WASHINGTON, D.C.—Each year, the Woodhull Freedom Foundation, a national human rights organization working to advance sexual freedom, present the "Vicki Sexual Freedom Award" in recognition of the people who have made landmark contributions to the movement for sexual health and freedom. This year, Woodhull will be honoring two extraordinary people for their commitment to sexual freedom as a fundamental human right: Caroline Bettinger-López and Mia Mingus.
“Each year Woodhull selects individuals who are doing groundbreaking work to advance sexual freedom," said Ricci Levy, President & CEO of the Woodhull Freedom Foundation. "Caroline has dedicated her career to advancing human rights and being a voice for those who have survived violence at the hands of an intimate partner. Mia is on the cutting edge of efforts to ensure that the stories and needs of people with disabilities are not only acknowledged but centered in the quest for truly transformative justice."
The Vicki Sexual Freedom Awards are named after Victoria Woodhull, the namesake of the Woodhull Freedom Foundation. Ms. Woodhull was an American suffragist born on September 23, 1838, who was described by Gilded Age newspapers as a leader of the American women’s suffrage movement in the 19th century. She became a colorful and notorious symbol for women’s rights, sexual freedom, free love, and spiritualism as she fought against corruption and for labor reforms.
"The Vicki Awards are an opportunity to shine a spotlight on these incredible individuals who are truly paving the way for liberation," Levy added. "We are honored to be with them in their endeavors to shape the world and shake up the conversation.”
Caroline Bettinger-López is a Professor of Clinical Legal Education and Director of the Human Rights Clinic at the University of Miami School of Law. Professor Bettinger-López recently completed a two-year term in the Obama Administration, where she served as the White House Advisor on Violence Against Women, a senior advisor to Vice President Joe Biden, and a member of the White House Council on Women and Girls. Those interested may read more here.
Mia Mingus is a writer, educator and community organizer for disability justice and transformative justice. She is a queer physically disabled korean woman transracial and transnational adoptee from the Caribbean. She works for community, interdependency and home for all of us, not just some of us, and longs for a world where disabled children can live free of violence, with dignity and love. Those interested may read more here.
The 9th Annual Sexual Freedom Summit, a project of the Woodhull Freedom Foundation, will be held Aug. 2-5 in Alexandria, VA. The Sexual Freedom Summit features human rights activists, sexuality educators and researchers, authors, professionals from the legal and medical fields who come together to share information, experiences, tools and strategies to use in the fight for human rights and sexual freedom.
For further information about the Sexual Freedom Summit, click here or follow the conversation on social media with #SFS18.
To learn more about the Woodhull Freedom Foundation, click here.
