The Sacred Intimacy Project

What is sacred intimacy?

A qualitative research study based on the lived experiences of gay male practitioners and their clients

Andrés Cordero, Jr.. MBA, ABS, PhD Candidate (he/they/él*) | Sexuality Policy Leadership, Human Sexuality | California Institute of Integral Studies

ANNOUNCEMENT: The Oral Defense for this dissertation has been scheduled for Thurs., Apr. 25, beginning at Noon ET / 11 am CT / 10 am MT / 9 am PT. It is open to the public and will be held online on Zoom.us. For more information, click on the "Download Oral Defense Invite" button below.

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* I use he/they/él pronouns. Why is this important?

What's the Sacred Intimacy Project?

The Sacred Intimacy Project is a public information initiative launched through an academic qualitative research study examining the phenomenon of sacred intimacy. Although there are sacred intimates supporting many populations, this initiative is grounded on the practice developed by Joseph Kramer, Ph.D., and several of his colleagues, and offered by practitioners trained by faculty at the Body Electric School. Most men trained by the school in this practice primarily support male clients, inclusive of men who identify as gay, bisexual, omnisexual, or questioning. These men are willing to work intimately with clients who identify as men.

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What's sacred intimacy?

In my current understanding, sacred intimacy is a practice that uses body-based energetic modalities, somatic coaching ("somatic" means of the body), and esoteric techniques performed by a practitioner (often known as an "s-i") to meet the intentionally-declared needs of a client. S.I.s and their clients consensually negotiate their interactions which may address: sexual identity, expressions, or curiosities; unhealthy relationships; self-identity and confidence issues; compulsive and addictive behaviors; trauma; fears; and other personal challenges.One of the goals of this Heideggerian hermeneutic phenomenological study is to identify elements of the "essence" of the practice. Through interviews with practitioners and clients to capture their "lived experiences," this research aims to expand the understanding of the practice and how it benefits clients.

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Why conduct a study?

Through the years that I have been involved in sacred intimacy I have experienced many benefits from the practice. I have informally collected anecdotal evidence from others who have as well.I have been both a client and a practitioner. As a gay man, the work has accelerated my healing related to both clinically-diagnosed dysfunctions as well as life skills challenges related to my sexuality, spirituality, and embodiment. I often explore the insights gained in my sacred intimacy sessions through traditional talk therapy as well as in spiritual guidance interactions.

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What's the study's status?

As the principal investigator, I have already completed several stages of the qualitative study, which is based on a Gadamerian hermeneutic phenomenological methodology.I am currently completing my draft manuscript and intend to defend soon. After successful defense, I will share it with the community, and find ways to help others make use of the knowledge gained in the study.

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Who's conducting this study?

As the principal investigator, I am conducting this study. My name is Andrés (he/they/él) and I am a doctoral student completing my PhD in Sexuality Policy Leadership, Human Sexuality, at the California Institute of Integral Studies ("CIIS") in San Francisco.The study is being supervised by my committee chair, Loraine Hutchins, Ph.D., along with committee members Steve Schwartzberg, Ph.D., and award-winning writer, journalist, and gay culture historian Don Shewey. The study is actively monitored by Michelle Marzullo, Ph.D., chair of CIIS's Department of Human Sexuality. My external professional practitioner reader is Susan Kaye, Ph.D., an expert in somatic healing and surrogate partner therapy, and co-founder and director of IMBT Integrative Mind Body Therapies.

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What's next?

As I complete this study and defend it to be conferred the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Human Sexuality, I will publish my approved dissertation as well as an executive summary. I intend to use this platform (the "Sacred Intimacy Project") to extend awareness of the practice and launch initiatives. The purpose of these actions include to inform professionals and, through personal narratives, help others to "tell their story" of sacred intimacy and healing.If you wish to receive an electronic version of the executive summary, stay informed of developing initiatives, or have other questions or needs, please sign up to my email list.

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How do I stay informed?

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What is the Sacred Intimacy Project (SIP)?

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What is sacred intimacy?

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Why conduct a study?

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What is the status of the project?

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Who is conducting the study?

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Curated List of Select External Sources

Andrés interviewed for Erotic Liberation Podcast

I was recently interviewed about this research study and about my journey to examine the phenomenon of sacred intimacy on the Erotic Liberation Podcast, hosted by Craig Cullinane, Faculty for the Body Electric School.

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Some resources on sacred intimacy currently available

The following list provides a sampling of some resources available online that are related to sacred intimacy as a practice.

+ The Body Electric School - Body Electric offers expertly guided educational experiences grounded in the erotic and its integration with the sacred, to foster transformative personal, relational, and communal healing. My dissertation research focuses on the practice of sacred intimacy as taught by the school in a variety of courses.</li>+ Reclaiming Eros by Suzanne Blackburn - Revised and expanded 2nd edition, this book which includes narratives of sacred sexuality practitioners that include sacred intimates, puts Eros and sexuality back where they belong, with all of life that is sacred and beautiful. You may purchase the book on Amazon.+ A Social History of the First Ten Years of Taoist Erotic Massage by Joseph Kramer, PhD - Submitted to the Institute for Advanced Studies in Human Sexuality in completion of his doctoral degree, this dissertation chronicles the evolution of Joseph's work including the development of the Body Electric School and describes his observations that led to the emergence of sacred intimacy as a practice. You may read his dissertation on his website, Erotic Massage.+ Shameless: How I Ditched the Diet, Got Naked, Found True Pleasure...and Somehow Got Home in Time To Cook Dinner by Pamela Madsen and Anne Adams - In this memoir, Pamela tells the story of her search for sexual, personal, and spiritual wholeness. She explores, in riveting detail, what she experienced at the hands of sexual healers (many who identify as sacred intimates), men who brought her untold pleasure and became her close friends in the process. You may purchase the book on Amazon.+ Daddy, Lover, God: A Sacred Intimate Journey by Don Shewey - Inspired by the teachings of Joseph Kramer and the Body Electric School, Don Shewey shares his journey of building a sacred intimate practice and cultivating the capacity to treat each client as a combination of Daddy, lover, and God. You may purchase the book at Barnes and Noble, Book Shop, or Alibris.+ "Don Shewey Talks About Sacred Intimacy" - Filmed around 2011 at a multi-module training on sacred intimacy by Gay Love Spirit, Don Shewey describes a bit about how he first learned about the practice of sacred intimacy, how he integrates it into his work, and what it means to him on his own journey and in support of others. Credit to HealingTheWorld on Vimeo.+ Man Of Use: A sensitive west Texas boy finds purpose and fulfillment in erotic service by Allen Silver - Allen Silver shares experiences, lessons and methodology from over 18+ years working as a Sacred Intimate around the world. Through play, vulnerabilty and trusting the moment he has helped hundreds of men to heal, to grow, to face fears and to experience new levels of joy and pleasure. You may purchase the book on Amazon.

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