Reflections from a recent sexuality conference
I recently attended a conference on sexuality, therapy and public health – one of those rare places where research, practice and community come together in the best possible way. I have seen so many members of the SHA community reconnect with colleagues and meet practitioners who study and serve diverse communities.
From Emily Nagoski’s keynote on why our work is more relevant than ever, to interdisciplinary conversations in the hallway, there was a palpable sense of momentum. Sexual health professionals are taking up space – and the field needs us.
If you haven’t been to a sexuality conference yet SHA’s annual conferencethis is your sign. These gatherings are more than events: they are ecosystems of support, learning and connection, especially in times of uncertainty. Although this conference did not feature exciting after-hours events, such as SHA’s famous Masked Ball, the learning and networking opportunities were invaluable.
As several presenters noted, our field remains underfunded, stigmatized, and fragmented. These challenges are amplified by the current political climate. Travel restrictions and safety concerns were on the minds of many attendees, with some opening up about why they couldn’t attend in person. The experience was a powerful reminder of both the strength of our community and the fragility of the work we do.
Why measurement matters: the foundation of high-quality sexual health research
One theme continued to emerge throughout the sessions: Even in a sexuality-focused space, we still struggle with inconsistent and incomplete ways to measure sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity (SSOGI). Variations in measurement, lack of shared definitions, and continued use of binary or outdated categories all shape what we learn – and what we don’t see – about human experience.
Sexual and gender minorities face higher rates mental health challenges, substance useand adverse sexual health outcomes due to discrimination, stress and structural barriers.
The American National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine came out in 2022 a report recommending standardized survey language for sex, gender identity and sexual orientation.
Even with these guidelines, the problems remain. Many studies still use simple ‘male/female’ categories. Although more and more research now includes a transgender option, this can force respondents to choose between mutually exclusive labels or ignore non-binary identities entirely, erasing diverse identities.
A recent systematic review examining the gaps in SSOGI measurement provides further clarity. Reviewing 30 articles published between 2012 and 2022, the study highlights the profound impact of inconsistent measurement and provides a roadmap for improvement.
This is of great importance for sexual health professionals. We rely on research to guide our teaching, clinical work, and interactions with clients. When the measurement is flawed, the downstream effects include:
Measurement accuracy determines everything from prevalence estimates to treatment recommendations. If the foundation shakes, the entire structure wobbles.
Gaps in measurement: What the review reveals
The evaluation revealed a number of notable gaps:
Even in the more studied areas, measurement approaches varied widely:
Nearly two-thirds of studies assessed sexual orientation based on a single domain (identity or attraction).
Only about a third used multidimensional measures, capturing aspects such as identity, behavior and attraction. Some also had sexual, romantic, emotional or social dimensions.
In practice this means:
Over-reliance on binary or outdated categories
Lack of standardized SSOGI measurements, which makes comparisons between studies difficult
Limited inclusion of diverse sexualities and gender experiences
Inconsistent operationalization in areas such as public health, psychology and medicine
When studies use different definitions, categories, or assumptions, it becomes nearly impossible to synthesize the evidence. Certain populations become invisible in the data, and interventions based on that evidence can miss their target – or exclude entire communities.
What these gaps mean for sexual health professionals
These research limitations do not persist in academia; they appear in our therapy rooms, classrooms, intake forms, and clinical decision making.
Intake forms and assessments often reflect the same limiting categories as in research.
Therapeutic conversations can inadvertently replicate these limits, causing clinicians to make incomplete or inaccurate assumptions.
Client care suffers when our tools fail to capture the complexity of human sexuality and gender.
Education often does not adequately explore these topics, further erasing or failing to represent identities.
But this is also where sexual health professionals have enormous power to lead change.
Opportunities for sexual health professionals to lead
Sexual health professionals can transform both the research landscape and daily practice by:
Adopting inclusive, validated SOGI measures that reflect contemporary insight
Ask open, identity-affirming questions rather than forcing individuals to choose between predefined boxes
Advocating for better institutional data practicesincluding the way electronic medical records record identity
Collaborate with researchers thus, clinical and educational insights inform study design
Training colleagues and emerging professionals about the importance of accurate, inclusive measurements
These steps don’t just improve the data; they improve care.
The role of SHA: bridging research and practice
SHA provides the framework to translate research into practice. Based on a sex-positive, research-based and consumer-focused model, SHA helps professionals stay current and translate science into actionable strategies.
By means of:
Including assessment training
Courses that combine scientific findings with real-world clinical challenges
Guidance for affirming care for diverse identities and relationship structures
SHA helps fill the gaps that research alone cannot.
Towards a more inclusive research future
Measurement gaps are not permanent; they are opportunities. The conference reminded me that the future of sex research depends on a collective effort by researchers and clinicians. By engaging with new findings, questioning the tools we use, and advocating for better data, the field is evolving.
The energy at the conference made it clear: we do not work alone. Together we can push for more accurate, inclusive, and responsive sexual health research that truly reflects the people we serve.
This is true SHA’s community and events play a vital role. Conferences, workshops, study abroad programsand other networking opportunities provide professionals with the opportunity to connect, share knowledge and learn from different perspectives. By participating in these experiences, clinicians and educators can build relationships, increase understanding, and develop the skills needed to help lead the shift toward more inclusive, accurate, and affirmative sexual health research and practice.
Now is the time for sexual health professionals to lead this change.
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