The world of sex positivity can feel really big at times, with far-reaching goals, all-inclusive spaces, and advocates scattered across the globe. And then are times when we are reminded of just how small and connected we all are. The annual Woodhull Sexual Freedom Summit is one of those times.
The Woodhull Freedom Foundation— named for American suffragist Victoria Woodhull– is in their 8th year of hosting the Sexual Freedom Summit. Each year they welcome sex educators, policy makers, bloggers, social justice activists, researchers, lawyers, physicians, sex toy peddlers and all kinds of interesting people to come share ideas and experiences. The four day Summit, held this year from August 3rd through 6th, focuses on ways in which sexual and human rights advocates can strengthen their movements through collaboration. Tracks include Disability and Sex, Body Politics, Racial Justice, Sex and the Law, Orchestrating Change, and a full day Color of Choice Institute that will look at the intersections of race and reproductive justice.
Wow, that’s a lot, right? Well, hold onto your bed because there’s more! Woodhull understands that not everyone can commit to a full four days, so they offer single-day and weekend-only registrations. They also open their evening events to the public.
Want to see reproductive justice advocate and abortion provider Dr. Willie J Parker speak? You’re in luck because he’ll be at their screening of TRAPPED Thursday night. Never been to a Burlesque show? Check out Bubbles and Burlesque on Saturday night! Want to hear people tell fun and empowering stories from their own sexual escapades? Then Bedpost Confessions is the place for you! Whatever your interest is, you can find it at Woodhull!
It’s easy to see why we at Lotus Blooms love Woodhull so much. As a store whose mission is “Pleasure for Every Body” with a core commitment to sex positivity, we’re always looking for organizations whose advocacy work is helping to empower and educate our communities. If you do attend the Sexual Freedom Summit this year, as always, you’ll see some familiar Lotus Blooms faces. Some of us volunteer our time to help with the event, some of us are presenters, some are performers, and others are there for the same reasons you are– to engage in titillating conversations about sex positivity and freedom!
When the Summit is over, Woodhull doesn’t stop. They work tirelessly on issues of sex worker rights, sexual and domestic violence, anti-shackling laws, and eliminating discrimination based on identity and family structure, among other human rights efforts. Understanding that securing family rights doesn’t end with equal marriage for same-sex couples, Woodhull works through their Family Matters Project on cases like that of a polyamorous family in Connecticut facing eviction. Their approach of raising awareness, facilitating collaboration, and disseminating knowledge helps them to build sustained partnerships with other organizations to make a real impact in our world.
Especially in a time when threats to human rights are around every corner, Woodhull and its supporters are ready to take on the issues that endanger individuals’ personal choices. As president Ricci Joy Levy says, “If it affects your personal autonomy, it’s a Woodhull issue.” Just as we here at Lotus Blooms dream of a world where all people feel confident in their bodies and empowered in their sexual selves, Woodhull envisions a time when sexual freedom is recognized as a fundamental human right.
Learn more about Woodhull’s mission
Support Woodhull’s work through our t-shirt fundraising campaign (Want to have a shirt to wear at the SFS? You can buy one at the store starting July 28th!)
