Dr. Joycelyn Elders Joins Keynote at MOMENTUM Conference

NEW YORK—The 2nd annual MOMENTUM Conference will have former U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Joycelyn Elders join its closing keynote plenary on April 1, 2012.  The former U.S. Surgeon General will join noted journalist, Lara Riscol, and therapist and international best-selling author, Esther Perel, to participate in a dialogue that aligns with her lifelong mission of changing the sexual status quo and progressing the conversations we have about sex in America beyond the smut and sanctimony rhetoric that stagnates our growth and puts our health at risk. MOMENTUM will take place in Washington DC from March 30-April 1, 2012.   From early in her career, Dr. Elders focused on advocating for adolescents, including assisting her patients in determining proper birth control and family planning. Appointed by then Governor William Clinton as head of the Arkansas Department of Health in 1987, Dr. Elders stirred up controversy with religious and conservative groups, as she successfully established a K-12 curriculum that included sex education, substance-abuse prevention, and programs to promote self-esteem in 1989. President Clinton appointed Dr. Elders U.S. Surgeon General in 1993. In 1994, at the United Nations conference on AIDS, Dr. Elders was asked whether masturbation might be successful in preventing riskier sexual practices. She replied,”I think that it is part of human sexuality, and perhaps it should be taught.” This statement stirred up a storm of controversy that led to her removal from office. Dr. Elders continues to believe that change can only be achieved when those in positions of authority can get people to listen and talk about difficult issues. Since leaving office in 1995, she has remained a prominent figure in the public discourse around human sexuality and has been a champion for comprehensive sexuality education, reproductive rights, and sexual rights. Dr. Elders is currently teaming up with the Program in Human Sexuality at the University of Minnesota Medical School to advance comprehensive science-based sexual health education. You can help support her efforts to continue to advance sexual health education by making a contribution online. In response to the addition of Dr. Elders to the closing plenary, MOMENTUM has extended the regular registration fee of $100 until March 10. After March 10, registration will be $150. MOMENTUM is geared toward anyone interested in intelligent conversations about the influence of new media on sexuality. After a sold out first year in 2011, MOMENTUM has expanded its space, presenters and sessions, with over 40 sessions and 60 presenters. MOMENTUM will cover a wide range of viewpoints on sexuality, and the program is sure to have something of interest to everyone. The conference will be held at the Crystal City Marriott at Reagan Airport. MOMENTUM brings together the best people in their fields of the LGBTQ, sex-work, BDSM and non-monogamous communities. Speakers will discuss ways to bridge the baffling dichotomies our culture creates around sexuality. Each participant in MOMENTUM will leave the conference with new perspectives, new connections and a plan to carry the MOMENTUM forward into 2012 and beyond.  Pre-registration is required to attend MOMENTUM. Go to here or here for registration.