Milestones of 2011

Day/ Date What

Sat 9, 15 Jan - Conducted With a Bang workshops, a project for Health Promotion Board

Tues 1 Feb - Launch of 1st Febulove Campaign www.febulove.com. It returns 1 Feb 2012.
Tues 9, 16, Fri 25 Feb - Completed 1st Manifest the Love of your Life workshop
Fri 11 and Sat 12 Feb - Conducted Lady in Red workshops, a project for Health Promotion Board
Sat 12 Feb - Spoke about Sexual Healing After Cancer, National University Hospital, Singapore
Fri 18 Feb - Conducted 1st Ask Away: Your sex questions answered

Sat 5 Mar - End of Diva in Me workshops, a project for Health Promotion Board
Sun 6 Mar - End of Sex Smart Me workshops, a project for Health Promotion Board
Fri 11 Mar - Facilitated Games Nite: Board games for ladies
Sat 12 Mar - Recognised as one of ‘Top 100 Inspiring Women’ by CozyCot
Sat 12, 19, 26 Mar - Conducted Being Real workshop for ladies, a project for Health Promotion Board
Wed 30 Mar - End of Health Promotion Board project: 25 workshops over Oct 2011 to March 2011

Sat & Sun 2 – 3 April - Conducted His Love, Her Love workshop
Fri 15 April - Conducted 2nd Ask Away: Your sex questions answered
Fri 29 April - Spoke about The Doctor-Friend for the Aging Male, 3rd Urology Expert Meeting, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

May - Appointed official sex expert for magazine, Men’s Health Malaysia

Sat 11 June - Spoke at CozyCot Being Sensual Conference
Sat & Sun 25 & 26 June - Conducted 1st Sexual Attitude Restructuring workshop
Wed 29 June - Spoke about Erectile Difficulties: When it is Psychological, Singapore Urological Association Educational Night, Singapore

Sun 3 July - Panelist on Roundtable Discussion on sex, Post Museum
Sat & Sun 16 & 17 July - Taught three topics: Sexuality Coaching; Treatment of Vaginismus; Sexual Enhancement – Teaching Faculty, Certificate of Andrology, Society of Men’s Health, Singapore

Aug - Eros Coaching sponsors Etiquette II, a 3-week art, writing and film showcase
Mon 22 Aug - New portrait photographs taken by Marcus Mok, makeup by Yukiko Lim

Fri 2 Sept - Began weekly column on PublicHouse.sg.
Fri 10 Sept - Conducted 40th Funtastic Fellatio workshop (ongoing)
Sat 11 Sept - Conducted 70th Sizzling Strokes workshop (ongoing)
Thurs 15 Sept - Attained Certified Sexuality Educator status with the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists, the only one in Singapore
Sat 24 Sept - Led Condom Factory Visit to Johor Bahru. Another planned for March 2012.

Mon 3 Oct - Interview on Mediacorp Radio alongside Uma Furman
Thurs 6 Oct- Conducted 1st sexual positions workshop, More than Missionary with Uma Furman
Mon 17 Oct - Attained Competent Communicator award with Toastmasters International
Tues 18 Oct - Spoke about Sexuality Education for 80 pharmacists from Watsons, Singapore
Thurs 20 Oct, 2 p.m., 6p.m., and Sun 23 Oct, 11a.m. - Airing of radio interview Slice of Life by Eugene Loh on Mediacorp
Sun 23 Oct - Spoke about Intimacy and Sexuality following Gynaecological Surgery, 21st Annual Obstetrics & Gynaecology Nurses’ Seminar, Singapore
Tues 25 Oct - Featured in Yahoo Singapore: “Straight talk with Singapore’s sex doctor”, with Eros Coaching website hitting 4,460 hits in one day

Fri 18 Nov - Spoke about Sex in the City, Rotary Club of Singapore North

Dec - Appointed the sex expert for Durex Malaysia Facebook page
Sat 3 Dec - Facilitated Exploring sex, sexuality and intimacy at SlutTalk Singapore
Sun 4 Dec - Eros Coaching sponsors SlutWalk Singapore.
Tues 6 Dec - Conducted Conscious Connecting workshop
Sat 10 Dec - Conducted a talk before screening of Orgasm Inc at Sinema
Tues 20 Dec - Facilitated Singing Bowl Jamming workshop

For more about Dr. Martha Lee, click here.

Sex News in Asia - 12/26/11

This article first appeared on Good Vibrations Magazine.



The Philippines

• Filipino stewardesses dance again

Singapore

• One in 10 Singapore women suffers from endometriosis.


• Big is beautiful. Celebrating diversity in body shapes.


• Singapore pursues a discriminatory policy against low-income Singaporean men married to foreigners. Their wives cannot get PR or citizenship and can only stay in Singapore by applying for LTVP (Long Term Visitor Pass). Supporting a family when you're poor in Singapore is extremely tough given the high cost of living. For these poor Singaporean men with foreign wives, their problems are compounded because those on LTVP are not allowed to work, cannot get subsidised medical care and apply for HDB flats.

Malaysia

• 'Missing' gay Malaysian newlywed in Ireland draws harsh criticism. Another report is here.


• A teacher told his wife that he was giving “private tuition” but was actually having sex with a 14-year-old student.

Indonesia

• Commentary: Don’t laugh, don’t rape


• Commission wants govt to take responsibility for minivan rapes


• Oz awards Indonesian bloggers for AIDS awareness


• Police wife faces lie detector for rape claim. More here.


• Suspected rapist claims to have promised to marry his victim

India

• Mobile app to help Indian women fight sex assault. It enables women to immediately alert friends or family if they feel at risk


• Mumbai cops stop Indian sex workers heading to Southeast Asia

Japan

• What began as a street fashion two decades ago as youngsters aped the doll-like European styles of baroque and rococo has morphed into a near mainstream movement, with dozens of offshoots.

Korea

• South Korean President presses Japan to address the long-standing issue of Korean women forced into sexual slavery during World War II.


• Seoul Student Rights Ordinance passes with sexual orientation, gender identity protections

View last’s week Sex News in Asia here.

Disclaimer: Some of these media reports may portray sex and sexuality in a negative light. I am merely re-reporting them and may not always agree with the reports or opinions expressed.

Dr. Martha Lee is Founder and Clinical Sexologist of Eros Coaching in Singapore. She is a certified sexologist with American College of Sexologists with a Doctorate in Human Sexuality from Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality. She is available to provide sexuality and intimacy coaching for individuals and couples, conduct sexual education workshops and speak at public events in Asia. For more, visit www.eroscoaching.com.

How a Girl Should Put a Man's Shirt

A video showing creative ways to wear a man's shirt. You never know when you might need to pull a trick or two!

Media: All I want for Christmas is...

This article first appeared on PublicHouse.sg.

It started as a post on my Facebook: “Please comment: What I want for Christmas is…”

The answers came fast and furious ranging from:

More positive sexuality:

“Comprehensive Sex Education Programs in Public Schools!” for Dorian Gomez, Art Director & Resident Curator at Erotic Heritage Museum of Las Vegas.

“....end of religious conflicts on planet Earth. True Love Heals, truly. Sex is merely a tool, ...”

For the greater good of mankind:

“Equality of men and women; education for all; eradication of extremes in wealth and poverty; racial equality - the usual things!” for Susan Ludwig Goharriz who is a beloved friend and a registered nurse from Ontario, Canada.

“The end of the Dominator era” (which I take to mean: the end of a hierarchical approach of governance).

To the personal:

“‎...to sleep as long as I want to and not have to get out of my pyjamas all day... (I don't think this has happened since I was 9)”

“A new year of peace and harmony, more ME time and pay off all my debts! Mmm! :-)”

“Healthy kids” from a mother of two.

To connecting with another:

“...heart expanding connection with Beloved”

“Someone to cuddle, chat n enjoy the Christmas spirit.”

“smiles”

About local politics

“The govt to be less fridget?” (or frigid)

And the suggestive

“a 3D printer -- because then....” by Steve McGough.

“Lets get real, A pair of tits to satisfy my lust. Lol”

However I got one reply that had a singular alphabet “U”. He is engaged to be married. Then a second one came in, “YOU”. This one is married.

Enough was enough. Besides deleting their posts, I sent them warnings as well as posted on my Facebook wall:

“While I am a sexologist and sexuality educator and talk about sex all the time, it does not mean I deserve and am open to have inappropriate sexual advances directed at me. It is called sexual harassment. Joking about wanting ME for Xmas is NOT funny!”

The responses that came included:

Support:

“‎{{{HUGS}}} It is amazing what some people can say hidden behind their screens. I'm sorry, hon.”

Comment:

“Lame and perverted”

Agreement:

“Yes, very true”

Calls to ignore:

“Martha, ignore these pple. They r juz being shallow!”

“They don't deserve anymore attention than what you have just said”

“Martha Lee, just ignore these perverts, obviously they have no respect at all & they don't deserve yr respect... stay cool :D”

Of course I thought of ignoring such people. This was my reply:

“I don't think being passive and letting them get away with such abuse is appropriate either. Speaking up and calling their bluff may well alter behavior. I will just continue speaking up for me. Thanks very much.”

Deborah Yuen (somebody I have never met) spoke up:

“I agree with you Martha. It's not good to ignore them, because they have already violated you in their minds. It's best to stand up to them and shut them up, so they won't do this anymore. So what if you are an expert on sex, it doesn't mean you see yourself as a prostitute!”

She added, 11 minutes later:

“Sexual harassment is actually a form of sexual abuse. When you are sexually harassed, you are actually shamed and wounded in your self esteem. They are actually demeaning you and placing you beneath them (in ranking and importance). If you keep allowing them to do that to you without standing up to them, it will affect your self esteem. Standing up to them will heal your self esteem and the wounding inflicted on you. You need to stand up to abuse for your own healing and self-respect.”

I actually do love the discussion of what this seemingly innocent question of “What I want for Christmas is…” triggered.

I had actually moved beyond shock, disgust, and anger at these two men in a matter of seconds. My posting on my Facebook wall was not about retaliation. I could just block these two and that would have been the end of it, but instead decided to use it as a teachable moment. My reaction was replaced with curiosity, delight and awe with what people on Facebook, especially Deborah, had to say.

How many of us truly understand what sexual harassment is? Do we even discuss those parameters? How often does a woman speak up against unacceptable sexually charged language directed at her (in this case, me)? And what are the odds of another fellow woman (a complete stranger, no less) totally getting it and furthering the understanding for all to read? Priceless.

What I want for Christmas is to be recognised for the individual that I am (not for my gender, sexuality or looks), for the work I do, for the lives I transform, and for the legacy of living life fully and fearlessly.

Happy holidays.

All names used with permission.

Don't say gay

If kids can know what is appropriate, why can't us adults? Have a good holiday. Be kind to others.

Description: In 8th grade we had a PSA project. ( Public Service Announcement) Don't Say Gay. I chose a funny way to present it. Subscribe! And thanks to my little brother for being the star!

This video was featured on AOL.com and the Huffington Post!

I think Mom is Santa

Nice one!

Kermit The Frog - The Christmas Wish

Kermit and John Denver sing a beautiful Christmas song from their 1979 special



What do you wish for Christmas? Have you taken the time to think of other people as one? What could you do for others?

Sex News in Asia - 12/19/12

This article first appeared on Good Vibrations Magazine.

Singapore

• Action for Aids launches mobile testing service


• Fridae.com founder sues board of directors


• Shirtless men clad in red sweatpants have been lining up for days in Singapore's prime shopping district, part of an advertising gimmick revealing not just muscle but also a gradual unpeeling of the city state's puritanical ways.


• Commentary here: It ain’t easy being a beefcake

 

Malaysia

• The Johor Health Pharmaceutical department is having trouble nabbing illegal medicine peddlers due to tontos who constantly provide information on raids to them.


• Male sex workers on the prowl in Penang


• The Malaysia government will suggest that girls as young as 12 years old be given human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination against cervical cancer owing to boys becoming sexually active at a younger age. State Women, Family, Health and Community Development Committee chairman Dr Robia Kosai said girls currently received the HPV shots when they reached 13 but it should be administered at an earlier age.


• Some points in the Code of Practice of HIV

Indonesia

• Abdul Rohman, a faculty member at Indonesian Islamic University, writes in The Jakarta Post that it is imperative to foster dialogue between religious groups and gay communities, and for religious groups to reach out to them and learn how to synchronise their situation with Islam. Column: Can you be gay and Muslim?


• Robin Lim, an American woman who has helped thousands of poor Indonesian women have a healthy pregnancy and birth, was named the 2011 CNN Hero of the Year.


• 10 East Java inmates HIV positive


• Commercial sex workers in Surakarta, Central Java, have demanded a designated red-light district to ensure better organized outreach services, especially on health.


• Batam prostitutes claim councilor client


• Issue: Segregating men and women on buses


• High school girl arrested for sex trade


• HIV/AIDS among housewives and children on the rise

Korea

• Urgent petition drive underway to keep LGBT clause in Seoul’s Student Rights Ordinance Bill


• Gay South Korean conscript wins refugee status in Canada


• S. Korean president presses Japan on sex slaves


• Korean former comfort women hold 10000th protest


• Oldest Korean victim of Japan's wartime sexual slavery dies

Thailand

• A recent upsurge in the number of underage girl prostitutes in some northeastern provinces is causing concern, a children's rights advocate group says.

China

• Xiangqi, the founder of Shanghai Nvai about setting up the city's only lesbian group for local Chinese, faux marriages where gay men and lesbian women marry one another, and lesbian life in China.


• Chinese man arrested for hiring wedding strippers

The Philippines

• The Philippine's only political organisation for LGBTs has urged Catholic priests, who oppose the anti-discrimination bill, to "come out of their extravagant churches to see the reality – that some LGBTs are not hired to work, some are being harassed and violated and some 144 killed because of their sexual orientation and gender identity."

View last’s week Sex News in Asia here.

Disclaimer: Some of these media reports may portray sex and sexuality in a negative light. I am merely re-reporting them and may not always agree with the reports or opinions expressed.

Media: No go - too drunk to consent

This article first appeared on PublicHouse.sg.

During the presentation “Promoting Consent, Preventing Coercion” by AWARE as part of SlutTalk on Saturday 3 December, I shared for the first time, how years ago, a male friend rebuffed me when I suggested we went clubbing.

Me: “Hey, we should go clubbing together one of these days!”

His immediate reply was, “What’s the point? You don’t drink.”

“Just ‘cos I don’t drink doesn’t mean we can’t go dancing together,” I asked, completely bewildered.

“You don’t drink so it means we are not going to have sex,” he retorted.

I backed off. Previously, he was the one who first suggested we went dancing. When I told him that there was no sexual attraction between us and that we could only be friends, he invited me to a party, only for me to refuse repeatedly during the night his offers to drink because I don’t drink. I did not think much of it.

Later, having felt more comfortable around him, I suggested we went dancing together – as friends – only to have the above conversation take place. He had ulterior motives: to ply me with drinks, and somehow, convince me to have sex with him while intoxicated. He thought he would succeed with me drunk, when he could not while I was sober. I wondered if this was a tactic that he had used and gotten away with before with other girls. I question if this was a strategy that men used. And if so, did they not realise it was essentially sex without consent – or rape?

Sexual consent is not possible when a partner is intoxicated. Hence I was completely distressed when I read news reports of how Ong Ming Wee, a 29 year-old, raped a 23 year-old girl at Toa Payoh North, and I was even more outraged with what he claimed in his defence.

Dubbed the Zouk rapist, Ong claimed that the woman seduced him when they were dancing on the dance floor. Could it be that she was uninhibited after having had some drinks? One’s behaviour on or off the dance floor is not indicative of one’s sexual desire. He further testified in his defence that while taking her home in a cab at about 4am, they kissed, and she agreed to his suggestion to head for his place. Was he asking leading questions? Perhaps all she wanted was to lie down?

In reality, the victim, while still in her semi-conscious drunken stupor state, made frantic phone calls to her mother and friend to take her home when she found herself in a place she did not know. Why didn’t he send her home then? She had cried and said repeatedly that she wanted to go home but Ong would not let her leave unless she had sex with him. Fearful of her safety and perhaps worn down by his repeated demands, she eventually had sex with him. She later found bruises on her left shoulder and upper arm.

Ong was sentenced to seven years in jail and eight strokes of the cane in April 2011. (See here)

One might say that the victim should have known her limits when it comes to drinking, or that she should have had her friends watch out for her, or that she should not have dressed or danced quite so seductively. Whatever the other circumstances that led to the rape, we do not know as they were not reported; but we could also say that Ong should have accepted a no as a no, and not persist to get what he wanted.

Section 90 of the Penal Code in Singapore states that there is no consent:

(a) if the consent is given by a person under fear of injury or wrongful restraint to the person or to some other person; or

(b) if the consent is given by a person who, from unsoundness of mind, mental incapacity, intoxication, or the influence of any drug or other substance, is unable to understand the nature and consequence of that to which he gives his consent.

Fellow participants at SlutTalk groaned when I shared my personal story at the start of this article. A few immediately asked if I was still “friends” with the above-mentioned guy. Incidentally, the answer is no, but for reasons other than what transpired. As with many women out there, I have more to learn about separating the wolves from the sheep. And for the men out there, a woman who is intoxicated is too drunk to consent to sex!

-------------------

The above is Part 3 of Dr Martha Lee's special 4-part series on the issue of sexual consent. You can read Part 1 and Part 2 here:

Part 1: Sexual consent - when no is really no.

Part 2: Sexually confused - when no is a game.

Dr Martha Lee is Founder and Clinical Sexologist of Eros Coaching in Singapore. She is a certified sexuality educator with AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists), as well as certified sexologist with ACS (American College of Sexologists). She holds a Doctorate in Human Sexuality from Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality as well as certificates in practical counselling, life coaching and sex therapy. She is available to provide sexuality and intimacy coaching for individuals and couples, conduct sexual education workshops and speak at public events in Asia. For more, visit www.eroscoaching.com.

Your First Love: Your Parents

These videos have nothing to do with sex but your relationship with the first people in your life: your parents. We have been so busy growing up, we sometimes forget that they are getting old.

When was the last time you expressed your love to your parents? After all these years, it is still hard for me to verbally say it... so recently, I chickened out and texted my dad my gratitude for his unconditional love. Technology does help!

Do watch these two videos. They make me tear up. No matter what happened to you growing up, they gave you life. They are also works in process. They are doing the best they can. They, too, have their own stories. Love them.

Yin and Yang Conference: Making Love for a Lifetime

As part of Febulove, we are pleased to introduce our one-day conference:

Yin and Yang: Making Love for a Lifetime

Date: Sat 11 February 2012
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Venue: HDB Hub, Punggol Room

This one-day event aims to impart sexual information, knowledge and skills for couples to be able to more confidently and authentically connect with each other sexually.

You will learn to:
1. Differentiate and appreciate the differences between the female and male sexual anatomy
2. Identify different sexual difficulties and what you can do about them
3. Pactice conscious connecting through touch
4. Sexual skills you can apply immediately in the bedroom!

Talk 1: Nuts and bolts: About male and female sexual anatomy (9:30 - 10:30a.m.)
Talk 2: Sexual difficulties and what you can do about them (11:30 - 12:30p.m.)
Talk 3: Conscious connecting through touch (1:30 - 2:30p.m.)
Talk 4: Sexual techniques: How to make love for a lifetime (3 - 4p.m.)

About the speaker:

Founder of Eros Coaching, Dr. Martha Lee is the only Clinical Sexologist in Singapore who has a doctorate in human sexuality. Often cited in the local media, Dr. Lee is the appointed sex expert for Men’s Health Singapore, Men’s Health Malaysia, Durex Singapore Facebook page as well as Durex Malaysia Facebook page. She has a weekly column with PublicHouse.sg and blogs for Good Vibrations Magazine. She was recognised as one of ‘Top 50 Inspiring Women under 40′ by Her World in July 2010, and one of ‘Top 100 Inspiring Women’ by CozyCot in March 2011. For her full profile, click here.

Fee:

• S$30 per talk per person;


• S$88 per person, for full-day pass;


• S$140 for a couple, for a full-day pass

Venue: Punggol Room, HDB Hub Convention Centre
Basement 1, HDB Hub, 480 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh, Singapore 310480 (Nearest MRT: Toa Payoh)

Register by emailing info@eroscoaching.com with your name and mobile.

Payment to be made before each talk.

Also, to find out about the other Febulove workshops, click here!

Febulove Workshops

As part of our Febulove campaign in February, these are our workshops which you can sign up for:

Fri 3 Feb - Pillow Talk: Erotic talk (7.30p.m. - 9.30p.m.)

For ladies - NEW course! Erotic talk can improve communication or intimacy, and it supplies some variety to a stagnant relationship! It is the art of imagination and fantasy, tapping into the most important sex organ in the body: the brain. It opens up a world of new erotic possibilities for couples.

You will learn:

• Benefits of erotic talk (Why you should do it)


• Differentiate between male and female fantasies, and how to better tailor your erotic messages!


• How to engage in sensual talk through your sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch


• How to get your partner to talk erotically

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Tues 7 Feb - Best of Eros (7:30p.m. – 8:30p.m)

For ladies - For the first time and by popular request, this is an express course for the busy woman who just needs to cut through the chase, and only wants to know the best of hand and blow job techniques just in time for Valentine's Day!

You will learn:

• Why men love receiving a blow job


• Best hand and blow job techniques - More than 10!


• To perfecting those skills through practising on a carrot!

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Fri 17 Feb - Conscious Connecting (7.30p.m. - 9.30p.m.)

For singles/ couples - Do you have difficulty asking for what you want in bed? Do you have a desire to be a better lover for your partner? How exactly can you connect intimately with your partner. This clothes-on workshop explores the four different types of touch: Giving, Receiving, Absorbing, Allowing. Understanding and practising these distinctions will change the way you experience touch and shift your personal, and even professional life fundamentally. You are strongly encouraged to attend this workshop with your partner or friend.

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Tues 21 Feb - Sizzling Strokes (7.30p.m. - 9.30p.m.)

Only for ladies - Tips and techniques for giving guys a happy ending with your hands. Taught using online videos and sex toy. Easy-to-follow handout with line drawing will be provided. This workshop was first reviewed by Her World in Feb 2010. Testimonials here. Conducted 70 times as of September 2011, this workshop was previously titled ‘Different Strokes’.

You will learn:

• Sexual Response Cycle – the stages our body goes through during sex


• Male anatomy – The inside of his body


• The importance of breathing


• How to do a genital erotic massage -More than 22 different techniques


• What to use during the massage

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Fri 24 Feb - Pucker Up: Kissing (7.30p.m. - 9.30p.m.)

For singles/ couples:

“What is a kiss? Why this, as some approve: the sure, sweet cement, glue and lime of love.” – Robert Herrick

Have you ever wondered if there are varieties in kissing? All you need is the willingness to explore the possibilities and you will definitely find yourself enjoying new, fun, and flirty kisses with your partner. Learning these creative kisses: Candy Kiss, Upside-Down Kiss, French Kiss, Earlobe Kiss, Nip Kiss, and more! Handout provided.

You will learn:

• Kissing Trivia


• Do’s and Don’ts to Kissing


• Kissing Techniques

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Tues, 28 Feb - Funtastic Fellatio (7.30p.m. - 9.30p.m.)

Only for ladies - Techniques, positions and physiology for intensified orgasms while going down on him. Taught using online videos and carrots (yes, you read that right, carrots). Handout provided. Click here for a review. Click here for testimonials. Conducted 40 times as of September 2011, this workshop was previously titled ‘Fabulous Fellatio’.

You will learn:

• How to name the different parts of the male penis


• Why men love receiving a blow job; why women resist giving one


• The eight ways men orgasm


• The mental mindset when it comes to giving a blowjob


• Basics when it comes to giving a blow job


• The different sexual positions


• Twenty different blow job techniques from simple to advanced!

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About the trainer:

Founder of Eros Coaching, Dr. Martha Lee is the only Clinical Sexologist in Singapore who has a doctorate in human sexuality. Often cited in the local media, Dr. Lee is the appointed sex expert for Men’s Health Singapore, Men’s Health Malaysia, Durex Singapore Facebook page as well as Durex Malaysia Facebook page. She has a weekly column with PublicHouse.sg and blogs for Good Vibrations Magazine. She was recognised as one of ‘Top 50 Inspiring Women under 40′ by Her World in July 2010, and one of ‘Top 100 Inspiring Women’ by CozyCot in March 2011. For her full profile, click here.

Fee per workshop:

• S$60 per person (Usual S$75 per person);


• S$50 per person if you sign up and pay with a partner/ friend;


• S$50 per person if you sign up for two or more workshops!

Venue for all workshops: Wasabi Yoga - 54C South Bridge Road, Singapore 058685

Directions:

MRT Station: Clarke Quay or Raffles Place
Bus Numbers: 51, 63, 80, 124, 145, 166, 174, 174e, 197 (South Bridge Rd-boat quay stop)
2, 12, 33, 51, 54, 63, 80, 124, 145, 147, 166, 197 (New Bridge Rd & Eu Tong Sen St stop)

To RSVP, please email your name and mobile number to info@eroscoaching.com.

Payment to be made before each workshop via bank transfer.

Also, to find out about our Yin and Yang Conference on Sat 11 February 2012, click here!

Testimonial - Condom Factory Visit

"This was a very enlightening day trip as I witnessed first-hand the painstaking process that goes behind making a condom - from the creation of those thin rubber sheaths to how they're finally packaged. You won't believe the amount of work that goes into ensuring sure your rubbers are safe-to-use! Props to the factory staff who were knowledgeable and could answer our many questions - and even gave us a little "hands on" exercise in testing the condoms! Martha's workshop (conducted in the factory) was also a treat because she combined the best of her hand job and blow job techniques in a no-holds-barred two-hour session. We also got to pick this sexpert's brains, by asking her all our pressing bedroom questions that we would've been too shy to voice out in any other situation. Overall, a very informative yet fun day!" - J.T.

To register for the next condom factory visit in March 2012, click here!

Videos: Can you believe this?

Amazing LGBT rights campaign ad from Obs.Salta in Salta, Argentina.



Amazing LGBT rights campaign ad from Obs.Salta in Salta, Argentina.

Jill Bolte Taylor's Stroke of Insight

What happens when you have a stroke?



Jill Bolte Taylor got a research opportunity few brain scientists would wish for: She had a massive stroke, and watched as her brain functions -- motion, speech, self-awareness -- shut down one by one. An astonishing story.

Beautiful Harmonic Kiss

When was the last time you made music with your lips?



Description: Tran Quang Hai & Bach Yen have improved the loudness of overtones with the harmonic kiss . You can hear harmonics loudly . Filmed in Limeil Brevannes, France, on Saturday 23 May 2009

Sex kills?

This is a clip from an abstinence-only instructional video in the United States. It was shown on an episode of NOVA that dealt with teenage sexuality.

I can only imagine what they are showing in schools here in Singapore.

Medical benefits from Orgasm

Sara Gottfried, MD, is a a Harvard trained gynecologist and sought-after speaker in the realm of female hormones and the biochemistry of vitality. She runs the Gottfried Center for Integrative Medicine in Oakland, CA. (http://www.saragottfriedmd.com/) Dr. Gottfried shares the three medical issues that orgasm addresses in women. Learn that orgasm is vital by lowering high cortisol, raising your estrogen level, and makes your thyroid more efficient. Orgasm is vital for women.



How about that? Have an orgasm today!

Sex News in Asia – 12/12/11

This article first appeared on the Good Vibrations Magazine.

Asia

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• Fridae's reporter in Hong Kong Tony Ed Lo meets Fan Popo, this year's HKLGFF Prism Award winner and one of the faces behind the Beijing Queer Film Festival; and John Badalu, the founder of the Q Film Festival in Indonesia who share the challenges of organising their respective festivals.

Singapore

• WSJ: SlutWalk Singapore puts feminism in focus.


• Public House




• When no is a game


• When no is really no?




• The Online Citizen: SlutWalk - Manufacturing myths about ‘myths’.


• The following is a speech delivered by Cher Tan, one of SlutWalk Singapore 2011′s organiser at the event on Dec 4th.


• 650 take a stand against sexual violence at SlutWalk


• Reactions to SlutWalk Singapore


• Commentary about SlutWalk Singapore


• A beautiful account of the pain of slut-shaming.


• Photo essay by The Straits Times photographer, Nuria Ling. This is a series of portraits of some of the participants who were present.


• More faces here and here.


• Question of: When does dirty dancing become a crime?


• Profile: Tania De Rozario is an artist and writer interested in notions of love, loss, desire and home.


• 1 in 5 men here cheat on partners


• "Want an Ang Mo Boyfriend?" -- that’s exactly how one Facebook ad belonging to be2.sg reads, the Singapore branch of an internationally-established dating site known as Be2. The term “ang moh” refers to Caucasian or white folk.


• Romantic liaisons between foreign workers on the rise


• Cases of flashers, peeping Toms and men taking photographs and videos up unsuspecting women's skirts have risen over the last five years. Police classify these offences as 'intruding into the privacy of a woman'. They dealt with 579 cases last year, up from 365 in 2007. And this year is shaping up to be just as bad, with 307 cases in the first six months alone.


• 'Shirtless greeters' cause stir in front of Abercrombie & Fitch store


• Private hospitals gear up for Dragon baby boom


• NSF gets probation for indecent acts with 12-year-old girl

Malaysia

• Malaysian-born consultant urological surgeon George Lee talks about overcoming the embarrassment about erectile dysfunction


• The Malaysian Men’s Health Initiative (MMHI) shares their findings of how baby boomers are coping with this stage of life, in terms of their lifestyles, health-seeking behaviours and social support.


• Malaysians third most unfaithful in the world

Japan

• Japan Olympic judo champ fired for sex harassment

India

• The Slutwalk garnered more publicity after it was cancelled on December 4, than it perhaps would have if it had taken place.


• The planned SlutWalk in Bangalore did not come off on Sunday, with the City police withdrawing permission for the march, apparently under pressure from the “moral police”.


• The march is the city's fourth since the Delhi High Court decriminalised homosexuality in July 2009.

Pakistan

• Pakistani survivor of 2002 gang rape gives birth

China

• Benny Chan apologises for harassing Rose Chan, vows to give up drinking


• Rose Chan recounts Joe Ma, Benny Chan's drunken attack, goes to police


• Joe Ma, Benny Chan in trouble over drunken harassment of Rose Chan

The Philippines

• Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) returns 5 Pinays from China sex den in Guangzhou near Xiamen.


• Forum letter: Man guilty of concubinage may be jailed for 4 years

Burma

• The Burmese army has been following a policy of systematically raping women and girls to subjugate the country’s rebellious ethnic minorities.

View last’s week Sex News in Asia here.

Disclaimer: Some of these media reports may portray sex and sexuality in a negative light. I am merely re-reporting them and may not always agree with the reports or opinions expressed.

Dr Martha Lee is Founder and Clinical Sexologist of Eros Coaching in Singapore. She is a certified sexuality educator with AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists), as well as certified sexologist with ACS (American College of Sexologists). She holds a Doctorate in Human Sexuality from Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality as well as certificates in practical counselling, life coaching and sex therapy. She is available to provide sexuality and intimacy coaching for individuals and couples, conduct sexual education workshops and speak at public events in Asia. For more, visit www.eroscoaching.com.

Aunt Vi and her ukulele "A bicycle built for two"

KORAKOR presents another great cover by Aunt Vi and her ukulele.

Stay tuned for more on KORAKOR

Media: Sexually confused - when no is a game

This article first appeared on PublicHouse.sg.

As a follow up to an earlier piece "Sexual Consent: When no is really no", I would like to discuss when the act of saying no is actually a game women play; or, when no is actually a heavily coded yes.

When I first read this piece “No” Means “No.” So Why Do Some Women Teach Men It Means “Maybe?” written by Roland Hulme, it resonated with me. Women are quick to pounce on men who do not take no for an answer – surely one no should suffice, and women should not need to repeat themselves. But what if men are confused about the no women are saying?

In his article, Hulme shared how, many years ago, he backed off when a woman he was expecting to have sex with said no. He stopped what he was doing, thinking the no was an actual no, and then the young woman promptly went to another room and had sex with someone else. She had apparently meant “yes” with her “no”. The experience bothered him for years – as it would for most people if they could not figure out what they did wrong.

Things fell in place for Hulme when he came across the concept of LMR, or Last Minute Resistance by MTV’s Pick-Up Artist Erik von Markovik. Also known as ASD, or Anti-Slut Defense, it appears to be an interrupt mechanism to help her avoid being perceived as a slut, or feeling like she is one to herself. I might even call it part of the game of playing hard-to-get.

Because this was such a timely article in view of recent happenings in Singapore – SlutWalk Singapore, the launch of AWARE’s Sexual Assault Befrienders Service, and legal discussions about sexual consent – I reposted Hulme’s article with the comment on Facebook: “While men should get no means no, this man highlights how some women have been encouraging men to do the opposite for decades. Lets get better in speaking our truth!”

I did not expect the kind of ferocity that lay behind a comment by a friend:

“Sure! Let’s put the blame back on women! Come on... as a woman it’s fun (and an important part of foreplay!) to feel ‘conquered’ by desire. Your own and his. Only a moron can’t tell the difference between a real “no” (as in ‘f*** off you a***** and get off of me already’ kind of “no”) and a playful ‘no’ (usually accompanied by some tantalizingly seductive body language ;-)”

Here is a friend whom I have long thought of as an empowered individual, and she is calling men who can’t read body language (when accompanied by negative actual language) morons? She is talking about putting up a LMR or ASD. To her, that’s a core erotic theme, but she is indignant that I would suggest that women should speak their truth about their sexual desires?

I responded:

“Nobody was blaming anyone here. Sure I understand what you are saying, but it is not fun or funny when women are getting raped for men who (these women) really meant no. It is about being congruent verbally and physically, and sometimes sending mixed signals only leads to frustration for the men, or dire consequences.”

I am no prude. I can imagine that perceived resistance or a playful no can add to a woman’s allure. But, surely, there is merit in communicating your sexual intentions not just physically but also verbally, so there is no confusion or room for misinterpretation. What of the women who are raped because men are taking their no as a big fat joke? Do they deserve to be violated? What of the men who are not good in non-verbal communication, who end up confused like Hulme, or worse, commit a (non-violent) violation simply through the lack of communication from the woman?

Her reply:

“Hmmm ... It still sounds to me like you’re implying that it’s the women who are sending mixed signals ... not the men who don’t know how to read them as something other than what they want to read. I doubt that any woman who felt raped and protested during the act would feel it’s fair on her to say she sent mixed signals when she told him to stop.”

Me:

“I did not imply anything. I was saying we need to be clear about what we want and communicate it so there is no misunderstanding. To call men who can’t read your body language signals morons is to assume that all men are made equally. Discernment is needed in each situation. You are choosing to read my words in a way that seems convenient to your purpose of engaging in some kind of debate. Sorry I am stepping on your toes. Please go post elsewhere and leave me alone.”

I was angry. Women who persist in saying no verbally and communicating yes physically are indeed, by definition, sending mixed signals. Of course they do not deserve to be raped (no one does) but they certainly could do better at speaking up – speaking their truth. I found myself now siding with all the confused men out there who don’t know how to read such signals – the men this friend called morons.

Her reply:

“Whoa ... where did that reaction come from??? If you don’t want people to engage in meaningful discussions with you on interesting topics you post, what’s the point in posting them? No reason to make things personal, Martha. Relax.”

My last response was:

“Didn’t seem as though you wanted to discuss anything but focused on interpreting my words your way. I could say ditto to you.”

Was I taking it personal? Was I unfair? Should women stop putting up LMR or ASD or playing hard-to-get? Discuss. And remember, there’s nothing wrong in being genuine.

---------------------

Sexual assault can be extremely traumatic. AWARE now has a Sexual Assault Befrienders Service (SABS). SABS Befrienders will accompany a sexual assault victim to the police, the hospital, or to court. They also provide information and emotional support to guide and help the victim through the various legal and medical processes. This service operates Mondays to Fridays from 10a.m. to 9:30p.m. The helpline is (65) 6779-0282; email sabs@aware.org.sg.

Dr Martha Lee is Founder and Clinical Sexologist of Eros Coaching in Singapore. She is a certified sexuality educator with AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists), as well as certified sexologist with ACS (American College of Sexologists). She holds a Doctorate in Human Sexuality from Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality as well as certificates in practical counselling, life coaching and sex therapy. She is available to provide sexuality and intimacy coaching for individuals and couples, conduct sexual education workshops and speak at public events in Asia. For more, visit www.eroscoaching.com.

Media: Sexual consent - When no is really no

This article first appeared on PublicHouse.sg.

Recently, there has been a lot of discussion about what sexual consent means.

As part of SlutWalk Singapore, a fringe event entitled, “Silence Does Not Mean Consent”, was held on Sunday 27 November.

AWARE, Singapore’s only gender-equality advocacy group, released two information leaflets: “What is consent?”, as well as “Reducing Risks of Sexual Assault”, at SlutTalk on Saturday 3 December. The New Paper also raised the question, “When does friendly banter cross the line?”, on Tuesday 6 December after SlutWalk Singapore.

So what exactly is consent when it comes to sex?

According to Scarleteen, a popular sexuality resource website for young people, consent is:

• Voluntary: Not coerced.

• Sober: A person who is intoxicated cannot legally give consent.

• A process: Asked for at every step of the way.

• Verbal: If you want to move to the next level of sexual intimacy, just ask.

• Informed: Never implied and cannot be assumed.

• Mutual: Both people should be involved in the decision to have sex.

• Wanted: Just because you are in a relationship does not mean that you have permission to have sex with your partner, even if sexual activity has already occurred.

• Enthusiastic: The absence of a “no” doesn’t mean “yes”, and “maybe” is still a “no”.

Indeed, Section 90 of the Penal Code in Singapore states that there is no consent:

(a) if the consent is given by a person under fear of injury or wrongful restraint to the person or to some other person;

(b) if the consent is given by a person who, from unsoundness of mind, mental incapacity, intoxication, or the influence of any drug or other substance, is unable to understand the nature and consequence of that to which he gives his consent.

AWARE’s leaflet “What is consent?” cautions that consent has to be expressly given to any form of penetration. It states that rape is committed when a man penetrates a woman’s vagina with his penis without her consent. Penetration of the vagina or anus with fingers or the hand, or getting a woman to give a blow job without her consent constitutes “unlawful sexual penetration”, which carries the same penalty as legal rape. The penalty for both offences is imprisonment for a term of up to twenty years plus a fine or caning.

I have often been asked whether seeking consent each step of the way during a sexual encounter would break the flow of activity or dampen the intensity of the emotional connection. It would appear to be disruptive; however, I would say the reverse would be true. One should not assume any entitlement to another person’s body or sexuality. The verbal articulation can reduce any second-guessing, when and where non-verbal communication cues are not clear. This respect and honesty can reassure your partner, as well as build even more trust and intimacy in the relationship, which, in turn, leads to sex being a better experience. It is normal and healthy for women to communicate their needs, wants and preferences.

Let’s be clear, once again, about when No means No.

“Not now” means No.

“Wait” means No.

“I rather be alone” means No.

“No thanks” means No.

“You are not my type” means No.

Silence means No.

“Stop” means No.

“Get off me” means No.

Sexual assault can be extremely traumatic. Normal reactions of victims include fear, guilt, anger, confusion, sadness, depression and shock after the incident. Ladies do not need to go through this alone.

AWARE launched a Sexual Assault Befrienders Service (SABS) on Friday 25 November. SABS Befrienders will accompany a sexual assault victim to the police, the hospital or to court. They also provide information and emotional support to guide and help the victim through the various legal and medical processes.

This service operates Mondays to Fridays from 10a.m. to 9:30p.m. The helpline is (65) 6779-0282; email sabs@aware.org.sg.

Dr Martha Lee is Founder and Clinical Sexologist of Eros Coaching in Singapore. She is a certified sexuality educator with AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists), as well as certified sexologist with ACS (American College of Sexologists). She holds a Doctorate in Human Sexuality from Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality as well as certificates in practical counselling, life coaching and sex therapy. She is available to provide sexuality and intimacy coaching for individuals and couples, conduct sexual education workshops and speak at public events in Asia. For more, visit www.eroscoaching.com.

Goodbye 2011, Welcome 2012

Goodbye 2011, Welcome 2012
Tues 10 Jan 2012, 7:30 - 9:30p.m.

Time flies and it's the tail-end of 2011 again. Let's come together to reflect on the year that is about to finish, and prepare for 2012 by setting some personal and professional goals. This workshop aims to facilitate your inward-reflection as well as prepare you for 2012. You can expect to do some group sharing, thinking and journaling.

Fee: S$30 per person

Venue: No. 5 Purvis Street, #02-05, Talib Court, Singapore 188584

Conveniently located two streets away from Raffles Hotel, diagonally opposite from Bras Basah Complex, and opposite National Library. It is upstairs of Miss Clarity Restaurant (Bright pink sign). Look for the door leading to a staircase on the immediate right side of the restaurant. (Note there is construction going on at the next unit.)

Nearest MRT: City Hall or Bugis

Parking: National Library, Raffles City Shopping Centre or Bugis Junction

To RSVP, please email your name and mobile number to info@eroscoaching.com. Payment to be made before the workshop.

Condom, No Condom?

Condom, No Condom? is an interactive video by the NHS about condoms and safer sex that allows you to choose your own ending.

http://www.nhs.uk/sexualhealth
http://www.4ypbristol.co.uk/

Video: Anonymous Testing Site (ATS)

The Anonymous Testing Site by Action for Aids is manned by friendly volunteers, counselors and coordinators who are all here to help you, not to judge you. Counseling is provided before and after testing. You http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifcan choose from the two options: the fingertip prick and an oral swab test.

No names are required and nothing is recorded even with positive results. For more, click here. You may also choose to go to other sites here.

Media: SlutWalk is not about Sluts

This article first appeared on the Good Vibrations Magazine.

As a sexologist in Singapore, I am interested in all news related to sex and sexuality; I’m also subscribed to the news feeds of fellow sexuality educators around the world.

When I first read about the outrage of Canadian activists following the suggestion of Constable Michael Sanguinetti, a Toronto Police officer, that “women should avoid dressing like sluts” to remain safe, I wondered “What are they going to do about it? What can they – or anyone – do?”

When the SlutWalk movement started, all I thought was “Good on them.” The campaign started growing. On 23 April, I shared on my Facebook page that SlutWalks had gone viral.

Even then, I did not pay much notice to it until it reached India. If they could plan a SlutWalk in New Delhi, why can’t we in Singapore? Could I make it happen? How could I? I also knew the laws in Singapore preventing any kind of public protests other than in Hong Lim Park. So what would be the point?

And besides, I rationalised, I run a one-person practice and definitely do not have the time or resources to organise a public event of any major scale. What I did instead was share the link for SlutWalk on my Facebook page. Within seconds, my Singaporean friends were in turn re-sharing the article.

On 19 June, I learned that a group of people were indeed planning a SlutWalk. I immediately shared the news on Facebook: “SlutWalk in Singapore? It blows my mind!” I also reported this on Good Vibrations Magazine which I contribute to.

On 9 July, I met Vanessa Ho, for the first time. She was facilitating a panel discussion on sex which I was part of at Post Museum. She was also one of organisers of SlutWalk Singapore. I expressed my interest to support the event, and subsequently donated towards it, even in a small way.

Yesterday, I was there at SlutWalk Singapore, and it was heart-warming to witness the solidarity and out-flowing of love everywhere, in spite of the rain. 674 people showed up.

This is a movement that speaks to me because:

• SlutWalk shouts the message of: Don’t rape! Instead of Don’t get raped!


• SlutWalk reminds us that no one deserves to live in fear of being sexually assaulted.


• SlutWalk speaks of sexual violence as being not about how one is dressed, but power and dominance over another.


• SlutWalk highlights that there should never be any excuses for victim blaming.


• SlutWalk is about breaking the cycle of violence and hatred that pervades the fabric of our society.

When I was pursuing my doctorate at the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality in San Francisco, the question of what ‘a slut’ actually is came up. My professor, Dr Thomas Gertz, said, “A slut is someone who has more sex than you.” Later he added, “I don’t ever want to hear any of you calling anybody a slut.” To do so is passing judgment about how one ought to lead their life and how their sexuality is to be expressed.

SlutWalk is not about sluts.

It is about the people not being afraid of being who they actually are.

It is also about a small group of individuals who are making a difference – who dare because they care.

I am looking forward to the next SlutWalk Singapore. Are you?

Dr Martha Lee is Founder and Clinical Sexologist of Eros Coaching in Singapore. She is a certified sexuality educator with AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists), as well as certified sexologist with ACS (American College of Sexologists). She holds a Doctorate in Human Sexuality from Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality as well as certificates in practical counselling, life coaching and sex therapy. She is available to provide sexuality and intimacy coaching for individuals and couples, conduct sexual education workshops and speak at public events in Asia. For more, visit www.eroscoaching.com.

Videos: Let's Be Positive About HIV

Adrian Pang - Let's Be Positive About HIV

People living with HIV/AIDS often hide their status due to fear of discrimination. Adrian Pang steps forward as a voice for people living with HIV/AIDS.

Join Adrian Pang in becoming a voice that cares, and give people living with HIV/AIDS the strength to face their loved ones. We are positive that together we can be a society that is supportive, understanding and accepting towards people living with HIV/AIDS.

Show your support by being their voice or wear a badge for the cause at http://facebook.com/BePositive.



Hear what Royston have to say.
visit www.facebook.com/BePositive for more info



In Mandarin

让我们敞开胸怀对待爱之病患

今天就上网 www.facebook.com/BePositive 表示你的支持。



In Malay

Dengarlah keterangan lanjut dari A.B Shaik.

Luahkan sokongan anda di www.facebook.com/BePositive

Sex News in Asia - 12/5/11

Asia

• Photos from World AIDS Day including Asia


• The majority of the world's trafficked people are in Southeast Asia, and about half of those are forced into sex work.


• On Sunday 4 December, four cities in Asia will hold SlutWalk, a rally against rape and sexual shaming: Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangalore (cancelled last minute – see below) and Mumbai.

Singapore

• We're not about 'the right to dress sexy': Slutwalk organisers


• The police are letting SlutWalk, an anti-sexual violence event, be held on Sunday at Speakers' Corner without a permit. Another one is here.


• Commentary about Kirsten Han: SlutWalk – No need to get your knickers in a twist.


• The sheer volume of advertisements listed under Craigslist Singapore's "Personals" section is insane; there are more than 2,000 ads just under one of the nine sub-sections for November.


• The announcement by the Law Minister that they would move to repeal Section 157(d) of the Evidence Act was the result of many small efforts. My role is documented here!


• 8 in 10 Singaporeans have work on their mind while on holiday


• Easing HIV stigma at workplaces


• S'poreans more accepting of HIV/AIDS sufferers now


• Treat those with HIV fairly, Action for Aids appeals


• 10-Year-Old Vanessa's Secret: She's HIV-Positive


• Just 12 per cent of newly-diagnosed cases were detected through voluntary testing last year, and more than half of these cases already had late-stage HIV infection when diagnosed.


• Two Charged With Failing to Tell Sex Partner of HIV Status


• Blog about World AIDS Day Singapore 2011 - Let's Be Positive about People Living with HIV


• Singapore-born Berlin-based dancer/choreographer Ming Poon has just begun a two year artistic residency at the Substation and is seeking interviewees for a two-year project about people’s attitudes towards HIV and people with HIV.


• 2 men charged with paying a 16-year-old girl for sex


• The government is planning to set up a specialist agency for child protection to intensify efforts to support children of abuse. I assume this includes sexual abuse.


• Helping sex workers, fighting sex trafficking


• One in 10 men here have no sex, survey finds


• Local women ranked top 5 most unfaithful


• HOME to set up anti-human trafficking centre in S'pore


• Man, 60, jailed for sexual offences with boy

Malaysia

• In conjunction with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on Friday, the Women Parliamentary Caucus held a campaign "Say No to Violence Against Women and Children" at KL Sentral. Another one is here.


• Special triage room for rape victims.


• Man 'buys' girl's virginity, mum demands money to cover up


• Women-only cabs launched

Korea

• Women wise up to defend themselves


• As South Korea has grown richer, its total fertility rate has fallen to the lowest level in the industrialized world, from more than six babies per mother in 1960 to 1.15 today, far below the accepted replacement level of 2.

India

• Police permission for the SlutWalk Bangalore was withdrawn at the last minute (five hours ago). The reason given was concerns against a possible law and order situation, precipitated by complaints made by right-wing organizations (and others) against the walk. More on SlutWalk Singapore's Facebook page.


• A Canadian porn star appearing in India's biggest reality TV show is causing a stir in the mostly conservative country where sex is taboo and open displays of affection are still frowned upon.


• Travel agents and operators in India are gearing up to promote itself as a LGBT-friendly travel destination despite not getting any support from the Tourism Ministry.


• Dream of gender equality remains miles away


• Troubled Times for India’s ‘Sexy Theaters’

Indonesia

• Indonesian singer, Syahrini’s enthusiastic approach towards welcoming footballer David Beckham seemed to have rubbed others the wrong way.


• Intimate pre-wedding photos banned in western Indonesia


• Surabaya received some shocking news: Entrepreneurs have overtaken sex workers as the largest group of people who have contracted the deadly disease in the city.


• Indonesian Girl Barred From School in HIV Dispute Gets Support. Another story is here.


• Indonesia Considers Protection From HIV-Status Discrimination


• HIV Diagnosis Is No Longer a Death Sentence

The Philippines

• More than 1,000 gays, lesbians and transgenders have marched in the Philippine capital to demand equal rights and an end to discrimination, and more support for an AIDS program.


• The Philippines is struggling to deal with a worsening HIV-AIDS problem, with far too little money being spent on reversing a steady rise in infection rates

China

• China expects 48,000 new HIV cases this year


• HIV-positive men urge China Premier to end discrimination


• HIV positive teachers to petition China govt


• A petition from more than 12,000 people was sent to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and the Ministry of Health on Tuesday, to mark World AIDS Day on Thursday, calling for equal rights for HIV-positive job seekers.


• American-Taiwanese singer-actor Peter Ho was recently detained by the customs at an airport in China because the customs officers found that he was carrying more than 100 boxes of condoms in his carry-on luggage.


• “Rose Chan didn't mind getting groped” Yes, but did she give explicit consent? Just because she didn't say no doesn't mean she was saying yes.


• Rise in Asian women trafficked into China: report


• The plaintiff, publicly known as Ms W and who has since 2008 been fighting for her the right to marry, will now take her case to the Court of Final Appeal after the Court of Appeal last Friday refused her the right to legally marry a man.

Myanmar

• Almost all Palaung ethnic women from eastern Myanmar are affected by domestic violence at the hands of their partners and other family members.

Pakistan

• Finally An End To Bartered Brides?

Japan

• Record numbers of young Japanese do not have boyfriends or girlfriends, and many do not want one.

View last’s week Sex News in Asia here.

Disclaimer: Some of these media reports may portray sex and sexuality in a negative light. I am merely re-reporting them and may not always agree with the reports or opinions expressed.

Dr. Martha Lee is Founder and Clinical Sexologist of Eros Coaching in Singapore. She is a certified sexologist with American College of Sexolohttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifgists with a Doctorate in Human Sexuality from Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality. She is available to provide sexuality and intimacy coaching for individuals and couples, conduct sexual education workshops and speak at public events in Asia. For more, visit www.eroscoaching.com.