WOODLAND HILLS, Calif.—CatalystCon creator Dee Dennis has chosen The Center for Sex and Culture and the Joycelyn Elders Chair in Sexual Health Education as the two recipients of fundraisers to be held during the CatalystCon West sexuality conference, which takes place in Woodland Hills, Calif., Sept. 27-29.
“I chose the CSC and the Elders Chair because I strongly believe in the work they’re doing,” said Dennis. ” Both of their missions exemplify CatalystCon’s fundamental principle, that knowledge is power and sharing that knowledge is the first spark in igniting change.”
Dennis has donated two tickets to a future CatalystCon conference to be raffled off at CatalystCon West. Tickets will be for sale all weekend at the CatalystCon Registration table for $5 each (or $20 for five). The drawing will take place Sunday during the closing remarks. In addition to the main fundraiser, select CatalystCon West sponsors, including Aneros, Sportsheets, Tantus, Vibratex, Wet and We-Vibe, will also be raffling off prizes from their collections in the Exhibitors Hall for $2 a ticket. For more information on the fundraisers, visit catalystcon.com/fundraiser. For more information on the official sponsors of CataystCon West visit catalystcon.com/sponsor/sponsors-west.
The mission of the Center for Sex and Culture is to provide judgment-free education, culture events, a library/media archive, and other resources to audiences across the sexual and gender spectrum; and to research and disseminate factual information, framing and informing issues of public policy and public health.
“I consider CatalystCon a perfect partner for the Center for Sex & Culture,” said Carol Queen, Ph.D., CSC co-founder and director. “Both entities are committed to open and sex-positive cultural discourse and education and we’re so grateful for the support of the entire Catalyst team.”
Queen will also be presenting three sessions at CatalystCon West.
The Joycelyn Elders Chair in Sexual Health Education was created by Dr. Elders, Former Surgeon General of the U.S. Public Health Service under President Clinton, and the Program in Human Sexuality at the University of Minnesota Medical School in order to advance comprehensive science-based sexual health education. The mission of the Elders Chair is to create comprehensive life-long education curricula, to increase the number of health care providers trained in sexual health care, and to expand scientific research in sexuality education.
“An endowed chair is one of the highest honors that a university can bestow on a person,” said Lynn Comella, Ph.D., women’s studies professor at University of Nevada, Las Vegas. “The Joycelyn Elders Chair in Sexual Health Education at the University of Minnesota Medical School is not only a testament to Dr. Elders’ legacy, but to the ongoing importance of advancing comprehensive science-based sex education. I couldn’t be happier that CatalystCon is throwing its weight behind this cause, and helping to cement Dr. Elders’ legacy as a champion for sexual health and education.”
Elders and Comella will present the CatalystCon West Closing Keynote Plenary Address, “Afternoon Tea with Dr. Joycelyn Elders” on Sunday, Sept. 29.
The closing will feature remarks from Dr. Elders, followed by an informal interview of Elders by Comella. Find more information on the Opening and Closing Keynotes at catalystcon.com/sessions-west/keynotes.
Those who are not attending CatalystCon West can still support both organizations by visiting the donation pages on their websites. Donate to the CSC at www.wepay.com/donations/19214. Learn more about the CSC at www.sexandculture.org. Donate to the Elders Chair at give.mmf.umn.edu/support/elderschair. Learn more about the Elders Chair at www.phs.umn.edu/education/elders.
CatalystCon West takes place at the Warner Center Marriott in Woodland Hills, Calif. Registration is open at catalystcon.com/register.
