Have you ever wondered what goes on when the largest library in the State of Victoria closes it's doors? Enter nearly 2000 people seeking fun, community, incredible music, a fun way to learn about Encounters with Misinformation. The Are you Cliterate? Quiz - our wonderful student in the Cliterate Classroom. We were so thrilled to be involved in this incredible event - Library up Late x Encounters with Misinformation. The very first installation of our "Are you Cliterate?" quiz was conducted under pink neon lights with hundreds of people sharing the Cliterate Classroom to learn vu/va anatomy. It was truly incredible to witness the interest and sense of fun that the 450+ participants showed during the event. We are very proud of our students! There are some truly Cliterate folk in our midst....and unsurprising to us, there are many folks who have been let down by our the curriculum in all levels of our education system. We applaud everyone involved in the quiz night and hope that the sense of fun we brought to learning about vu/va anatomy was at the very least a bit refreshing. We congratulate all participants and hope they will continue their quest for knowledge about the body. If you'd like to understand your Cliteracy, pop onto Are you Cliterate? quiz and test yourself...and others! A big shout our to our Cliterate Team - our brilliant Quiz Maestro - Eve, Crowd Mingler Extraordinaire - Tameka - and the wonderful team at State Library Victoria. The "Are you Cliterate?" Quiz in the Cliterate Classroom. Anita, our Cliterate Founder & CEO, was honoured to share the stage with co-exhibitor, Sofi Basseghi, Scotty So and State Library's Curator, Georgia Goud in a talk show expose about misinformation, hosted by Sammy J. The audience engagement was wonderful and we feel incredibly grateful to share the Cliterate model in such an amazing public forum. Bravo State Library Victoria! Talk Show panelists - host Sammy J., Sofi Basseghi, Georgia Goud and Anita Brown-Major. Scotty So is missing from this photo but was trully sensation on this stage and during the main dome performance.

We are thrilled to share a fascinating conversation with the incredible folks behind SBS Audio: Love without Limits Podcast , their guest, Leisa Prowd and Cliterate founder, Anita Brown-Major. This podcast topic is very close to the Anita's heart having worked extensively in the area of disability and intimacy. We encourage you to listen to the full episode on your favourite podcast platform. "Growing up, Leisa Prowd often wondered if she could ever be seen as desirable. As a person with dwarfism, Leisa has at times been subjected to an infantilising gaze. Even as an adult, she faces ongoing discrimination and stigma. But through her dance and artistic practice, she’s reclaimed her body and is redefining what desire looks like. In this refreshingly frank and funny episode, Leisa joins hosts Madeleine Stewart and Alistair Baldwin to talk all things sex, stigma, and why disability is still treated like a taboo in the bedroom. Occupational Therapist Anita Brown-Major also joins the conversation, sharing her expertise on educating people about sexual pleasure ." Love without Limits, Episode 1 . "I think there's stigma - full stop - around sexuality. There's stigma about disability, you intersect the two, and it's just like there's so many barriers." Anita Brown-Major

Thrive Rehab is excited to sponsor Professor Beth Ann Walker (creator of OPISI), in addition to Associate Professor Jenn Soros and Clinical Assistant Professor Karla Reese (co-creators of the "OT After Dark" podcast) for exclusive full-day training events in Australia. LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE - purchase here . About the Training The training will focus on the Occupational Performance Inventory of Sexuality and Intimacy (OPISI)—a world-first OT assessment tool designed to address sexuality and intimacy within occupational therapy. The OPISI was created to comprehensively screen, assess, and measure performance related to the complex occupational nature of sexuality and intimacy. Additionally, attendees will gain insights from the internationally recognized "OT After Dark" podcast, which explores sexuality and intimacy in OT practice. Beth Ann, Jenn and Karla will also be attending the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) Conference, where they will highlight the crucial role of Occupational Therapy in the field of Sexuality. Our Brisbane training is scheduled just before the WAS Conference , offering an opportunity to connect, learn, and network with international experts before the event. For those unable to attend the conference, we are also hosting the same full-day training in Melbourne on June 21st. Training Dates & Locations: Sunday, 15th June – Brisbane (Venue: Cliftons Brisbane) Saturday, 21st June – Melbourne (Venue TBC based on numbers) Cost Brisbane: $550 (inclusive of GST) – Includes lunch, morning, and afternoon tea. Cost Melbourne: $495 (inclusive of GST) – Includes lunch, morning, and afternoon tea. For queries about this training, please email: admin@thriverehab.com.au Please note: Exclusive discounts available for training packages. See here  for details. Student discounts available for people currently enrolled in OT university programs - email us at admin@thriverehab.com.au  to apply for your discount. Thrive Rehab is a private Occupational Therapy practice with over 10 years of experience providing training for OTs and other health professionals on addressing the occupational aspects of sexuality and intimacy for individuals of all abilities. We offer a range of education sessions , with special bundle pricing for those attending the OPISI training. About our guest presenters: Dr. Beth Ann Walker is an Occupational Therapist and professor at the University of Indianapolis. She teaches within the School of Occupational Therapy and the Master of Public Health Program. She developed the Occupational Therapy Sexual Assessment Framework (OTSAF) and the Occupational Performance Inventory of Sexuality and Intimacy (OPISI). In 2021, she was named a Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association for her work in "Breaking the Global Silence in Addressing Sexuality and Intimacy." Through WFOT's recognition of her research expertise in OT and public health, she contributed to the World Health Organization's (WHO) Package of Rehabilitation Interventions and advocated for the inclusion of sexual functions and intimate relationships as a functioning domain. During the pandemic, she also collaborated with WHO to develop content clinical management guidelines, self-management resources for adults and teens with long COVID, and rehabilitation practitioner training modules. Moreover, as a neurodivergent scholar, she values the richness that diverse perspectives bring to education, research, and practice. Her lived experiences have heightened her commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that promotes equity and accessibility by actively challenging systemic barriers and advocating for marginalized voices. Dr. Jenn Soros is an Occupational Therapist, researcher, and educator specializing in sexuality and intimacy across the lifespan, serving as an Assistant Professor in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program at Cleveland State University and executive board member of The Network for LGBTQIA+ Concerns in Occupational Therapy. Her influential work includes co-authoring chapters on sexual activity and pleasure in "Sexual and Intimacy: An Occupational Therapy Approach" (AOTA Press) and publishing groundbreaking research on bisexuality and gender modality in the International Journal of Transgender Health. Her recent international Delphi study with Dr. Beth Ann Walker, published in The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, established crucial priorities for education and practice in addressing sexuality and intimacy within the global occupational therapy profession, providing a framework for advancing clinical competency in this area. As the co-founder of OT After Dark, an international podcast advocating for addressing sexuality and intimacy in OT practice, and an experienced clinician in private practice, Dr. Soros combines practical, evidence-based approaches with a deep understanding of occupational science, focusing on establishing global priorities for sexuality and intimacy education in occupational therapy practice. Her research and presentations emphasize the intersection of sexual health with occupational justice, particularly focusing on underserved communities and promoting inclusive healthcare practices, making her a sought-after speaker and trainer who helps practitioners develop competence and confidence in addressing sexuality and intimacy within their practice settings Dr. Karla Reese is a Clinical Assistant Professor and Doctoral Capstone Coordinator in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Cleveland State University, United States. With over 20 years of clinical and academic experience, she has emerged as a leading voice in expanding occupational therapy's role in addressing sexuality and intimacy across the lifespan. Her work includes co-authoring key chapters in "Sexual and Intimacy: An Occupational Therapy Approach" (AOTA Press) and "Adult Physical Conditions: Intervention Strategies for Occupational Therapy Assistants" (F.A. Davis). She is also the co-creator, co-producer, and co-host of OT After Dark, an internationally recognized podcast exploring occupational therapy's role in addressing sexuality and intimacy. As the inaugural Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, Access, and Belonging (DEIJAB) Liaison for the Ohio Occupational Therapy Association's Board of Trustees, Dr. Reese actively works to advance inclusive practices within healthcare education and delivery. She holds a Professional Certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and a Global Citizenship Certificate, reflecting her commitment to creating more equitable and accessible healthcare environments. Dr. Reese frequently presents at national and international conferences on topics including sexual health, occupational justice, and inclusive healthcare practices. Her scholarship and advocacy work focuses on addressing sexuality as a fundamental human right and promoting occupational justice for marginalized populations. She has been recognized with multiple awards for her contributions to occupational therapy education and practice, including the 2024 Model Practice Award from the Ohio Occupational Therapy Association.

Meet Cliterate: an interactive model teaching vulva anatomy through its unique, pull-apart design. Explore our education resources and discover Cliterate In Practice. Say hello to Cliterate, an interactive model for teaching all bodies and brains about vulva anatomy. Cliterate's spherical, pull-apart design explains the relationship between the clitoris, vulva and pelvis. Are you Cliterate? Learn more Want to become more Cliterate? Our community is hungry for information so we’ve collated some education bites for you to watch, read and listen. Explore Wondering how Cliterate can support your work? We’ve created some resources to explain Cliterate In Practice. Learn more Learning for all brains Cliterate is a 3D education resource because we know that brains are wired differently and some 2D teaching resources can be confusing. Interactive learning Cliterate is unique and approachable. This enables more engaging learning in clinical settings and classrooms. Overcome 'awkward' Cliterate is a conversation starter and enables respectful discussions about vulva anatomy. Inclusive People of all backgrounds, genders, sexualities, cultures, bodies and abilities can learn from Cliterate. Our resources consider and celebrate the needs of all people. Get Cliterate Cliterate supports health professionals & educators worldwide. Get yours now. Buy now Cliterate Fun Stuff Browse our shop for unique educational tools & quirky gifts today. Shop now Why Cliterate? Read about the design process & meet our award-winning team. Our Story Join the Cliterate Community Become a Cliterate member and gain free access to resources and updates from our global community. Join now

In a world fuelled by online opinions and more misinformation than we’ve ever seen before, looking to evidence based research is essential. It’s alarming to learn that “in Australia, between January 2011 and December 2021, 23.5% of vulvoplasty and labiaplasty procedures were performed on girls and women aged 25 years and under”. 1 Let’s talk about Labia Diversity Media representation of “normal” Societal pressures, fuelled by media and cultural taboos, often turn this natural diversity into a source of insecurity. Media rarely represents labia realistically, and when they do appear, they’re often altered to fit a narrow, unrealistic standard. In fact, Australian media laws (Guidelines for the Classification of Publications 2005 3 ) state the following for unrestricted publications: Realistic depictions of sexualised nudity should not be high in impact. Realistic depictions may contain discreet genital detail but there should be no genital emphasis. Prominent and/or frequent realistic depictions of sexualised nudity containing genitalia will not be permitted. Cultural silence adds to this issue, leaving many to question if they’re “normal.” Cosmetic procedures like labiaplasty have further reinforced harmful ideas about how labia should look, perpetuating the idea that some appearances are preferable over others. The result? Some people feel self-conscious or dissatisfied with their anatomy, even when there’s nothing medically or functionally wrong. This can impact body image, intimacy, and overall confidence. But we can change this narrative by embracing education, challenging societal norms, and celebrating the natural diversity of our bodies. Further info The Labia Library The Labia Library is an initiative of Women’s Health Victoria (WHV), an independent, feminist, not-for-profit women’s health promotion, advocacy and support service with a proud history of more than 30 years. Visit website The Vagina Museum The world's first bricks and mortar museum dedicated to vulvas – founded with the intention of busting the stigma of the gynaecological anatomy and be part of a societal shift from bodily shame to celebration. Visit website References: 1. Australian Government, Department of Health, Medicare Item Report, accessed June 2022. 2. Hayes, Jennifer A., and Meredith J. Temple-Smith. “What is the anatomical basis of labiaplasty? A review of normative datasets for female anatomy”. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (2020). 3. Australian Government, Federal Register of Legislation. In a world fuelled by online opinions and more misinformation than we’ve ever seen before, looking to evidence based research is essential. It’s alarming to learn that “in Australia, between January 2011 and December 2021, 23.5% of vulvoplasty and labiaplasty procedures were performed on girls and women aged 25 years and under”. 1 So, what is the labia minora? Labia minora comes in countless shapes, sizes, colours, and textures. This body part is as unique as a fingerprint and as distinct as a face. Labia minora 2 Can be long or short, wrinkled or smooth, dark or light More common to protrude More common to be asymmetrical Has a role in sexual pleasure (it has erectile tissue) Protects the vagina from drying out and funnels the urine stream from the urethra

The history of the clitoris is quite the story. It’s marked by periods of discovery, misinformation, and deliberate omission from medical texts. The 'hysterical' History of the Clitoris 460 BC Hippocrates referred to the clitoris as "columella" or "little pillar." Hippocrates 40 AD Galen theorised that female anatomy is an inverted version of male anatomy, ignoring the existence of the clitoris as a distinct anatomical structure. Aelius Galenus 110 AD Rufus of Ephesus identified the clitoris and noted its link to female pleasure. Rufus of Ephesus 1487 The clitoris was labelled the "devil's teat" in a witch-hunting manual, tying it to superstition. The 'devil's teat' 1543 Anatomist Andreas Vasalius denied the significance of the clitoris, considering it as a rare anomaly not found in healthy women. A rare anomaly 1545 Charles Estienne described the clitoris as a “shameful member” in one of the earliest dissections. Charles Estienne 1559 Realdo Colombo claimed to have "discovered" the clitoris, calling it "the seat of female delight". Realdo Colombo 1672 Reginer De Graff published early illustrations of the clitoris. Reginer De Graff 1800s Women diagnosed with "hysteria" were subjected to clitoridectomies (removal of the clitoral glans). What's all this 'hysteria'??? 1844 Geog Ludwig Kobelt published an accurate description of the function of the clitoris, as well as accurate illustrations. Geog Ludwig Kobelt 1948 The clitoris, which had previously been minimally mentioned, disappeared from medical textbook Gray’s Anatomy, only to conservatively reappear decades later during the 1960s. The clitoris goes missing! 1960s-70s Feminists studied their own bodies, challenged anatomy texts, and emphasized the clitoris in works like 'Our Bodies, Ourselves'. Feminists challenge anatomy 1963 A worm-like, unlabelled part of the body assumed to be the clitoris reappears in the 27th edition of Gray’s Anatomy, incorrectly depicted. Inaccurate and unlabelled 1994 Professor Helen O’Connell became Australia’s first female urologist and discovered a lack of accurate information about the clitoris, raising concerns about the implications for pelvic surgery. Cue the groundbreaking Professor Helen O'Connell 1998 Melbourne-based urologist, Professor Helen O’Connell mapped the entire clitoris and its nerve endings, via cadaveric dissections. Professor Helen O’Connell maps the entire clitoris 2005 MRI reveals detailed evidence Professor Helen O’Connell used Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans to map blood flow in the clitoris, revealing further detailed evidence of the structure. 2008 Gray's Anatomy – 40 editions to get it right The first fully labelled clitoris since 1947 appears in the 40th Edition of Gray’s Anatomy. 2009 Another 3D view The first 3D ultrasound of the engorged clitoris was conducted. 2022 International Cliteratti was formed International Cliteratti was formed. This global group includes leading medical professionals, academics and vulva and clitoris model makers who have a shared aim of translating medical knowledge into accessible format for all people 2022 Erection? We think not Research showed the suspensory ligament keeps the clitoris bent, challenging the idea of clitoral "erection". 2023 (woohoo!) Cliterate model is launched The Cliterate model was launched. 2023 A lot of nerve! The number of clitoral nerves was found to be 10,280, not 8,000 as previously believed. 2025 More P's than C's - not very PC! A January, 2025 PubMed search yields 2,780 published studies on the clitoris, versus 56,443 on the penis. Despite progress, the clitoris is still omitted or largely underrepresented in medical and anatomical texts. The history of the clitoris is quite the story. It’s marked by periods of discovery, misinformation, and deliberate omission from medical texts. From ancient anatomical drawings to the suppression of its significance in the 19th and 20th centuries, the clitoris has often been shrouded in mystery and taboo. The good news? Recent decades have seen a resurgence of research and recognition, the mapping of its anatomical structure and function and a growing understanding of the role of the clitoris in sexual health and pleasure. Fair warning: There’s a lot of white men with beards in this timeline. References: Boston Women's Health Book Collective. (1973). Our bodies, ourselves: A book by and for women. Simon & Schuster. Blechner, M. J. (2017). The clitoris: Anatomical and psychological issues. Studies in Gender & Sexuality, 18(3), 190–200. https://doi.org/10.1080/15240657.2017.1349509 Botter, C., Botter, M., Pizza, C., Charpy, C., Pineau, V., La Padula, S., Meningaud, J. P., & Hersant, B. (2022). The suspensory ligament of the clitoris: A new anatomical and histological description. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 19(1), 12-20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.10.002 Charlier, P., Deo, S., & Perciaccante, A. (2020). A brief history of the clitoris. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 49(1), 47–48. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-020-01638-6 De Graaf, R. (1672). De mulierum organis generationi inservientibus [On the organs of generation in women]. Ex Officina Hackiana. Foldes, P., & Buisson, O. (2009). The clitoral complex: A dynamic sonographic study. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 6(5), 1223–1231. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01231.x Gray, H. (1948). Gray’s anatomy: Descriptive and applied (25th ed., revised by T. B. Johnston & J. Whillis). Longmans, Green & Co. Gray, H. (1963). Gray’s anatomy: Descriptive and applied (D. V. Davies, Ed.). Longmans. Laqueur, T. (1990). Making sex: Body and gender from the Greeks to Freud. Harvard University Press. Mazloomdoost, D., & Pauls, R. N. (2015). A comprehensive review of the clitoris and its role in female sexual function. Sexual Medicine Reviews, 3(4), 245–263. https://doi.org/10.1002/smrj.35 O’Connell, H. E., Hutson, J. M., Anderson, C. R., & Plenter, R. J. (1998). Anatomical relationship between urethra and clitoris. The Journal of Urology, 159(6), 1892-1897. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-5347(01)63188-4 O’Connell, H. E., Sanjeevan, K. V., & Hutson, J. M. (2005). Anatomy of the clitoris. The Journal of Urology, 174(4), 1189-1195. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.ju.0000173639.38898.cd Sprenger, J., & Kramer, H. (1487). The Malleus Maleficarum (M. Summers, Trans.). Dover Publications. (Original work published 1487) Standring, S. (Ed.). (2008). Gray’s anatomy: The anatomical basis of clinical practice (40th ed.). Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier. Stringer, M. D., & Becker, J. M. (2019). Colombo and the clitoris: An anatomical renaissance. The Lancet, 393(10171), 1464-1465. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(19)30547-6 Uloko, M., Isabey, E. P., & Peters, B. R. (2023). How many nerve fibers innervate the human glans clitoris: A histomorphometric evaluation of the dorsal nerve of the clitoris. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 20(3), 247-252. https://doi.org/10.1093/jsxmed/qdac027 Vesalius, A. (1543). De humani corporis fabrica libri septem [On the fabric of the human body]. Johannes Oporinus.