Global SRHR at Risk

What Comes Next?

View this email in your browser Dear WAS Members and Friends, As we approach the final days of early bird registration for WAS 2025, we also reflect on critical discussions shaping the global sexual health landscape. This week, we bring you: ✔ A must-attend webinar happening TODAY on the global impact of Trump's Executive Orders on SRHR ✔ A replay of last week's WAS webinar about publishing in the International Journal of Sexual Health—thank you to all who attended! ✔ A reminder—final days to save on WAS 2025 registration! ✔ Updates on ongoing efforts to support sexual health recovery in conflict-affected regions ✔ A tribute to Muhsin Hendricks, the world's first openly gay Imam, whose legacy calls for a future where faith and sexual rights coexist without fear.   IJSH Webinar Replay: Thank You to Our Speakers! A huge thank you to everyone who joined the International Journal of Sexual Health (IJSH) publishing webinar on February 20! Dr. Eli Coleman and our panel of experts delivered an insightful discussion on getting published, ethical considerations, and emerging research trends. Special thanks to our expert panel: Dr. Eusebio Rubio-Aurioles – Ethical considerations in sexual medicine Debbie Herbenick – Survey research on pleasure and behavior Manuela Peixoto – Psychological and quantitative studies Xiangnan Chai, PhD – HIV/AIDS, LGBT health, and sociological research If you missed it, you can now watch the full webinar replay linked below. We look forward to more opportunities to support researchers in advancing their work! Watch the webinar replay now ⏳ 3 Days Left – Final Chance to Save on WAS 2025! Act Now & Save up to $110!   WAS 2025 Early Bird Registration Closes 11:59pm AEDT Friday 28 February 2025 Join us in Brisbane, Australia, from June 16–19, 2025   Grab your early bird access! Webinar Today: The Global Impact of Trump's Executive Orders on SRHR Date: TODAY Tuesday, February 25, 2025 Time: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM Johannesburg Location: Online Event – Free Registration As new U.S. policies on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) take effect, experts will unpack their global implications—from the expansion of the Global Gag Rule to impacts on HIV programs, trans rights, and foreign aid. Moderator: Eszter Kismődi – Chair of the WAS Sexual Rights Committee and Chief Executive, Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters Panelists Include: Alice M. Miller – Yale School of Public Health & Yale Law School Mindy Jane Roseman – Director, Global Justice and Women's Rights, Yale Law School Erika Castellanos – Executive Director, GATE (Global Action for Trans Equality) Allan Maleche – Executive Director, KELIN (Kenya Legal & Ethical Issues Network) Anand Tamang – Director, CREHPA (Center for Research on Environment, Health & Population) Luisa Cabal – Director, UNAIDS LAC This urgent conversation will examine how these policies shape access to SRHR services worldwide. Register now Supporting Sexual Health Recovery in Conflict-Affected Regions Resex — про сексуальне життя для воїнів з пораненнями WAS is encouraged by the emergence of sexual health programs in regions affected by armed conflict and commends colleagues worldwide who continue to provide vital services and secure funding for much-needed initiatives in these challenging environments. One such effort is the Sexual Life Recovery Counseling Cabinet in Kyiv, which offers free counseling for military personnel and veterans facing physical or psychological trauma from combat. This initiative is part of the 'RECOVERY. Sexual Life' educational program, within the RECOVERY national network of rehabilitation centers for wounded soldiers in Ukraine, founded by Viktor and Olena Pinchuk to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Treatment is provided by Dr. Borys Vornyk. Launch Date: February 10, 2025 Location: Kyiv, Volodymyrska St. 43, Dialog Hub  Access & Services ✔ Who can benefit? Military personnel and veterans, including ATO/OOS participants, experiencing sexual health challenges due to combat-related injuries or PTSD. ✔ Support available for loss of libido, intimacy concerns post-injury, PTSD-related sexual health issues, and relationship challenges. ✔ Register for a free consultation. Sessions are free, confidential, and require proof of combat service for the first visit. WAS stands in solidarity with healthcare professionals in conflict-affected areas and continues to advocate for sustainable, locally driven sexual health services worldwide. Learn more here Honoring Muhsin Hendricks The global sexual health and rights community mourns the loss of Muhsin Hendricks, a South African Islamic scholar, human rights activist, and the world's first openly gay Imam. Tragically, he was killed on February 15 in Gqeberha, South Africa. Hendricks dedicated his life to bridging the gap between faith and sexual diversity. Through his organizations The Inner Circle and Al-Ghurbaah Foundation, he supported countless LGBTQ+ individuals seeking reconciliation between their identity and faith. A fierce advocate for inclusion, he challenged religious extremism with compassion, dialogue, and unwavering courage. In November 2024, he spoke at the ILGA World Conference, emphasizing the transformative power of inclusive faith communities. His words—"Religion is not the enemy; it can also be a source of healing."—serve as a powerful reminder of the need to reclaim spiritual spaces as places of acceptance, not exclusion. As we remember Muhsin Hendricks, we reaffirm that justice means ensuring freedom of belief and religious inclusion for all LGBTQ+ people. His legacy calls us to continue challenging exclusion, amplifying queer faith voices, and advocating for a world where no one is forced to choose between their identity and their spirituality.   With just 3 days left for early bird WAS 2025 registration and key discussions shaping global SRHR this week, now is the time to take action. Together, we continue to advance Sexual Health, Rights, Justice, and Pleasure for ALL. Warm regards, The World Association for Sexual Health Upcoming WAS 2025 Deadlines: Early Bird Registration: 28 February 2025 Accommodation Bookings: 17 May 2025 Standard Registration: 30 May 2025 Click here to visit the WAS website Not on our mailing list yet? Sign up here! 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. Donate Here Copyright © 2025 World Association for Sexual Health (WAS), All rights reserved. You are receiving this newsletter because you have previously expressed interest in our content by opting in on our website or through participation in one of our online events, such as our monthly webinars. We're committed to keeping you informed with the latest updates and insights. Our mailing address is: World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) 1300 South 2nd Street Suite 180 West Bank Office Building Minneapolis, Minnesota 55454 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.