The Southern African Sexual Health Association 2026 Conference
Into the fray: Provocations, possibilities and clinical applications in Sexual Health
Prof Eli Coleman
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Topic: Looking Back, Looking Forward: A Global Reflection on Research, Clinical Care, and the Future of Transgender Health
SATURDAY 19 SEPTEMBER 2026
Eli Coleman, PhD, is Professor and Director Emeritus of the Eli Coleman Institute for Sexual and Gender Health at the University of Minnesota Medical School. An internationally recognised expert in sexual and gender health, he has published extensively on sexual behaviour, gender dysphoria, sexual dysfunction, and related treatments. He is the founding editor of the International Journal of Sexual Health and has led several international professional organisations, including WPATH. Professor Coleman has also served as a consultant to the World Health Organization and has received numerous prestigious awards recognising his lifetime contributions to sexual health.
Calling all sex nerds, health heroes, free thinkers, sexual revolutionaries, curious cats, body geeks, erotic champions, intimacy engineers, and lovers in the park…
Those of us who feel called to the work of human sexuality find ourselves engaging with some of the most provocative and mysterious aspects of being human. Not only in the people, causes and communities we serve, but unavoidably within ourselves and in the spaces where we live and work.
Against the backdrop of major global shifts and local realities, we invite you to step into the conversation with us as we explore some of the most pressing provocations and possibilities in South African sexology, sexual health and human sexuality.
The SASHA 2026 Conference brings together scientific programming, skills-based workshops and cross-disciplinary dialogue, alongside exhibition, performance and art. It is a welcoming, dynamic space for learning, connection and courageous conversation.
This is a conference for delegates who take sexual health seriously, who are curious, committed and ready to engage where the work is truly happening. Join us as we shape the future of sexual health and human sexuality together.
Prof Eli Coleman
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Topic: Looking Back, Looking Forward: A Global Reflection on Research, Clinical Care, and the Future of Transgender Health
SATURDAY 19 SEPTEMBER 2026
Eli Coleman, PhD, is Professor and Director Emeritus of the Eli Coleman Institute for Sexual and Gender Health at the University of Minnesota Medical School. An internationally recognised expert in sexual and gender health, he has published extensively on sexual behaviour, gender dysphoria, sexual dysfunction, and related treatments. He is the founding editor of the International Journal of Sexual Health and has led several international professional organisations, including WPATH. Professor Coleman has also served as a consultant to the World Health Organization and has received numerous prestigious awards recognising his lifetime contributions to sexual health.
Conference Venue
Lagoon Beach Hotel, Cape Town
1 Lagoon Gate Drive, Lagoon Beach, Cape Town, 7441
Welcome to Lagoon Beach Hotel and Spa, a venue that is wheelchair accessible, ensuring all delegates can comfortably attend and participate in every part of the conference.
Organising Committee
SASHA President: Elliott Kotze
Conference Convenor: Avri Spilka (SASHA Exec)
Prof Corlia Brandt (SASHA Exec)
Jonathan Cohen (SASHA Exec)
Dr Pieter Ekermans (SASHA Exec)
Dr Monique Koopman (SASHA Exec)
Dr Robyn Milton (SASHA Exec)
Dr Geoff Howes (SASHA Exec)
Lisa Welsh (Media and Marketing)