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.

Cliterate's spherical, pull-apart design explains the relationship between the clitoris, vulva and pelvis. Are you Cliterate?  Vulva Basics Scroll over the images and learn about vulva anatomy. Click on the labels for more info. Explore Are you Cliterate? Are you Cliterate? Psychogenic and Reflexogenic Pathways Learn more about the Sexual response system's psychogenic and reflexogenic pathways. Explore The History of the Clitoris – a timeline The clitoris has a very interesting past. It’s been discovered, misunderstood and forgotten many times. What’s the story? Explore The History of the Clitoris – a timeline The clitoris has a very interesting past. It’s been discovered, misunderstood and forgotten many times. What’s the story? Explore Labia Diversity Unique as fingerprints, distinct as faces. There’s no such thing as “normal”. Explore Psychogenic and Reflexogenic Pathways Learn more about the Sexual response system's psychogenic and reflexogenic pathways. Explore

The sexual response system is fascinating and incredibly complex. It has been somewhat researched and is subject to ongoing research which we will continue to follow with interest. Sexual Arousal Pathways The sexual response system is fascinating and incredibly complex. It has been somewhat researched and is subject to ongoing research which we will continue to follow with interest. We are not attempting to explain the whole system here! In this section, we are focussing on the Psychogenic and Reflexogenic Sexual Arousal Pathways as a means of explaining how these neural pathways coordinate the body's response to stimuli. Psychogenic Pathway The psychogenic pathway in sexual response is all about how the brain and emotions influence arousal—without any direct physical touch. It’s different from the reflexogenic pathway, which kicks in when there’s actual physical stimulation. How it works 1. It Starts in The Mind Thoughts, fantasies, and memories can trigger the arousal process. Sensory input from all five senses—things you see, hear, touch, taste, and smell— also play a big role (like noticing an attractive person, watching a steamy scene in a movie or eating a food that reminds you of a positive sexual experience). A person’s emotional state—feeling relaxed, excited, or turned on—also plays a big role. 2. The Brain Gets to Work The limbic system (the brain’s emotional centre) processes those emotional and sensory signals. The hypothalamus , especially a part called the medial preoptic area (MPOA) , helps turn mental arousal into a physical response. The dopamine system (the brain’s pleasure and reward network) releases dopamine, the “feel-good” hormone, which drives continued attention or engagement. 3. Signals Travel Down Spine The brain sends messages through the nervous system (T12 to S1 region of the spinal chord) to the genitals. This happens through both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems , which control things like blood flow and sensitivity. 4. The Body Responds For people with vulvas: The clitoris and vaginal tissues get more blood flow, causing swelling, lubrication, and increased sensitivity. For people with penises: More blood flows into the erectile tissue of the penis, leading to an erection. Why it matters Thoughts, fantasies, and memories can trigger the arousal process. Sensory input from all five senses—things you see, hear, touch, taste, and smell— also play a big role (like noticing an attractive person, watching a steamy scene in a movie or eating a food that reminds you of a positive sexual experience). A person’s emotional state—feeling relaxed, excited, or turned on—also plays a big role. The animation below illustrates the Psychogenic Pathways Response, where seeing, thinking, smelling, touching or tasting sends information from the brain down the spinal cord and results in engorgement of the clitoris. Reflexogenic Pathway The reflexogenic pathway is all about how physical touch and stimulation trigger the arousal process. Unlike the psychogenic pathway, which starts in the brain, this one happens automatically when certain areas of the body are touched—especially the genitals. How it works 1. Touch Sends Signals When the genitals or surrounding area are touched, the skin’s nerve endings pick up on it. This can include sensations like light touch, pressure, temperature, vibration or any other physical stimulation. Internal sensations can also send signals, such as movement of internal organs such as the uterus or ligaments during intercourse or pressure from the bladder. 2. The Spinal Cord Steps In The nerve signals don’t go straight to the brain first. Instead, they go to the S2 to S4 region of the spinal cord, which acts as a relay centre. The sacral spinal cord (in the lower back) plays a key role here—it processes the touch and immediately sends signals back to the genitals to trigger an automatic response. 3. The Body Reacts For people with vulvas: The clitoris and vaginal tissues swell, lubrication increases, and sensitivity heightens. For people with penises: The erectile tissue of the penis fills with blood, leading to an erection. 4. The Brain Can Join In (But It Doesn’t Have To) This process happens without conscious brain involvement—it’s a built-in reflex of the body. The brain can sometimes enhance or partly inhibit the response. If a person’s emotional state allows for psychogenic arousal to occur at the same time, the arousal process can become stronger. Emotions like stress of anxiety may partially inhibit the body’s automatic arousal. The brain’s ability to shut this reflex down is limited, and it is completely normal for the body to automatically respond to touch, including non-consensual touch. Why it matters It shows that the sexual response of the body isn’t just psychological —it can be an automatic reaction to touch. This explains why people with spinal cord injuries can still experience physical arousal, even if they’ve lost sensation. In non-consensual experiences of touch, it’s important to understand the body’s automatic arousal reflex, which is separate to conscious choice or enjoyment. The animation below illustrates the Reflexogenic Pathways Response, which takes place at the S2 to S4 part of the spinal cord. In response to someone being touched on the vulva, a message is sent to the spinal cord returning an immediate reflex response directly back from the S2–S4 region to the area, starting the engorgement process. This is an automatic response to sensation in the genital area – without involvement from the brain. The response is not under voluntary control and is not linked to consent or enjoyment. (Sexual non-concordance). An important note regarding consent: The physical arousal response of the body (an erect penis or wet vulva/engorged clitoris) does not require nor imply consent to be touched. This is super important for all people to understand. The only way to know if there’s consent is to ask and communicate. We encourage everyone to learn more about practicing consent, to ensure it’s present in all interactions. Content warning! This video mentions sexual assault and we know this can be distressing for some viewers and listeners. If you need resources or support go to beyondblue.org or for 24 hour free counselling in Australia, the number for Lifeline is 13 11 14. Please look after yourself. Arousal Non-Concordance Arousal non-concordance can happen when the brain finds something sexually appealing, but the body doesn’t respond by becoming physically aroused. This can be due to multiple factors such as stress, hormonal imbalances, trauma or shame. It can also happen during a reflexogenic arousal pathway, if the body becomes aroused automatically whilst the mind isn’t turned on. Research has shown that the concordance between genital response and subjective arousal within the brain to be different between people assigned male at birth (AMAB) and people assigned female at birth (AFAB). Arousal Concordance in People Assigned Male at Birth (AMAB) There is approximately a 50 percent overlap between what AMAB people’s genitals respond to as ‘sex-related’ and what their brains respond to as ‘sexually appealing’. Arousal Concordance in People Assigned Female at Birth (AFAB) There is approximately a 10 percent overlap between what AFAB people’s genitals respond to as ‘sex-related’ and what their brains respond to as ‘sexually appealing’. References: Elliott, S. L. (2008). Neurophysiology of sexual spinal reflexes. Springer EBooks, 2820–2823. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-29678-2_3936 Komisaruk, B. R., Whipple, B., Crawford, A., Grimes, S., Liu, W.-C., Kalnin, A., & Mosier, K. (2004). Brain activation during vaginocervical self-stimulation and orgasm in women with complete spinal cord injury: fMRI evidence of mediation by the Vagus nerves. Brain Research, 1024(1-2), 77–88. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainres.2004.07.029 Krassioukov, A., & Elliott, S. (2017). Neural Control and Physiology of Sexual Function: Effect of Spinal Cord Injury. Topics in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation, 23(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1310/sci2301-1 Rees, P. M., Fowler, C. J., & Maas, C. P. (2007). Sexual function in men and women with neurological disorders. The Lancet, 369(9560), 512–525. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(07)60238-4

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