Sexologists Meet For Some Serious Talk (Press, 28 December 1979)
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Summary: Sexologists Meet For Some Serious Talk (Press, 28 December 1979)
In December 1979, Mexico City hosted the fourth world congress of sexology, drawing over 600 attendees, including notable figures such as sex researchers Masters and Johnson, Kinsey's co-reporter Wardell B. Pomeroy, and the sex columnist Xaviera Hollander. Despite the high-profile gathering, the congress was marred by disorganisation, leading to frustrations among delegates. Many found that invitations to speak went unconfirmed, workshops were cancelled, and there were technical issues with film presentations. Additionally, a power struggle emerged regarding the organisation of the next congress set for Jerusalem. The congress attracted a mix of professionals, with a significant number of participants from the medical field seeking a midwinter getaway in a temperate location. However, expectations of a lively experience were diminished due to the serious tone of lectures and a lack of social events. The attendees attempted to emphasise the ethical foundation of their discipline, asserting that sexology is a rigorous science compatible with major religions and ideologies, although this stance somewhat conflicted with Pope John Paul’s recent controversial statements on issues like masturbation and family planning. Participants learned various insights about sexology, including the establishment of the world’s oldest sexology institute in Prague in 1925, and the existence of a term for "homosexual" in Māori. Discussions covered a range of topics, such as the social dynamics of group sex, the use of hypnosis for frigidity, and feminist perspectives within lesbian contexts. Notably, the congress highlighted ongoing issues in North America regarding sexual attitudes, illustrated by a complaint about a misleading report on a traffic incident that avoided a "dirty" headline. Ultimately, the congress revealed that while sex therapy had gained traction across developed and developing nations, it still faced challenges in achieving universal acceptance and was often limited by censorship restrictions, affecting access to instructional materials. Despite the setbacks experienced during the congress, many delegates left with a renewed commitment to help individuals overcome irrational sexual fears and societal taboos, indicating a hopeful direction for the field of sexology.
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