Quaker Views of Sex After Fifty

Workshop Number

Leader(s)

Peggy

Brick

Audience

Who may register:

Adult Only (high school with permission)

full-time attenders only

Time breakdown

Experiential Activities:

25%

Lecture:

15%

Discussion:

40%

Description

Short Description:

We’ll discuss the changing meanings of sexuality in mid and later life as we confront our changing bodies, changing relationships and changing lives. In a safe environment, we’ll review the facts, consider our values, examine the myths and create a vision of sexuality that fits our lives today.

Long Description:

Goal:

In 1965, “Toward a Quaker View of Sex” confronted attitudes discounting the sexuality of people who are lesbian and gay. In 2010 we confront ageism: negative attitudes about the sexuality of people as they grow older. Participants will discuss the changes in sexuality and intimacy as we age and propose a “A Quaker View of Sex after Fifty.”

Objectives:

Participants will -

1. Identify their concerns, questions, and discoveries regarding sexuality and spirituality in mid and later life.

2. Review the basic facts regarding sexuality in mid and later life and assess the changes in sexual attitudes, values and behaviors in society during their lifetimes.

3. Discuss what our personal experiences tell us about the interface of sexuality and Quaker values in mid and later life.

4. Evaluate a variety of Quaker statements regarding sexuality as they relate to people in mid and later life. Propose a “Quaker View of Sex after Fifty.”

5. Discuss particular dilemmas regarding sexuality and spirituality faced by people in mid and later life and use to evaluate “A Quaker View of Sex after Fifty.”

Probable Sessions:

Monday: Introductions; Identify participants' current concern regarding spirituality, sexuality and aging.

Tuesday: Discuss sexuality through our lifespan: how our beliefs, values, attitudes have developed.

Wednesday: Identify the basic facts about sexuality and aging.

Thursday: Review and evaluate a variety of Quaker statements regarding sexuality and propose “A Quaker View of Sex after Fifty.”

Friday: Examine a variety of difficult life situations regarding sexuality in mid and later life and use these to evaluate the “Quaker View of Sexuality after Fifty” we have created.

Leader Experience:

I have led Gathering workshops since the 1970s – these have included “Group Skills for Quakers” and many on sexuality and spirituality. My 2008 workshop focused on older adults as does this proposal. I have also facilitated: Special Interest Groups for parents on talking with your children about sexuality. As noted above, my 2009 was so enthusiastically received, I felt led to offer a full workshop in 2010. I have led sexuality workshops, also, at New England Yearly Meeting, Pendle Hill and Powell House.