Dear WAS Members and Friends,
This week, we bring you updates on key activities and opportunities from the WAS community: - A reminder about the upcoming FLASSES Congress in Lima, Peru, where discussions will focus on Sexual Justice and collaboration across Latin America.
- A call for contributions to the WAS/UNFPA Global Status Report on Out-of-School Comprehensive Sexuality Education (OOS CSE).
- Insights from a new study on how people define Sexual Health, published in the International Journal of Sexual Health.
- Details of WPATH's upcoming training in Marbella, Spain, a valuable opportunity for professional development.
- Important reminders to register for WAS 2025 and join the WAS General Assembly on December 12.
Read on for more details, and thank you for your ongoing dedication to advancing Sexual Health, Rights, Justice, and Pleasure for ALL.
| | WAS Federation: FLASSES Congress Starts Thursday | | | | The XXII Latin American Congress of Sexology and Sexual Education (CLASES 2024), organized by FLASSES (Latin American Federation of Sexology and Sexual Education), an official WAS Federation, begins this Thursday in Lima, Peru.
Event Details:
📅 November 28–30, 2024
📍 Lima, Peru
This congress provides a vital platform for meaningful discussions and collaboration on key issues in sexology and sexual education across Latin America. Highlights include a Sexual Justice Symposium and an important meeting between WAS officers and the FLASSES Executive Committee, reinforcing our shared commitment to advancing Sexual Health, Rights, Justice and Pleasure for ALL.
We extend our best wishes to Felipe Hurtado, President of FLASSES and a WAS Executive Committee Member, as he leads this significant event. The congress will also be attended by WAS Executive Committee members Alain Giami, Pedro Nobre, Luis Perelman, and Esther Corona, along with many other members and friends of WAS from around the world.
We encourage members of the WAS community to attend and contribute to the advancement of Sexual Health and Rights in the region.
| | Call for Contributions: Out-of-School Comprehensive Sexuality Education (OOS CSE) Global Status Report | | | WAS and UNFPA are collaborating on a Global Status Report on Out-of-School Comprehensive Sexuality Education (OOS CSE). This important report will provide a high-level review of current OOS CSE programs and interventions worldwide, identifying gaps and offering recommendations for international organizations and NGOs to strengthen programming.
We are seeking program and project reports, research articles, and resources related to OOS CSE, especially those that: - Address vulnerable populations, including youth with disabilities, LGBTQI+ youth, those who sell sex, and incarcerated individuals.
- Explore OOS CSE delivered in digital spaces or through technology-integrated in-person programs.
- Highlight connections to the ITGSE guidance document for OOS CSE.
- Are non-English resources (translations not required).
Please share any relevant resources (from 2021 onward) with Elizabeth Schroeder via email: elizschroe@gmail.com.
Deadline: Please send materials no later than Friday, 29 November 2024.
Your contributions will ensure the report captures a comprehensive picture of the current state of OOS CSE and its role in advancing Sexual Health and Rights globally.
| | What Defines Sexual Health?
A New Study | | | We invite you to read a recent publication in the IJSH that explores how people define Sexual Health in their own words.
The study was conducted in Portugal during National Sexual Health Day, which is the country's official recognition of World Sexual Health Day (WSHD)—a global initiative by WAS to promote awareness and dialogue about Sexual Health and Rights.
Participants, aged 19 to 75, were asked the open question: "What is sexual health?" Their responses were grouped into four key themes: - Sexual Justice is a Must!: Highlighting the need for supportive environments, equitable healthcare access, and open sexuality education.
- I Am Not Alone in This: Emphasizing the importance of consensual, equity-based and trustworthy relationships.
- I'm In Charge!: Focusing on self-awareness, personal responsibility, and prioritizing sexual pleasure.
- Let's Get Physical, Physical: Addressing the biological aspects, such as sexual dysfunction and fulfilling physical needs.
These findings highlight that Sexual Health extends beyond the biomedical perspective, encompassing relationships, community support, and systemic equity.
Manão, A. A., Brazão, M., & Pascoal, P. M. (2024). How to define Sexual Health? A qualitative analysis of people's perceptions. International Journal of Sexual Health, 1–22.
| | WPATH GEI Training in
Marbella, Spain | | | | The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), a valued WAS Member Organization, is hosting live courses through its Global Education Institute (GEI) from February 18–20, 2025, at the Hard Rock Hotel in Marbella, Spain.
Course Highlights: - Feb 18-19: GEI Foundations Course
- Feb 20: Advanced Medical and Advanced Mental Health Courses
These courses, available in both Spanish and English, provide healthcare professionals with training on the WPATH Standards of Care 8, networking opportunities, and credits toward WPATH Certification.
Early bird registration ends December 18, 2024.
| | Reminder: WAS 2025
Registration is Open | | | Don't miss your chance to attend the 27th WAS Congress, happening June 16–19, 2025, in Brisbane, Australia.
With the theme "Advancing Sexual Health, Rights, Justice, and Pleasure. Everyone. Everywhere. Every Time," the congress will bring together global experts and advocates to share research, insights, and strategies.
Early bird registration ends on February 28, 2025—secure your spot today. | | Reminder: WAS General Assembly – December 12 | | | | The WAS General Assembly will take place online on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 15:00 South African Standard Time.
This is an important event for the WAS community to review the year's progress, vote on updates to the WAS statutes, and shape strategies for the future of Sexual Health and Rights.
The GA is open to all, but voting rights are reserved for official representatives of WAS Member Organizations, Federation Presidents, and Advisory Committee members.
For questions or missing invitations, contact Renè de Klerk at exec@worldsexualhealth.net. | | Thank you for being part of the global effort to advance Sexual Health, Rights, Justice, and Pleasure for ALL.
Warm regards,
The World Association for Sexual Health | | Support the Mission of WAS We invite you to support the ongoing work of the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS).
Your contributions help us continue our mission of promoting Sexual Health, Rights, and Justice globally. Consider becoming a supporting member or making a financial contribution today.
Donations are tax-deductible in the USA. | | | |  | |
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