Bria Fitz

  University Student Center

Session Overview

Join us to learn more about sex and sexual health through a Kahoot trivia event! Our host Bria Fitz, a GW alumna and educator-in-training at Lotus Blooms, will walk participants through a series of fun, surprising, and educational trivia questions. Show off your sex knowledge for a chance to win a mystery prize!

  5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Denim Day Fashion Show & Closing Remarks

Hosted by: GW's Office of Advocacy & Support

  University Student Center, Amphitheater

Session Overview

Denim Day is a national campaign to raise awareness about sexual assault and victim blaming. This year, National Denim Day is observed on April 24, uniting thousands in a symbolic gesture of wearing denim in solidarity. This year we're kicking off the observance early to get our denim prepared for National Denim Day. We invite you to join us for a denim extravaganza where you can bring your own denim and explore donated denim attire to personalize and show your support for survivors of sexual assault. The highlight of the event will be the Denim Day Fashion Show, where participants can showcase their decorated denim and strut their support on the runway in a powerful display of solidarity and advocacy.

Register Here