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.

In a groundbreaking and truly special event, The State Library Victoria (Melbourne, Australia) presents an opportunity for people to “question, navigate and engage with information more critically and confidently.” We are thrilled to be involved in Make Believe: Encounters with Misinformation and congratulate the curators of this brilliant exhibition. If you happen to be visiting Melbourne this year, please drop into State Library Victoria to indulge in this fascinating collection of case studies. “Collectively, these case studies ask: how do our own perspectives and experiences influence what we accept to be 'true'? and why do we keep falling for misinformation? At the same time, they reveal how curiosity and thoughtful research can help us question, navigate and engage with information more critically and confidently .”                                                                                State Library Victoria, Melbourne. Make Believe: Encounters with Misinformation exhibition at State Library Victoria, Melbourne, Australia “Misinformation filters our view of the world. Whether it arises from simple mistakes, misinterpretations or deliberate deception, it can profoundly influence our thoughts, opinions and actions. One of the most harmful examples in Australia's history is terra nullius, the false claim that the land was uninhabited, which was used to justify the dispossession of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of their lands.”                                        State Library Victoria, Melbourne. CASE STUDY 3: Anatomy, biases and understanding the clitoris We invite you to watch this short video, created by State Library Victoria, featuring the incredible Professor Helen O’Connell and Dr Jennifer Hayes along with our very own Anita Brown-Major. To be in the same room as Professor O’Connell and Dr Hayes is truly mind-blowing! This video describes the biases affecting the anatomical understanding of the clitoris. “Despite having more access to information than ever before, we continue to be seduced and duped by mistruths. These falsehoods can completely deceive us or subtly draw us in, even when we know they are untrue. They appeal to our biases and beliefs, using beauty to beguile us and making it easier to ignore uncomfortable truths.” State Library Victoria, Melbourne Cliterate, an interactive vulva model designed to educate all bodies and learning styles. Labia diversity study created by Charlie Richardson and Cara Jordan-Miller. Two of these models were selected and have been manufactured in silicon for use in the Cliterate vulva model.

The human fingertip has approximately 3,000  nerve endings, allowing us to detect texture, temperature, and pressure with incredible precision. These nerve endings make fine motor skills like playing an instrument or typing possible. The human penis, long studied in medical research, has around 7,700  nerve endings.   So, how many nerve endings does the human clitoris have?   Reputable medical sources such as the Cleveland clinic echo a commonly quoted figure of 8000 – a number which happens to come from outdated studies on animals. Until 2023, no research had been conducted to quantify the number of nerves in the human clitoris. Where did this data come from?   In a groundbreaking 2023 study, researchers Dr. Maria Uloko, Dr. Erika P. Isabey, and Dr. Blair R. Peters revealed that the human clitoris contains an average of 10,280 nerve endings —far exceeding the long-quoted number and surpassing even the fingertip and penis.   The methodology  of this study is one of the most revolutionary  aspects of this research. Rather than relying on cadavers (as is common in anatomical studies), the nerve samples were generously donated by transmasculine patients undergoing gender-affirming surgery . During phalloplasty  (the surgical construction of a phallus), only one  of the two dorsal nerves that innervate the clitoris is needed for the procedure. This meant that one could be donated from each patient —allowing researchers to analyse and accurately count the number of nerve endings. This study not only advances medical knowledge but also highlights the invaluable contributions of trans patients to science—work that benefits everyone cis individuals and trans individuals alike. Why Is This Important?   Understanding the true complexity of clitoral innervation is a major step forward in sexual health, medicine, and surgery. Here’s why this study is so important: Medical Advances:  With precise knowledge of nerve distribution, surgeons can improve reconstructive procedures for trauma, injury, and gender-affirming care. Sexual Health Education:  The clitoris plays a central role in sexual pleasure , yet has been historically overlooked  in medical research and sexuality education. This study reinforces the urgent need for better representation of the clitoris  in textbooks, research, and public discourse.   REFERENCES: Uloko M, Isabey EP & Peters BR (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, 247–252. Cleveland Clinic (2022). Clitoris: Anatomy, Location, Purpose & Conditions. [online] Cleveland Clinic. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22823-clitoris . Ferrin, P., Uloko, M. and Peters, B. (2024). (067) How Many Nerve Fibers Innervate the Human Glans Penis: A Histomorphometric Analysis of the Human Dorsal Nerve of the Penis. Journal of Sexual Medicine, [online] 21(Supplement_1). doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/jsxmed/qdae001.063 .

The 2024 Australian Good Design Awards highlighted how design not only enhances functionality and aesthetics but also contributes significantly to societal advancement. ​ Among the standout winners was the Cliterate Model, which received a prestigious Good Design Award Winner Accolade in the Product Design category for exceptional design and innovation. Cliterate was praised for offering a “groundbreaking approach to sexual health education with its spherical pull- apart design. The jury was impressed by how this tool facilitates accurate and respectful discussions..”   Congratulations to Dr Judith and graduates Charlie and Cara  from  @rmituniversity  School of Design and also to the very humble Pete from XProduct for their talent and unyielding commitment to designing this education resource. We are very grateful to you all and very proud of this award.

Cliterate meets The Guilty Feminist (Episode 400) during live recording Melbourne, May 2024 Possibly the biggest fan-girl moment ever for Cliterate founder, Anita Brown-Major during the live recording of Episode 400 of The Guilty Feminist, Melbourne Australia in May 2024. Such a priveledge to bring conversations about the importance of vu/va anatomy to the whole audience - both live and in replayed. Big thanks to this podcast for their important and fabulous work!! Watch this hilarious interaction between Deborah Frances-White and Cliterate founder, Anita Brown-Major – filmed during this live Podcast Recording. Listen to the full Podcast here The Guilty Feminist 400. Live from Melbourne Presented by Deborah Frances-White with Celia Pacquola and special guests Alison J Barton and Magda Szubanski, with music from Eliza Hull, Roya The Destroya, and Grace Petrie. Recorded 25 May 2024 at Hamer Hall in Melbourne, Australia. Released 17 June. Listen Here Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/400-live-from-melbourne-australia-with-celia-pacquola/id1068940771?i=1000659261438 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3BmRIcI8GSVodny9glKP0s?si=b302be55c9e24294 Deborah Frances-White

COURSE 5 SEPTEMBER 2025 BRUNSWICK EAST Thrive Rehab presents a full day face-to-face workshop that aims to empower occupational therapists with OT specific assessments and interventions to address occupational sexuality & intimacy with their clients. More information here: https://www.thriverehab.com.au/sexual-health-intimacy-advanced-f2f?origin=builder

EVENT SOUTH BRISBANE 16-19 JUNE 2025 Join us in Brisbane, Australia, for the 27th World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) Congress from June 16-19, 2025! Hosted by the Society for Australian Sexologists (SAS) and in association with the Asia-Oceania Federation for Sexology (AOFS). More information here: https://www.worldsexualhealth.net/event-details/the-27th-world-association-for-sexual-health-was-congress

EVENT 11–12 JUNE 2025 CENTRE FOR EXCELLENCE IN RURAL SEXUAL HEALTH Don't miss your chance to be part of Victoria’s only Rural Sexual Health Conference —a unique event where experts will share the latest research, innovative public health interventions, and evidence-based best practices. More information here: https://medicine.unimelb.edu.au/cersh/news-and-events/current-events/sexrurality-conference-2025

EVENT MELBOURNE SHOWGROUNDS 20–21 MAY 2025 We will be attending this amazing Expo. See you there! More information here: https://expo.atsa.org.au/melbourne-expo/

EVENT SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE 1 March 2025 In the Concert Hall Our hormones shape our brains, bodies and emotional wellbeing. Join world-leading women's health experts to discover the secrets to thriving through perimenopause, menopause and beyond. More information here: https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/talks-and-ideas/so-hot-right-now