Eli Coleman Institute for Sexual and Gender Health

04/08/2026

Join the Center for Bioethics, University of Minnesota on April 17 from noon - 1:00 p.m. for an Ethics Grand Rounds webinar titled "Creating a Healthcare Experience for All: Caring for LGBTQ People as They Age" featuring speaker Carey Candrian, PhD. There is an opportunity to gain IPE credits and CEU certificates.

Learn more about the speaker and register at: https://bit.ly/4cARsLU

04/01/2026

Dr. Eli Coleman, professor and director emeritus, recently presented a keynote plenary lecture at one of the largest sexological conferences in China. The talk was titled, “Sexual Health, Sexual Rights, Sexual Pleasure, Sexual Justice: Improving Women’s Health and Well Being.” 3,000 participants gathered for this lecture at the Dr. Eros SHE (Sexual Health Education) Conference, March 5, 2026 in Hangzhou, China.

03/04/2026

We're proud to share our 2025 Annual Report!

This year, the Institute celebrated major milestones — from welcoming Dr. Chiara Acquati as the inaugural Bean Robinson Endowed Chair and Dr. Shari Brightly-Brown, to reaching record research growth (expenditures of $1.5M+, 59 publications, 72 presentations).

With 10,892 patient visits at our M Health Fairview Sexual and Gender Health Clinic, impactful global advocacy, and expanded education initiatives, 2025 was a year of momentum and impact.

As we look ahead with leadership searches and fellowship expansion underway, we remain committed to advancing sexual and gender health through clinical care, research, education, and advocacy.

Thank you for being part of our community and supporting our mission.

View the full report here: z.umn.edu/ISGHreport25

03/04/2026

Join the Center for Bioethics on April 17 from noon - 1:00 p.m. for an Ethics Grand Rounds webinar titled "Creating a Healthcare Experience for All: Caring for LGBTQ People as They Age" featuring speaker Carey Candrian, PhD. There is an opportunity to gain IPE credits and CEU certificates.

Learn more about the speaker and register at: https://bit.ly/4cARsLU

02/13/2026

Ryan Rahm-Knigge, PhD, LP, with the Eli Coleman Institute for Sexual and Gender Health, talks about relationships ahead of Valentine’s Day. 💖 Read more:

As Valentine’s Day approaches, conversations about love and connection often come into focus. Ryan Rahm-Knigge, PhD, LP, with the University of Minnesota Medical School, talks about relationships ahead of Valentine’s Day.

01/29/2026

Registration is now open for the 20th Annual University of Minnesota (UMN) Women’s Health Research Conference! The conference will take place on February 20 from 12:30 - 5:00 p.m. at the Humphrey School Conference Center in Minneapolis.

ISGH is co-sponsoring a half-day filled with insightful discussions, presentations, and networking opportunities. The focus this year will be "Past, Present and Future of Women’s Health Research."

Register here! https://bit.ly/3LDwP6V

01/15/2026

Join us on Tues., Feb. 3 when Chiara Acquati, PhD, LGSW, FAOSW, the Beatrice “Bean” E. Robinson Endowed Chair in Clinical Sexual Health with ISGH, will present “A Dyadic Approach to Oncosexology Research: Sexual Function, Dyadic Coping, and Psychological Distress in Young-Onset Breast Cancer Survivors and Partners.” Learn more and register at https://med.umn.edu/sexualhealth/about/news-events

11/06/2025

Join us for part 2 of a 3-part series to deepen intergenerational connections through sharing our histories with one another. These conversations will culminate in a published zine, featuring artwork and stories by participants. Food will be provided. We will be at New City Center on December 6 from 3-5 p.m. Attendance at the prior event is not required.

RSVP and register at z.umn.edu/IntergenConvos2

As always, to respect the health of all—please take a rapid test prior to attending. Tests will also be available on site. Please wear a mask. This event is in a large space but is indoors.

10/09/2025

Join us for a campus-based event on Oct. 28 that is being co-sponsored by ISGH, the Gender and Sexuality Center, and the Women's Center. This event is an interactive lecture and discussion led by Renee Bracey Sherman and reproductive justice activist Jasmine Burnett . This lecture is for folks who are focused on reproductive justice and grounded in frameworks like q***r theory and texts like Audre Lorde's "Uses of the Erotic." It will be on 10/28 from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Health Sciences Education Center 7-152.

10/08/2025

Join us for the next ISGH Advances in Sexual and Gender Health Seminar in November! Ryan Rahm-Knigge, PhD, will present "Profiling Compulsive Sexual Behavior: How Emotion Dysregulation Contributes to Symptom Severity and Types of Sexual Behaviors."

Register today at z.umn.edu/ASGHSNov4

Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025
Noon - 1:00 p.m.
WBOB 150
Zoom webinar and in person

09/04/2025

On September 5, 2025, global leaders from 80+ organizations will come together in Porto, Portugal for the inaugural meeting of the World Sexual Health Assembly (WSHA), convened by the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS).

This unprecedented, high-level alliance unites UN agencies (as observers), international NGOs, professional societies, academic institutions, and regional federations to protect and advance sexual health, rights, justice, and pleasure worldwide.

Sexual health is non-negotiable. Sexual rights are human rights. Sexual justice is a global imperative.

🔗 Learn more: www.worldsexualhealth.net

08/07/2025

Join us for the next ISGH Advances in Sexual and Gender Health Seminar in September! Abby Girard, PsyD, LMFT, will present "Sexual Health After Cancer: Whose Job is it Anyway? Provider Practices and Communication Barriers."

Register today: link in bio!

Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025
Noon - 1:00 p.m.
WBOB 150
Zoom webinar and in person

University of Minnesota Medical School