Volume 1, 2015

D J Williams and Emily E. Prior

Brief Description: An introduction to the Journal of Positive Sexuality, the need for a positive sexuality model, how this Journal is structured, and what we hope you will gain from reading and contributing to the Journal.
Keywords: Journal of Positive Sexuality, peer-reviewed, academic, empower, diversity, sex positive

D J Williams, Jeremy N. Thomas, Emily E. Prior, and Wendy Walters

Brief Description: An introduction to the positive sexuality framework: strengths, well-being, and happiness; individual sexuality is unique and multifaceted; embraces multiple ways of knowing; reflects professional ethics; promotes open, honest communication; is humanizing; encourages peacemaking; and is applicable across all levels of social structure.
Keywords: positive sexuality, ethics, communication, peacemaking, humanizing, sex positive

Emily E. Prior and D J Williams

Brief Description: Using interviews of women who practice BDSM, the authors explore the idea of BDSM as casual leisure.
Keywords: BDSM, power exchange, women, leisure, casual leisure, play

Jeremy N. Thomas

Brief Description: Marxist, radical feminist, and critical theory critiques of sex work are discussed, with sex positive, constructive responses offered that may ultimately benefit sex workers, those who interact with them, advocates, and others.
Keywords: sex work, sex positive, sex worker, feminism, diversity

Kathryn Coleman

Brief Description: The author discusses a need for a critical social de-construction and subsequent re-humanization of sexuality.
Keywords: sexual orientation, sexual identity, Marx, re-humanization, sexuality education

M. Candace Christensen and Stephanie M. Hoover

Brief Description: The authors explore how a sex positive approach to working with survivors of sexual violence reflects client empowerment and cultural competence.
Keywords: sexual assault, sexual violence, sex positive approach, cultural competence, psychotherapy

D J Williams

Brief Description: An essay on the need for openness among editors and reviewers in social work to publish research on BDSM.
Keywords: BDSM research, social work, cultural competence, alternative sexualities, sexual diversity, academic publishing

D J Williams

Brief Description: A discussion of developing policy regarding sex offenders based on ethical and humanizing practices rather than myth and stigmatization is proposed, as well as a call to empower offenders and family members of offenders to reduce recidivism.
Keywords: convict criminology, humanizing practice, sex offender, stigmatization, sexual offense

Brad J. Sagarin, Ellen M. Lee, and Kathryn R. Klement

Brief Description: The connections between BDSM and extreme rituals like hook pull ceremonies and ritual piercings are discussed. Altered states of consciousness from a variety of similar activities are explored.
Keywords: BDSM, ritual, altered consciousness

Tess M. Gemberling, Robert Cramer, and Rowland S. Miller

Brief Description: BDSM as a sexual orientation based on the following criteria is discussed: sexual behavior, sexual attraction, and sexual identity. The authors propose that this may be similar to lesbian, gay, and bisexual orientations.
Keywords: BDSM, sexual orientation, sexual identity, sexual behavior, sexual attraction

D J Williams and Emily E. Prior

Brief Description: A basic discussion of the principles of leisure studies is proposed as a theoretical perspective that may be a useful lens for analyzing BDSM practices and identities.
Keywords: BDSM, leisure theory, casual leisure, serious leisure, BDSM motivation

Samantha Tupy, Matthew Schumann, and Xiaomeng Xu

Brief Description: As the population of older adults increases, a need to understand sexual health for senior citizens is necessary. Treatment and assessment implications are discussed.
Keywords: sexual health, elderly, aging and sexuality, senior sexual health