Professionally conducted scientific research produces the kind of “hard” knowledge that is needed to challenge discriminatory practices, win court cases, and conduct effective advocacy. This session provides a primer on how science works—from research design, funding, and institutional review to publication in peer reviewed media—and why it is important for the leather/kink community to support research today.
How you will benefit from this presentation:
Community members who are not scientists or directly involved in advocacy or work challenging discrimination may not appreciate the critical role played by peer-reviewed scientific information in policy debates. This session will outline the complex process through which science is conducted in layman terms. This will allow attendees to “connect the dots” and see how research, which may seem very abstract and removed from everyday concerns of kinky people, is actually critical to securing their basic rights as citizens and effectively challenging misconceptions and discriminatory practices.
How this presentation will arouse you:
Everyone wants positive social change, but how does this actually occur? From this session attendees will see and understand a critical part of the roadmap to securing the rights of kinky people. This will empower attendees by providing a broader understanding and defining concrete actions that they can take to directly contribute to this process.
About the presenter:
Rob Bienvenu, Ph.D., is a sociologist who lives in the Washington, DC area. His research addresses history, health, and policy issues affecting sexual minorities, with focus on strategies for inclusion and positive change.
Harvey Zar, MD, is a physician, published researcher, and serves as an academic contributor to the the Community-Academic Consoritum for Research on Alternative Sexualities (CARAS).