Taking off to explore life's possibilities.

This is my last SIECUS Report column. After almost eight years as your editor, I have decided to take off with my partner Reggie to explore life's many possibilities. Or, as The New York Times said recently about people of my generation (50-something): to re-wire--not to retire. We are both embracing this change with a full sense of optimism and possibility.

As I thought about writing this last column, I realized that a lot has changed in terms of sexuality education and sexual health since I joined SIECUS as its editor in October 1995. For one, while abstinence-only-until-marriage programs might have been taking place quietly in a few communities, they were far from the federal program and national movement that they are today. The phrase was rarely uttered. For another, Bill Clinton had not yet met Monica Lewinsky, and Americans were not yet used to hearing daily discussions on television news programs about oral sex and masturbation.

The first SIECUS Report article I edited was a discussion by Dr. Eva Goldfarb on the pros and cons of mixed-gender sexuality education classes. That debate seems pretty innocuous in light of the issues facing sexuality educators today.

THE PAST

In the interim, I feel that I have edited some groundbreaking articles that have contributed to the literature in our field. One of my favorite parts of this job has been deciding what topics should be covered in the SIECUS Report. I remember our staff discussing the possibility of writing about lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning young people; sexual pleasure; religion and sexuality; and the mass media and sexuality.

Many of the issues I edited started with discussions with other colleagues in the field. For example, a few years ago psychologist Steve Brown of the Traumatic Stress Institute in South Windsor, CT, called me to suggest that we develop a SIECUS Report on sexual abuse. He contributed many hours contacting writers and working with me to make our "Sexual Abuse" issue, which I consider one of our very best (indeed it is our longest).

Another important issue, "The Construction of Gender," came about in a similar manner when trainer and consultant Lis Maurer, of Ithaca, NY, contacted me. Lis worked with me for many months to develop specific topics and contact writers for an issue that took a very close look at some unresolved issues around gender.

Turning these discussions into high-quality issues of the journal was challenging and exciting. I am proud that in some small way, I was able to shape discussions in the field and bring attention to these important topics.

THE PRESENT

This issue, however, had a slightly different birth, and it seems fitting for it to be my farewell. The idea for "The Debate: Sexual Addiction and Compulsion" came from me.

Last year, at the annual meeting of the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists, I attended a roundtable conducted by Dr. Eli Coleman of the University of Minnesota. I was fascinated by the ongoing debate about compulsive sexual behavior and whether it could be considered an addiction. I spoke to Dr. Coleman immediately about bringing information on this topic to SIECUS Report readers.

With his help, we have brought together articles from key experts in the field that represent extremely different points of view. Dennis Sugrue provides a good overview of the debate; Patrick Carnes writes about sexual addiction as being akin to addictions to alcohol or drugs; Marty Klein counters, suggesting that sexual addiction is an oversimplified and potentially harmful classification; and Eli Coleman explains the concept of compulsive sexual behavior as a potential middle ground. In addition, Nancy Raymond discusses new treatment options.

I feel that by including all sides of this debate, this issue gives readers a comprehensive view of the topic and allows them to weigh various theories and opinions. I am proud to end my career at SIECUS with such a thought-provoking issue.

THE FUTURE

I will always care about SIECUS and its work. It has meant a great deal to me, and it has helped me grow as a professional and as a person.

I look forward to reading future issues of the SIECUS Report. And who knows, I might even submit an article for publication sometime in the near future.