ICS Seminar Series

Sexual Justice is Social Justice: Faith-Based Approaches to Human Sexuality Presenters: Associate Professor Sabitha Pillai-Friedman, Dr Justin A. Sitron and Dr Brent Satterly (Widener University) Abstract Despite scholars advocating to embrace sexual justice within the long-standing tradition of social justice work, the topic remains taboo. A framework that combines social justice and sexuality: sexual justice is proposed. This paper illuminates global religions’ influence on the sexual lives of marginalized people, noting religious beliefs often impact sexual health policies related to sexual literacy of youth, women's reproductive choices, and rights of sexual and gender minorities. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) youth are perhaps one of the most vulnerable populations across the world today. In a culture where difference often breeds discrimination, many LGBTQ youth face significant oppression from faith-based communities. Yet there is also a myriad of affirming faith-based communities that have provided a safe haven for many LGBTQ youth in the midst of familial rejection. The presenters hope to elevate the work around human rights and inspire advocates to give voice to sexual justice. Biography: Dr Sabitha Pillai-Friedman is an Associate Professor at the Center for Human Sexuality Studies, Widener University and is an AASECT (American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, & Therapists) certified sex therapist and an AASECT approved supervisor. Dr Justin A. Sitron, PhD, (Widener University) is the director of the Interdisciplinary Sexuality Research Collaborative. His research focuses on sexological worldview development, and teaching health care providers and educators how to incorporate a sexual rights framework into their practice. Dr Brent Satterly is an Associate Professor in Widener University’s Center for Social Work Education. His areas of expertise include human sexuality and social work pedagogies, clinical work, and the use of Harry Potter in teaching social justice. His publications include his recent 2nd edition of his co-authored textbook, Sexuality Concepts for Social Workers.