Everyone, Everywhere, Every Time: Messages from WAS 2025

WAS Digital
Jul 23
4 min read

Updated: Jul 24

From Brisbane/Meanjin to the world, the 27th Congress of the World Association for Sexual Health (#WAS2025) brought together a chorus of powerful voices, scientists, advocates, educators, clinicians, and community leaders, all working toward a shared vision: sexual health, rights, justice, and pleasure for everyone, everywhere, every time.

Relive the Energy of #WAS2025

Step inside the 27th Congress of the World Association for Sexual Health (#WAS2025), held in Meanjin/Brisbane, Australia, from 16–19 June 2025. This highlights video was created, produced, and edited by Dr. Armin Ariana (GradDipPsych, MMed, MD, PhD, SFHEA), President of the WAS 2025 Congress.

Here are just a few of the compelling messages shared during this year’s Congress.

Elna Rudolph: We need bold leadership for sexual rights, now more than ever

Outgoing WAS President Dr. Elna Rudolph opened the Congress with a call to courage and collaboration, and unveiled the pre-launch of the World Sexual Health Assembly, WAS’s boldest strategic initiative to date.

Erick Janssen: Seven tracks, one vision - what makes WAS unique

Chair of the Scientific Committee Erick Janssen shared how this year’s Congress brought together work across seven disciplines, from sexual rights to education, public policy to clinical science.

Alain Giami & Esther Corona: Sexual justice is a necessary tool for change

After six years of leadership on the WAS Declaration on Sexual Justice, Alain Giami (outgoing WAS Vice President) and Esther Corona (current WAS Vice President) shared how this tool was built, and why the world needs it now more than ever.

Eli Coleman: We’ve survived before, and we will again

Past WAS President Eli Coleman reflected on the history of sexology, from its roots to its repression under fascism, and its rebirth.

Pedro Nobre: To defend and promote sexual rights, we must invest in evidence

Pedro Nobre introduced the WHO SHAPE Study and the vision for a global Sexual Health Observatory.

Religion, culture, and sexual health: Malaysian researchers break the silence

Four Malaysian activists spoke candidly about taboo topics in their communities, from postpartum sexuality to queer identity and the role of Islamic discourse.

Uwemedimo Esiet: Sexual Justice is a Fluid Concept

Uwemedimo Esiet, a long-time member of the WAS community and public health advocate, reflected on the Congress’s bold conversations around sexual justice. He described it as a new and evolving concept, fluid, complex, but essential, and emphasized how the experience deepened his understanding of oppression and his personal responsibility to resist it.

Zahra Stardust: Sexual Rights Are Survival

Zahra Stardust, vice-chair of the WAS Sexual Rights Committee, reflected on key Congress moments - from the decriminalization of sex work in Queensland to advancing intersex rights and migrant SRHR. She emphasized the urgency of resisting political backlash and centering

Jioji Ravulo: Diversity isn’t the problem — it’s part of the solution

Professor Jioji Ravulo (University of Sydney) reminded us that embracing gender and sexual diversity isn’t just about representation - it’s about justice.

Gary Dowsett: How technology is reshaping sex, bodies, and desire

From sex tech to surveillance, Keynote Speaker, Gary Dowsett, examined how sexuality is being commodified and transformed in the digital era.

Kazuko Fukuda: In a time of backlash, solidarity is our strongest tool

Founder of the 99 Project, Kazuko delivered a powerful reminder that intersectional, international collaboration is our best defense.

Mitchell Tepper: Love after war, and why intimacy matters

Dr. Tepper’s documentary and advocacy highlight the link between relationship breakdown and suicide among veterans and first responders.

Amy Mullins: Culture matters

Amy Mullins co-chaired a session on culturally responsive sexual health strategies — blending grassroots action, religious engagement, and inclusivity.

Tessa Caria: Your voice matters

At her first global Congress, sexologist Tessa Caria shared what surprised her most: how welcome she felt.

Mish Pony: Sex work isn’t the problem, exclusion is

CEO of Scarlet Alliance, Mish called for sex worker rights to be embedded in all aspects of sexual health programming and education.

Celina Criss: To support others, start with yourself

Celina spoke about SAR (Sexual Attitude Reassessment) as a tool to ensure clinicians and educators can meet clients without judgment.

Tim Hammond: Genital autonomy is a sexual justice issue

Tim advocated for the inclusion of individuals impacted by non-consensual circumcision in broader sexual rights conversations.

George Turner: Teaching sex and disability is an act of justice

George Turner, recipient of the 2025 WAS Award for Excellence & Innovation in Sexuality Education, is challenging two taboos at once.

As a senior lecturer in social work at Western Sydney University, George developed a pioneering course that brings together sexuality and disability, two topics rarely addressed in academic settings, let alone in the same space. Now in its fifth year, the course equips future social workers to engage with these vital issues with care, competence, and confidence.

Amber Johnson: Research with heart, and a sense of humor

First-time Congress attendee Amber Johnson, a PhD candidate and senior mental health social worker, brought her unique lens to WAS 2025 with two pun-laced presentations: a poster exploring her own bisexual identity (Pretty Bi for an Ally) and a study on mental health among 21 bisexual and pansexual Australians (By the Way, Things Pan Out). Her work centers lived experience and laughter, with a deep commitment to visibility, care, and connection.

Satu Söderström: A global family united by joy and justice

Satu Söderström, Executive Director of the Finnish Association for Sexology, called the WAS 2025 Congress “mind-blowing” — from the groundbreaking work shared by presenters, to the deep emotional resonance of the Sexual Justice Declaration, to the sense of family built over four unforgettable days. “If you ever get the chance to come,” she says, “don’t hesitate.”