By: Colby Agostinelli, AASECT Communications Chair & AASECT News Editor
Colby here, reflecting on the 2023 AASECT Annual Conference in beautiful San Francisco!
Seeing the impressive gathering of over 750 dedicated professionals seeking to explore the forefront of sex education, counseling, therapy, and more come together after years of virtual interactions was a deeply gratifying experience. The power of face-to-face connections and our shared dedication to the profession were palpable throughout the conference program, which was centered around the theme of “Rediscovering Connection: Inspiring Our Collective Imagination”.
Throughout the conference, I had the privilege of taking over AASECT’s Instagram and had fun showing a peek at the event and sharing as many #aasect2023 posts and stories as I could! Seeing the enthusiasm and diverse perspectives of attendees. It was heartwarming to see our community engage and share their experiences with such excitement.
One of the standout moments for me was the Board Meeting and Opening Plenary, setting the stage for engaging discussions and setting the tone for the days ahead. The intersection of sexuality and science came alive during the captivating session of #hotgirlscience with @drshemeka. Another unforgettable conversation unfolded with @shadeenfrancis and @resmaamenakem, challenging us to explore important aspects of our work and offering beautiful insights. Workshops led by Adrian Scharfetter, Jess Melendez, and other inspiring presenters delved into an array of topics, from psychedelics to navigating conversations about porn with youth. The Surrogate Partner Therapy session featuring @meetmichellerenee, @brian_gibney_intimacy, and @drleephillips expanded our understanding and opened doors for growth. And who could forget the incredibly fun-filled Kinky Bingo with @sextalktherapy & @therapupzeph! Additionally, I had the pleasure of joining the Gender Diverse SIG (special interest group) for a much-needed meet-up with @phoenix.mandel and others, fostering connections and creating a safe space for exchange.
I would like to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to the conference committee for their extraordinary efforts in organizing such a remarkable event. Though their hard work may have concluded on June 11, their dedication and commitment to making the conference a success deserve our ongoing appreciation.
A big thank you is also due to the brilliant presenters, enthusiastic vendors, and generous sponsors who contributed to the conference’s success. Your contributions brought immense value and created an environment of growth and inspiration.
Lastly, I want to extend my appreciation to everyone who provided feedback and shared their thoughts during the conference. Your voices and perspectives are crucial in shaping AASECT into an inclusive and supportive professional community.
As we move forward, let’s continue the post-conference momentum by staying connected and fostering the sense of community that makes AASECT so special. Join me in tagging @theaasect and using the hashtag #aasectconference to keep the conversations alive and maintain the bonds we formed during our time together in San Francisco.
Thank you for being part of this extraordinary journey, and I look forward to the continued growth and collaboration within our AASECT community.
Warm regards,
Colby
Colby Agostinelli, LMFT, CST (they/them)
AASECT Communications Chair
communications@aasect.org