ARDEN, N.C. — The National Association for the Advancement of Science & Art in Sexuality (NAASAS) is an academic organization with more than 800 members that serves aspiring and established professionals in the field of sexuality and pleasure products industry.
The new organization provides educational resources and a social network that will allow professionals to receive guidance, explore trends, collaborate and promote their own educational services and products.
The founder of NAASAS, Lisa Lawless, Ph.D., says that the idea for the organization came to her after she noticed that many groups of professionals were working independently of one another with no educational core for the adult novelty industry that provided enriching support and resources for everyone.
Lawless is a psychotherapist who has dedicated more than 25 years to therapeutic practice in the mental health field with specialization in sexuality. In addition, she is an accredited member of the American College of Sexologists International (ACS) and has held membership through the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT).
Having come from a background of understanding the importance of information and collaboration, she said she felt that it was time to create a paradigm shift in the way that professionals in the field of sexuality and the adult novelty industry worked together.
"Most people get into the business of sexuality as it can be an exciting and prosperous career choice,” Lawless said. “The old adage 'sex sells,' makes it easy for some to believe that it will be an effortless and uncomplicated business venture. This is simply naïve thinking and those who are successful within this industry know better. No matter what specific career you choose to pursue when it comes to sex; it is one of the most competitive, socially controversial and legally precarious professions in which one can become involved. That is why information, support and resources through an adult novelty, educational association is so important."
To learn more about NAASAS or apply for membership, visit NAASAS.org.
