Friday, March 11, 2011

Pam Krause, our Executive Director, comments on the upcoming "Pornified" event

"We know from our work that pornography is having an impact on sexuality in our culture.

By hosting this discussion, we’re not attempting to debate the morality of pornography. Instead, we think it’s important to look at how it is influencing our society – especially youth sexuality – and to start a conversation about what we can do about it."

For more about this event, check out the recent interview with Pam in FFWD Magazine.



The Calgary Sexual Health Centre is proud to present
“A Porn Perspective”

Join us for an evening of engaging discussion with acclaimed journalist and author, Pamela Paul. Often controversial, consistently thought-provoking, Ms. Paul will present her views on the impact of pornography in the 21st century.

The format will encourage an open conversation with the audience.

Pamela Paul is an award-winning author and journalist who writes about social and cultural issues, demographic trends, consumer culture, psychology and health, and family. Ms. Paul is currently a columnist for The New York Times Styles section, where her Studied column, a critical look at recent social science research, runs bimonthly.

Her second book, PORNIFIED, was named one of the best books of 2005 by The San Francisco Chronicle. Using a mix of original qualitative and quantitative research, extensive interviews and vivid narrative, PORNIFIED tells the story of how men, women and children are affected by the ubiquity and mainstreaming of porn.

This event is open to the public.
Admission is free, however donations to support the work of CSHC are greatly appreciated.


Tuesday, March 15, 2011
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
John Dutton Theatre
Central Library
616 MacLeod Trail S.E.


For information, contact Pam Krause at pkrause@calgarysexualhealth.ca.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Celebrating Pride. Creating a Culture of Respect.

PRIDE
It is a celebration of the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender community. 
It is a recognition of the human rights, equality, and diversity of this community.

In Episode 5 of our “How to be a Sexpert” podcast series, we celebrate Pride. (click the pic below to view our podcast, or check it out on our YouTube Channel.) 


LGBTQ pride celebrations happen every year around the world and are a way to celebrate our diversity. 
In Calgary, pride events have become a true celebration of the community – a celebration that no longer carries fear of protests and violence.   Lesbian and gay activists and their allies in our country have worked very hard to ensure LGBTQ citizens have the same human rights as other Canadians. 
But Pride must also be an acknowledgment that in many parts of the world, homosexuality remains illegal, that basic human rights of LGBT citizens are not respected. 
Beyond Gay:  The Politics of Pride” is a moving documentary that examines the blatant homophobia and violence that happens in many parts of the world.  (find it online at http://biggaymovie.com/)   Yet, pride marches and celebrations still occur in the face of this homophobia.  It is a reminder that pride is about a global fight for human rights.
By celebrating Pride, here at home and around the world, it is a show of our collective commitment to work in solidarity for change.
At the Calgary Sexual Health Centre, we work every day to reduce the impact of homophobia.  We offer the DARE (Diversity and Respecting Everyone) program to youth and the “Creating A Culture of Respect” workshop for professionals.  Our goal is to reduce the impact of homophobia and heterosexism, and to give our city the tools to be allies to LGBTQ communities. 
We’re here to help.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Upcoming Event: A Porn Perspective


Calgary Sexual Health Centre presents

A Porn Perspective

An evening with Pamela Paul
Journalist and Author of “PORNIFIED”

Join us for an engaging evening of discussion
with acclaimed journalist and author, Pamela Paul, as she presents
her views on the impact of pornography in the 21st century.

Often controversial, consistently thought-provoking,
Pamela Paul will challenge you to consider your own perspective on porn.



Tuesday, March 15, 2011
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
John Dutton Theatre
Central Library
616 MacLeod Trail S.E.


Admission is free.
Donations to support the work of CSHC are greatly appreciated.


For information, please contact Pam Krause, Executive Director of CSHC at
403-283-5580 ext 314 or pkrause@calgarysexualhealth.ca


About “PORNIFIED”
Using a mix of original qualitative and quantitative research, extensive interviews and vivid narrative, PORNIFIED tells the story of how men, women and children are affected by the ubiquity and mainstreaming of porn.  Visit www.pamelapaul.com/book/pornified/ for more info about this book and the author.


About Pamela Paul
Pamela Paul is an award-winning author and journalist who writes about social and cultural issues, demographic trends, consumer culture, psychology and health, and family. Paul’s writing is often controversial, consistently thought-provoking, and always driven by in-depth reporting.  Her second book, PORNIFIED, was named one of the best books of 2005 by The San Francisco Chronicle.

She is currently a columnist for The New York Times Styles section, where her Studied column, a critical look at recent social science research, runs bimonthly. She frequently writes for The New York Times Book Review and The New York Times Magazine.  Paul has been a guest on Oprah, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Early Show, and Politically Incorrect, and has made regular appearances on CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC.

Friday, February 11, 2011

This Valentine’s weekend, nothing says I love you like NOT spreading an STI!

February 12th is Sexual and Reproductive Health Day in Canada.  This year, we are drawing attention to the increasing rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Statistics reported to the Public Health Agency of Canada indicate that rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis continue to be a public health concern in Canada and, while 15 to 24 year olds continue to bear the highest burden of these infections, there has been a significant increase in these STIs among middle-age adults (40-59 years) over the past decade.

Don’t give your lover an STI for this Valentine’s weekend!  Why not get tested together?

Our 4th episode in the “How To Be A Sexpert” podcast series covers the subject of STI Testing.  The podcast shows the experience of two of our Sexperts as they go for STI tests. 

Check it out at www.calgarysexualhealthpodcast.ca - or click on the image below.   It is also available on our YouTube Channel or on iTunes.



You can also visit our website at http://www.calgarysexualhealth.ca/sti_intro.html for more info and FAQs on STI prevention.

Have a safe and happy Valentine's weekend, everyone!

Friday, February 4, 2011

Quiffs and other quagmires

Our recently released podcast, Quiffs and other Quagmires, takes a look at the more awkward, and realistic experiences that occur during sex.  Sexperts take to the streets and talk to people about some of the less sexy moments during sex.

We are bombarded by messages of what sex should be like. 

The portrayal of sex on TV and in movies is not how it often plays out in real life.  Sex should be a fun, intimate experience, free of unrealistic expectations of yourself or your partner.

Sex for the first time, and every time after, should be consensual and you should always feel permission to stop when you don’t feel comfortable doing something. 

Communication is the key.  When you discuss sex with your partner, it will be sexy like on TV.

Check out our website for information and support when exploring sexual relationships.

New study reveals implications for those working with youth

Lack of consistent condom use places many young adults at high risk for STIs. The incidence of common bacterial and viral STIs are highest among this population. 


A recent study published in the Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, Vol 19(3) 2010 points to a factor contributing to these high STI rates: the discontinuation of condom use.


The qualitative study of young women found that discontinuation of condom use appears to be perceived as a sign of commitment in the relationship, and movement to a more formal relationship status.  However, assessment of STI risk should still be considered first.


For professionals working with youth, this is a clear reminder that this conversation is worth having with young people and it is an opportunity to encourage partners to go for STI testing before tossing out the condoms.


Read the study>>

Friday, January 28, 2011

‘Sexual Health Resource Centre’ now open

This fall, we were pleased to announce the continuation of the Sexual Health Resource Centre, which we inherited from long-time community partner Sexual Health Access Alberta following its closure this summer.

As Canada’s sexual health information marketplace, the Resource Centre is a comprehensive source of up-to-date and accurate sexual health information including:
  • books
  • pamphlets
  • educational kits
  • DVDs
  • and other teaching aids 

Resources are available on a broad range of sexual health topics including:  Disability & Plain Language Sexual Health
  • Pre-Teen and Teen Sexuality
  • Adult and General Sexual Health
  • Healthy Pregnancy
  • Talking about Sexuality – for Parents
  • Birth Control
  • Safer Sex, HIV & Sexuality Transmitted Infections
  • Unplanned Pregnancy Options
  • Sexual Identity
  • Sexual Assault & Abuse
  • Menstruation, Menopause & Fertility Awareness
  • Men’s Health
  • Human Rights & Social Action
  • Resources for Professionals
  • Suggested Resources for Teachers


We are also charging forward with expanding the resource catalogue and building additional materials that are specific to Canada.

For further information, please contact resources@calgarysexualhealth.ca or call 403-283-5580.  To view the full resource catalogue, visit us online at www.sexualhealthcentre.ca.