Why This Congress Matters

and How to Get There

View this email in your browser Dear WAS Members and Friends, In a time when sexual and reproductive rights are being rolled back, health funding is under threat, and misinformation spreads faster than ever, it's never been more urgent to gather, learn, and act together, and to defend inclusive, participatory democracy in all our spaces. Thank you to all who attended the WAS Interim General Assembly last week and engaged in important discussions to strengthen our governance and global impact. Your presence and participation are a reminder of what makes WAS unique: our diversity, dedication, and commitment to centering Sexual Health, Rights, Justice, and Pleasure—for everyone, everywhere, every time. As we count down to the 27th Congress of the World Association for Sexual Health in Brisbane—just 48 days away—this week's newsletter is all about getting you ready: ✔️ The full Congress program is now available online ✔️ Learn about the Congress President's Lecture with Armin Ariana and a powerhouse panel exploring where we've been—and where we're headed—in global sexual health ✔️ Register for our public event: Unfiltered: Sex, Power & Pleasure ✔️ Find travel information and logistics for planning your trip Let's make this a Congress to remember.   Full WAS 2025 Program Now Online! The wait is over: the full, updated program for #WAS2025 is now live! With 60+ sessions across 5 tracks, curated poster tours, powerful plenary lectures, and energizing networking opportunities, this Congress offers space to share knowledge, ask bold questions, and strengthen our collective voice. 🔹 Discover must-attend keynotes 🔹 Explore engaging breakout sessions 🔹 Plan your Congress experience in advance   View the Full Program Here Please note: the program is subject to change. Congress President Lecture One of the most anticipated moments of every WAS Congress is the Congress President's Lecture—a space for reflection, bold conversation, and collective visioning. This year, Armin Ariana will be joined by a powerhouse panel of voices representing disability, chronic illness, First Nations, LGBTQIA+, CALD communities, and sex workers—unpacking where we've been, where we are, and what's next in the global journey of sexual health.   WAS 2025 Public Lecture Unfiltered: Sex, Power & Pleasure One-night-only | Free public event | Brisbane, June 2025   This energizing, youth-focused event will bring together diverse voices to discuss the sex ed conversation most of us never had at school—one rooted in consent, pleasure, identity, and real-life experiences. Meet the Panel: Cam Fraser (he/him; inyourskin) - A sexuality educator with deep expertise in positive masculinity and healthy male sexuality, Cam brings over 5,000 hours of clinical counselling experience. Lauren French (she/her; Body Safe Australia) - A proud Karajarri woman offering an intersectional approach to child safety and sexuality education, with insights from her Churchill Fellowship on sexual violence prevention. Katrina Marson (she/her) - Former prosecutor and author advocating for comprehensive relationships and sexuality education, exploring why "just consent" isn't enough. Kai Schweizer (he/they) - Youth worker and sexuality educator with lived experience and expertise in trans and gender diversity, neurodivergence, and their intersections. This free, public event is for young people, students, content creators, educators—and anyone who's ever asked: why didn't we learn this in school? A bold and inclusive conversation not to be missed. Click below to register and join us in person. Register for the Public Lecture here Travel Information: Getting to WAS 2025 Whether you're flying in or commuting locally, here's how to reach the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre with ease: 🚆 Airtrain – 20 mins from Brisbane Airport to City 🚌 Bus 590 – Runs daily from Skygate Centre 🚖 Taxi / 🚘 Rideshare – Available at both terminals 🚶 On foot – A 20-minute walk from the CBD 🚍 Public transport – Serviced by bus, train, and ferry 🅿️ Parking – Secure, cashless onsite parking with lift access  Important: If you are traveling internationally, please check whether you require a visa to enter Australia and allow sufficient time for processing. You can request a visa invitation letter through our Professional Congress Organizer (PCO) by emailing Briana.DiGirolamo@ashm.org.au. Visit the WAS 2025 Congress site for more details Thank you to our sponsors for WAS 2025 Silver Sponsor   Supporters Destination Sponsors   Thank you for being part of this movement—especially now, when global collaboration matters more than ever. The World Association for Sexual Health   Upcoming WAS 2025 Deadlines: 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.