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Intimacy Resources in Seattle by NWiOI, Northwest Institute of Intimacy

for the public & professionals

Below you will find all kinds of helpful resources (books, film, articles, learning platforms, organizations, etc) on sexual health just for you. Check out the category filter to help you organize your search. Enjoy!

Intimacy Resources

Raising White Kids: Bringing Up Children in a Racially Unjust America

Raising White Kids: Bringing Up Children in a Racially Unjust America

Talking about race means naming the reality of white privilege and hierarchy. How do we talk about race honestly, then, without making our children feel bad about being white? Most importantly, how do we do any of this in age-appropriate ways?


While a great deal of public discussion exists in regard to the impact of race and racism on children of color, meaningful dialogue about and resources for understanding the impact of race on white children are woefully absent. Raising White Kids steps into that void.

The Facts of Life....and More: Sexuality and Intimacy for People with Intellectual Disabilities

The Facts of Life....and More: Sexuality and Intimacy for People with Intellectual Disabilities

Making good decisions about sexuality is a critical part of adulthood, but sometimes people with intellectual disabilities don't get the support or education they need to navigate this complex aspect of life.

The Body is Not An Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love

The Body is Not An Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love

The Body Is Not an Apology offers radical self-love as the balm to heal the wounds inflicted by these violent systems. World-renowned activist and poet Sonya Renee Taylor invites us to reconnect with the radical origins of our minds and bodies and celebrate our collective, enduring strength. As we awaken to our own indoctrinated body shame, we feel inspired to awaken others and to interrupt the systems that perpetuate body shame and oppression against all bodies. When we act from this truth on a global scale, we usher in the transformative opportunity of radical self-love, which is the opportunity for a more just, equitable, and compassionate world--for us all.


David Ley debunks the myth of sex addiction, showing how labeling it a disorder has wrested responsibility away from philandering men and excused their bad behavior as being out of their control. He takes on those who would label it a disease and challenges us to reexamine our approach to male sexuality. 


***WINNER, 2019 CONSUMER BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD!*** Given by the Society for Sex Therapy & Research to recognize the best book for enhancing understanding of human sexuality and solving sexual problems. Hailed by The New York Times as a “feminist classic,” and “America’s bestselling book on women’s health,” the comprehensive guide to all aspects of women’s health and sexuality, including menopause, birth control, childbirth, sexual health, sexual orientation, gender identity, mental health and general well-being. Strengthening sexual health and body awareness talks within families with information that is honest, shame-free, inclusive, and empowering. Dr. Tina joins Jessa Zimmerman to discuss the profound impact of sexual shame. Here she reveals the first operational definition of sexual shame and how this is reinforced by our socio-political climate. She discusses an evidence based four-part model for reversing sexual shame and how clinicians can support their clients. She also discusses sex positive sacred mystic stories that can bolster the spiritual life of those clients that feel discouraged by the sex negative impact of sexual shame that came from traditional patriarchal Christian teachings. From a woman who has been there and back, the first inside look at the devastating effects evangelical Christianity’s purity culture has had on a generation of young women—in a potent combination of journalism, cultural commentary, and memoir. "The rules of physical contact can be tricky to grasp and children with special needs are at a heightened risk of abuse. This friendly picture book explains in simple terms how to tell the difference between acceptable and inappropriate touch, thereby helping the child with special needs stay safe.

Online Platform, Killer And A Sweet Thang

Online Platform, Killer And A Sweet Thang

Archie, a snarky genderqueer artist, is tired of people not understanding gender neutral pronouns. Tristan, a cisgender dude, is looking for an easy way to introduce gender neutral pronouns to his increasingly diverse workplace. The longtime best friends team up in this short and fun comic guide that explains what pronouns are, why they matter, and how to use them. They also include what to do if you make a mistake, and some tips-and-tricks for those who identify outside of the binary to keep themselves safe in this binary-centric world. A quick and easy resource for people who use they/them pronouns, and people who want to learn more!

Good Sexual Citizenship- How to Create a (Sexually) Safe World

Good Sexual Citizenship- How to Create a (Sexually) Safe World

Most of us want to be decent people in the world. Yet when it comes to sex, we so often stumble and contribute to sexual injustice. Think about it: are we really still blaming victims of sexual assaults? Can it truly be that there is a gender based orgasm gap? Are we actually labeling people based on the kind of sex they do or don’t have? Why do we insist on questioning if sex is consensual when someone’s passed out drunk?

The Body Is Not An Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love

The Body Is Not An Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love

The Body Is Not an Apology offers radical self-love as the balm to heal the wounds inflicted by these violent systems. World-renowned activist and poet Sonya Renee Taylor invites us to reconnect with the radical origins of our minds and bodies and celebrate our collective, enduring strength. 

All the Colors We Are/Todos los Colores de Nues

All the Colors We Are/Todos los Colores de Nues

Celebrate the essence of one way we are all special and different from one another—our skin color! This bilingual (English/Spanish) book offers children a simple, scientifically accurate explanation about how our skin color is determined by our ancestors, the sun, and melanin. It’s also filled with colorful photographs that capture the beautiful variety of skin tones. Reading this book frees children from the myths and stereotypes associated with skin color and helps them build positive identities as they accept, understand, and value our rich and diverse world. Unique activity ideas are included to help you extend the conversation with children.

30 Days of Sex Talks for Ages 12+: Empowering Your Child with Knowledge of Sexual Intimacy

30 Days of Sex Talks for Ages 12+: Empowering Your Child with Knowledge of Sexual Intimacy

Chock full of helpful, thought-provoking discussion questions and accompanied by an in-depth glossary, 30 Days of Sex Talks give you the tools to start and continue these vital conversations. We’ve broken down the “the talk” into 30 short, effective lessons. And now it’s time to engage your child in vital conversations about healthy and abusive relationships, anatomy, consent, physical responses to sex, the first time, pornography, and much more.

Personal Space Camp

Personal Space Camp

Written with style, wit, and rhythm, Personal Space Camp addresses the complex issue of respect for another person's physical boundaries. Told from Louis' perspective, this story is a must have resource for parents, teachers, and counselors who want to communicate the idea of personal space in a manner that connects with kids.

The Importance of Cultivating Pleasure - transcript

The Importance of Cultivating Pleasure - transcript

The Transcript of a two-part conversation series with Avi Hakhamanesh, Dr. Tina shares her insights about the importance of pleasure, and how we can cultivate a healthy relationship with our bodies and sexuality. 

Sex is in Session

Sex is in Session

Sex Ed is in Session is more than learning how to talk about sex and other tough topics with young people; it's a guide on how to respect young people, listen to them, and create a safe environment where young people can learn and thrive. Dr. Mary Jo's faith in young people and her hope for the future will inspire others to connect. 


It’s NOT the Stork: A Book about Girls, Boys, Babies, Bodies, Families, and Friends

It’s NOT the Stork: A Book about Girls, Boys, Babies, Bodies, Families, and Friends

Through lively, comfortable language and sensitive, engaging artwork, Robie H. Harris and Michael Emberley address readers in a reassuring way, mindful of a child's healthy desire for straightforward information. Two irresistible cartoon characters, a curious bird and a squeamish bee, provide comic relief and give voice to the full range of emotions and reactions children may experience while learning about their amazing bodies. Vetted and approved by science, health, and child development experts, the information is up-to-date, age-appropriate, and scientifically accurate, and always aimed at helping kids feel proud, knowledgeable, and comfortable about their own bodies, about how they were born, and about the family they are part of.

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