Negotiating opposition to positive sexuality research, practice, and education: Insights from personal reflection

In this essay, I reflect on my academic career to share insights on dealing with challenges arising from specializing in positive sexuality. The current American bimodal political climate, a focus on consumerism in higher education, and an undervaluing of actual expertise are important contemporary social contexts that should be realized when anticipating opposition to positive sexuality research, practice, and education. Positive sexuality researchers, practitioners, and educators are encouraged to anticipate opposition, build strong support networks, apply rigor to their work, focus on common societal values, and prioritize their personal self-care.