Sexuality, Intimacy, & Palliative Care
This workshop explores the intersections of two of American culture’s most taboo subjects: Sex and Death. After attendance to this workshop, participants will be able to 1) Define palliative care, 2) Describe how including sexuality and intimacy within the concept of “Total Pain” will help to provide more holistic palliative care to patient and family, 3) Identify truth versus myth regarding palliative care patients and sexuality and intimacy, and 4) Identify ways to overcome discomfort in order to discuss issues regarding sexuality and intimacy with palliative care patients and their significant others. This workshop is geared towards anyone who provides support, either personally or professionally, to those appropriate for palliative care and their significant others.
Kink-Positive Patient-Centered Care for Healthcare Professionals
This workshop provides attendees with an introduction to basic BDSM and kink terminology in order to promote better communication regarding kinky behaviors and safety principles. Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss kinky behaviors and identify the characteristics of healthy and unhealthy kinky relationships so that they are better equipped to identify warning signs of abusive kinky relationships when meeting with kinky clients. Healthcare professionals will also be provided with tips on how to effectively and respectfully communicate with kinky clients. Participants then have an opportunity to apply their newly obtained knowledge and skills through simulated encounters between kink practitioners and healthcare professionals.
Advanced Care Planning for Older Adults with Serious/Chronic Illnesses
Advanced planning is key to easing the stress of loved ones as we age or develop a serious illness. Despite what you may think, you are never too young to consider your future. This workshop provides participants with concrete tools to protect the medical and financial decisions of loved ones. Participants will also learn about options for home and long-term care and how to realistically meet the care needs of a loved one suffering from a serious illness. This workshop is for caregivers and all those who are interested in planning for their future, regardless of what may come. This workshop can also be provided with a particular focus on LGBT older adults.
The Pleasure Principle: Older Folks’ Sexual Health & Pleasure
This workshop provides participants with information on normal biopsychosexual changes that occur as a result of aging and illness. Participants are provided with concrete communication tips to assist in sharing with partners about their changing sexual desires. This workshop also provides participants with basic information regarding lubricants and sex toys that are particularly beneficial to older adults. This workshop can be catered to audiences based upon gender identity and/or sexual orientation.
The Talk: Healthy Sexual Communication
The Talk provides participants with a safe space to explore barriers to communicating with current and/or future sexual partners about STI/STD statuses, safer sex practices, and sexual preferences. Participants will then be provided with tips and models on how to communicate with partners regarding these topics. Such communication will be modeled for participants and then they will have the opportunity to practice their newly obtained skills. This workshop can be tailored to older adults, members of the LGBT community, and/or folks who have tested positive for a chronic STD.
BDSM & Kink Basics
Curious about what it means to be kinky? Wondering what BDSM actually stands for? Want to know what negotiating a play scene entails? This introductory class will give participants the tools to better understand kinky behaviors and identities, and the motivations behind such endeavors. Participants will learn basic kink terminology, communication and negotiation skills, and safety tips. Participants are also provided with an overview of some toys and implements that are used while playing with others in a risk-aware, consensual way. This workshop can be tailored to healthcare professionals, therapists, educators, or individuals interested in exploring kink/BDSM for more personal reasons.
Exploration of Non-Monogamy & Polyamory
This discussion-based workshop explores the various identities and love-styles of those who engage in non-monogamy. Participants are provided with basic terminology describing these alternative love-styles and will be encouraged to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both non-monogamy and monogamy. Through a forced choice activity and ensuing discussion, participants also have the opportunity to explore the subjective definitions of both monogamy and non-monogamy and challenge some of their own ideas regarding relationships. This workshop can be tailored to healthcare professional, therapists, educators, or individuals exploring non-monogamy for more personal reasons.