SPW debates the dynamics of sexuality in Latin America

Latin American Dialogue participants

Between August 24th and 26th, 2009, the Latin American Dialogue on Sexuality and Geopolitics took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Organized by Sexuality Policy Watch (SPW) in partnership with the Latin-American Center on Sexuality and Human Rights (CLAM), the meeting gathered close to 50 participants from nine countries — academics, researchers and activists — who debated the conditions of sexual politics in the region.

The meeting was divided in four thematic sessions: Sexuality, the State and Political Processes; Science and Sexual Politics; Sexuality and Economy: visibility and void and Religion and Sexual Politics.  Each session was organized in two blocks. In the first one an overview paper on the topic was presented and discussed, this being followed by a panel in which the same content was addressed from different specific angles.

In the opening session, Sonia Correa and Richard Parker, co-coordinators of SPW, expressed thanks for the huge response, enthusiasm expressed from all participants, and for the texts produced for the event, which will be available on the SPW website in the beginning of October 2009. They also recalled that the Rio Dialogue is part of a global effort to promote similar discussions in Asia and Africa. The Asian Dialogue took place in Hanoi in April 2009 and the African Dialogue is scheduled for early 2010.

A synthesis of the four session and subsequent debates are available below. Click here to see the photos of the meeting.

Day 1 - August 24, 2009

First Session – Sexuality, States and Political Processes
> Overview paper presentation
> Panel 1

Second session — Science and Sexual Politics
> Overview paper presentation
> Panel 2

Day 2 - August 25, 2009

Third Session – Sexuality and Economics: visibilities and invisibilities
> Overview paper presentation
> Panel 3

Fourth Session – Sexuality, Religion and Politics
> Overview paper presentation
> Panel 4