[van-announce] Register for Opt's Pillow Talk: A public dialogue for sharing hopes and dreams about sexual expression, health and diversity in BC

[Jessica Peart]

*
*** sorry for cross-postings **

Options for Sexual Health, Canada's largest non-profit provider of 
sexual health services, is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, 
and we'd like you to help us look forward to envision what sexual 
expression, health and diversity could look like in BC in the years ahead.

Have you ever wanted to tell provincial policy makers, service 
providers, educators, the media, and your fellow citizens how we can 
improve sexuality/sexual health services in BC? Now is your chance! Come 
out and join the discussion, register 
<http://www.optionsforsexualhealth.org/50/public-forum/register> here 
for a free lunch.

*What*: Pillow Talk -- a public forum 
<http://www.optionsforsexualhealth.org/50/public-forum> for sharing 
hopes and dreams about sexual expression, health, and diversity in BC

*When*: Thursday, April 28th: attendees can choose from a morning 
session that begins at 9.30 am or an afternoon session at 1.30 pm

*Where*: Radisson Hotel, 8181 Cambie Rd, Richmond, BC.  The Canada Line 
to Richmond will bring you to the Radisson Hotel (Lansdowne stop).

*How*: Register 
<http://www.optionsforsexualhealth.org/50/public-forum/register> today 
for more information and for a free lunch!

*Why*: Sexuality is a universal human trait, so why is it still such an 
awkward subject for individuals and organizations? Why are sexual health 
services and education so different from place to place in BC? When will 
BC have coherent social, health and education strategies for supporting 
our enjoyment of and respect for healthy sexual expression and diversity 
throughout our lives?

Some of the people you might encounter include:

    * a son or daughter who wants his or her parents to enjoy a healthy
      sexual relationship for as long as they can, wherever they live
    * an avid "Savage Love" reader
    * a guy who wants more relevant sexual health services for men
    * the "go to" parent
    * individuals who think sex should be celebrated, not stigmatized
    * someone who can't find a doctor who speaks knowledgeably and
      non-judgmentally about sex
    * a teacher who knows change is needed in how sex education is taught
    * a person who wants safer communities for LGBTQ folks
    * a grandma who calls it like it is
    * a student activist who tries to make schools more inclusive and safe
    * a young person who is tired of hearing the same old sex ed
    * someone who is simply curious to know what this is all about

And that's not all!*  On Friday morning, April 29th*, we will present a 
summary of the previous day's discussions, hear feedback from leaders 
and experts in the field of sexuality, and their own visions for the 
future. You can attend this session even if you were unable to attend 
the first day's activities.

Want to learn more about what to expect? Or how we think this will make 
a difference? Learn more 
<http://www.optionsforsexualhealth.org/50/public-forum> about the Pillow 
Talk Public Forum by visiting 
http://www.optionsforsexualhealth.org/50/public-forum

You can also find out about Opt's many 50th Anniversary celebration 
activities by visiting http://www.optionsforsexualhealth.org/50