Model recruitment

SEX-ED + produces pedagogical supports that contribute to a better knowledge of genital anatomies and sexual responses. Its goal is to create tools that answer the needs of sexuality education and sexual health professionals.

SEX-ED + is the first project to create anatomically exact models, based on human casting techniques, and presents the spectrum of genitalia (male, female, with voluntary or coerced surgeries, trans, etc. )

SEX-ED + aims to promote sex-positivity and a culture of consent through the creation and distribution of sexuality education material and content.

About Magaly

Magaly Pirotte is an independent researcher on sexuality education and sexual / reproductive health & rights. Over the past twenty years, she has been active in the defence of sexual health and rights as an activist and as an employee in non-profit organizations.

With SEX-ED +, she creates pedagogical supports that represent the diversity of genital anatomies. She expects this will contribute to improve medical and psycho-social training and interventions, and ultimately contribute to a better sexual health for all. She also advocates for a sexuality education that is more inclusive of the diversity of bodies, identities and experiences and centred around anti-oppressive practices.

Promoting knowledge, respecting diversity

Why it is so important to know about genital anatomy? Because without words and knowledge, how can one imagine the possibilities, explore, name the pleasure and the pain, the satisfaction and dissatisfaction, whether it is with oneself or in interaction with others?

Despite the fact that sexuality is everywhere, there is a general lack of knowledge around genitalia and sexual responses, even amongst professionals. This impacts individual interactions, but also the culture around sex and consent and the quality of care and intervention some receive.

Better knowledge and awareness about genital diversity and sexual responses help decrease shame and stigma and improve sexual health for all.

SEX-ED + subscribes to the principle of bodily autonomy and respect for all, whatever their bodies, identities or experiences.

Who do we need an why?

Several trans and enby people are already in the genital database but they are all from Montreal which means that those who have had gender affirming surgeries had them done in the same clinic. We think it is important to have representations of different type of surgeries done by different surgeons as they all have different techniques and results, hence the move to Minneapolis. Ideally, it would be nice to cast a couple of folks who have had a vaginoplasty and a phalloplasty, and some who have had a meto with testicular implants. But all bodies are welcome!

How does it work?

First and foremost there is consent! Everyone interested by the idea can contact me by phone/ what’s app/ zoom/ email and we will take some time so you can ask all the questions you want about me and the project. Once this is done, I’ll let you get back to me (or not) with an answer. I never follow up so people don’t feel pressure or feel uncomfortable saying no.

If it’s a yes, then you are put on the casting schedule. Right now we think it’s going to happen 7-8 of December at a colleague’ house so it is comfortable and homey. Come wearing comfy clothes that you are not afraid of staining. You’ll need to be fully shaved (yes it sucks but casting won’t work on hairy parts) and can of course come with a friend/partner if it makes you feel comfortable.

All the gritty details

• To do the cast, you’ll need to be naked from the waist down. But you’ll be covered with a shawl and at no moment I or anyone else will see you naked or touch your body. The process is thought so that you are the one doing the cast, with my assistance. We usually do 2 or 3 imprint of your body, so we are sure there is at least one that is perfect. It takes around 1 hour for the whole process.
• What is it made with? Alginate! It’s a algae mixed with water. It is scent free and body safe, it’s the same material as the one used by dentists to cast your teeth. Once the gel becomes solid, I’ll apply over it some plaster band, warm it up with an hair drier and tadah! it’s done. Wipe yourself with a scent free baby wipe and you are good to go. There is usually a lot of giggles and warm tea involved. It’s seriously fun.
• Consent form: I’ll send you via email a consent form where you’ll allow me to use your body reproduction for SEX-ED + activities. I’ll also bring some paper forms in case you forget it. On this form you’ll also be asked some questions about your body, your gender and a few other things. Those are going to go hand in hand with your body reproduction, as bodies are never separated from their human’s experience.
• Anonymity. The consent form is the only place where your name will appear and I’ll keep it preciously in my office. After that your body will be identified by a number and I will never, ever reveal names or details about the participants. But you can reveal it if you want. Some people are really proud of their bodies and like to point them out. Speaking about it, you can totally ask to have a cast of yourself done so you can bring it home – You will have to come and pick it up a week later at the Eli Coleman Institute as it takes  bit of time to process.

Leftover infos