Woodhull to Celebrate Sexual Freedom Day Sept. 23 in D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Woodhull Sexual Freedom Alliance released the following announcement: "September 23, 2011, is the 173rd birthday of our namesake, Victoria Woodhull. Every year on this day, Sexual Freedom advocates gather to learn, share ideas and celebrate the sexual freedom movement’s big day! "This year, our focus on freedom of sexual speech and expression is highlighted in our educational program,  'Sexual Outlaws: The Prohibition of Pleasure.' We hope you will join us to find out more about the war on sex and why right now is a crucial time for advocates of sexual freedom. We have already confirmed human rights leaders, academics, community advocates, writers, educators and performers and we hope we can count you in as well! "After the exciting afternoon of Sexual Freedom panels and discussions at the Pew Charitable Foundation Conference Center, we’re moving to the Hamilton Crowne Plaza for a Sexual Freedom Gala, a cocktail reception, fabulous raffles, an awards ceremony hosted by Carol Queen and Nina Hartley, and the fun and fabulous Pamala Stanley whose unparalleled voice encompasses everything from the most intimate whisper to the soaring 'bel canto' that is her trademark. "We have a full day of events planned and we hope you can join us for the entire celebration!" The Woodhull website also includes the following description of the "Sexual Outlaws" panel, which will also be available by teleconference: "'Sexual Outlaws: The Prohibition of Pleasure' is an exciting, fast-moving series of panels reflecting Woodhull’s mission to affirm sexual freedom as a fundamental human right. The panels will be highlighting the intersections among such timely issues as 'Weinergate', sexting legislation, sex-offender registries, government policy and lawmaking around marriage, reproductive rights, personal relationships, child rearing, sexual orientation, gender identification, sexual speech and expression, and sexual practice. We’ll be talking about Internet escort services, Craigslist, censorship, sex work of all kinds, and sexual health and rights." Following the discussion, there will be a cocktail reception, and then a "Sexual Freedom Gala and Awards Ceremony," where hosts Dr. Carol Queen and Nina Hartley will present the Alliance's "Vicki" award to three individuals "whose work and/or life embodies the mission and vision of the Woodhull Sexual Freedom Alliance": Activist/writer Carmen Vazquez, human rights advocate Ajamu Baraka and First Amendment attorney Robert Corn-Revere. In addition, internationally acclaimed cabaret performer Pamala Stanley will favor the assemblage with her songs. The day's events may also see the release of the organization's "State of Sexual Freedom in the United States 2011 Report," Last year's report included articles from such well-known sexual freedom advocates as Dr. Patti Britton, Dr. Melissa Ditmore, Dr. Carol Queen, First Amendment attorney Lawrence G. Walters, Prof. Elizabeth Wood, and AVN editor Mark Kernes, most if not all of whom are likely to appear in the 2011 edition.