INDIANAPOLIS — Kelly Shibari will coordinate the adult track for Mensa’s Annual Gathering for a third year, presenting four unique conversations at the high-IQ society's conference, all focusing on sex and relationships from political and societal angles.
“I’m so honored to be asked to continue coordinating the adult track for the Mensa AG,” Shibari said. “I’m thrilled to bring educators and thought leaders who deal in the realms of sex, relationships, gender and kink to such a highly esteemed group of people, who are just as curious about the world and its many different and interesting facets as I am.
“With this year’s AG being held in Indianapolis, I’m particularly pleased we are able to bring Dr. Ostrowski to share the Kinsey Institute’s history and areas of study,” she added. “With a particular bent towards the study of sexuality through history this year, these four presentations should make for a lively, educational, and entertaining set of evenings for all who attend.”
The four presentations curated by Shibari for this year’s annual event are:
The Kinsey Institute: History & Studies
by Nancy Ostrowski, M.S., Ph.D., Associate Director, Kinsey Institute at Indiana University
- Many recognize the name “Kinsey,” but few could share much beyond the word “sex.” Yes, sex continues to drive the Kinsey Institute; and, as long as there remain questions to be answered, the Institute continues to conduct high-impact research on sex, gender and reproduction. This includes analyses of human sexual behavior, sex in the electronic age, consequences of sexual trauma, the role sex plays in our health and well-being and much more. The Institute also extends far beyond its walls as an icon of academic freedom, independence of research, celebration of individual differences and the acceptance of diversity, including sexual diversity. The Collections, started by Dr. Alfred Kinsey, serve as a unique international resource, which continues to welcome those seeking more data, information, or answers related to the universality of the human sexual experience. The Kinsey Institute celebrates over 70 years of research, the preservation of its treasured collections, and new paths to outreach and education.
On the Classification of Paraphilias
by Victoria Hartmann, Ph.D., M.P.H., Executive Director, Erotic Heritage Museum
- The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is the standard text used by clinicians and researchers to diagnose and classify mental disorders. The latest version, the DSM-5, was released over 5 years ago, in May 2013. Unfortunately, these classification efforts can often be marred by intentional or unintentional biases and moral judgements. As an example, Rosman, Resnick and Aggrawal deploy moral concepts in their treatments of one specific type of paraphilia — death fetishism. Rosman and Resnick refer to it as a “perversion” — a moral, rather than a scientific, term. Aggrawal goes further, stating at the outset that necrophilia "is one of the most weird, bizarre, and revolting practices of abnormal and perverse sexuality." This is truly a morass of moral ("revolting"), statistical ("abnormal") and impressionistic ("weird") concepts. The use of "weird" and "bizarre" duplicate the use of "abnormal," but with an undefined pejorative implication thrown in. What place Aggrawal’s impression of what counts as “weird” has in a scientific paper is far from clear. This presentation will discuss the adequate classification of paraphilias and its need to be multidimensional, because paraphilias are not unitary phenomena; rather, they have discernible components. It is from these components that classifications of paraphilias are best defined.
Exploring the Intersections of Sexuality & Disability
by Shanna Katz Kattari, Ph.D., M.Ed., C.S.E., A.C.S, Faculty, University of Michigan School of Social Work
- Over 20 percent of adults identify as having a disability, impairment or chronic illness, and many others will experience this short term, or as they age. While society often perpetuates the ableist idea that disabled individuals and people with impairments are simply not sexual, nothing could be further from reality. This workshop is both discussion and lecture-based covering issues around the intersection of disability and sexuality, such as coming out to/discussing a disabled identity with a partner(s), how to discuss disability needs around sex, new things to try and creative ways to so, correct and accurate terminology, negotiating sex play (including kink/BDSM play), and much more. There will be images of a more mature nature (though nothing to completely preclude those under 18). Participants are encouraged to share suggestions, trade ideas, etc. Great for people of all dis/ability identities (and their partners) who want to recognize themselves as sexual beings.
Art & The Herstory of Drag
by Steven Patton, aka Zekira Zabertini / Sister Marsha Dimes, Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence
- In recent years, the art of drag has moved to center stage of pop culture. The herstory of drag, however, has a long history rich in culture, humor, cleverness, and wit; one of which most people are unaware. We will talk about decades of the underground drag scene and discuss the effort that goes into being a drag entertainer, the various styles and types of drag, the wide variety of drag scenes and circuit’s one might find, and the dynasties that contribute to them. We will answer questions like “where does it go?,” review famous drag icons, and some of the scenes most bizarre stories. Featuring entertaining clips from as far back as 1967, we will get into the fame and slang of drag, and the meaning of terms like "butch queen", "realness" and "girl you peed for that." So, pull up a seat, Mary, ‘cause this tea is hot!
“I am really pleased with the opportunity to participate in this year’s Mensa AG, to talk about the legacy of Dr. Alfred C. Kinsey and his pioneering role in starting the scientific conversation about what people were doing in their sex lives in America,” said Dr. Ostrowski. “It’s a great opportunity for the Kinsey Institute to share ‘who we are’ and what the Institute is doing, now, over 70 years later. The importance of research in sex, gender, and reproduction has never been more critical than in today’s dynamic society.”
Dr. Hartmann added, “The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), is the standard text used by clinicians and researchers to diagnose and classify mental disorders. Unfortunately, classification efforts can often be marred by intentional or unintentional biases and moral judgments. I am looking forward to presenting to the Mensa community a new look at classification structures and how they can be improved. I anticipate learning much from my fellow presenters as well; I look forward to having stimulating conversations during my time at the conference.”
Dr. Katz Kattari commented, “The intersection of sexuality and disability can be complex and deserves much conversation and dialogue, yet is often dismissed or swept under the rug. I look forward in engaging Mensa members in thoughtful and engaging learning about supporting the sexuality needs and desires of this already marginalized community."
Patton / Zabertini said, “Although the art of drag has gained cultural and mainstream acceptance in recent years more than ever before, this counterculture has long flourished in the underground of cities around the world. this presentation will discuss the reality beyond reality TV of this long-standing transgressive art. Some of the several topics will include pageantry, drag circuits and scenes, language, social norms and famous queens and drag troupes over the last 50 years.”
Held at the JW Marriott Indianapolis this year, Mensa’s 2018 Annual Gathering will take place Wednesday through Sunday.
Attendance for the adult track is limited to attendees 18 and older; IDs will be required. To view all session descriptions, click here.
