Our purpose:
Revolutionizing the sexual and gender climate by eliminating barriers and advancing healthy sexuality.
Our potential:
Leadership in sexuality research, education, clinical care, and advocacy to promote positive sexual and gender health for all.
About ISGH
The Eli Coleman Institute for Sexual and Gender Health (ISGH) is one of the largest clinical, teaching, and research institutions in the world specializing in human sexuality and gender. We have a strong research agenda in sexual aggression and compulsive sexual behavior, transgender and gender diverse health, relationship and sex therapy, and sexual health that has been supported by millions of dollars in state and federal funding. We have developed innovative and effective treatment approaches to sexual and gender challenges. ISGH has led the way nationally and internationally in crucial, often controversial, sexual and gender issues and has worked with local, national, and international health agencies to advance public health policies promoting sexual and gender health and well-being.
Our History
In 1970, the University of Minnesota Medical School partnered with the Lutheran Church to create the Program in Human Sexuality (PHS), and assigned it the task of teaching and conducting research in the field of human sexuality. The program started to take shape June 2-3, 1970, with the first Sexual Attitude Reassessment (SAR) in Minnesota. A medical school curriculum was established that included a SAR with lectures and readings. In 1973, PHS began offering therapeutic and educational services to individuals with sexual dysfunctions and other relationship problems, and in 1977 the program became a unit within the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health. In 2021, PHS was elevated into an Institute within the University of Minnesota Medical School, and the Institute for Sexual and Gender Health (ISGH) was named on May 20, 2021. In May 2023, the Institute was renamed the Eli Coleman Institute for Sexual and Gender Health to honor Dr. Eli Coleman, the first Chair in Sexual Health and director of the Institute for over 30 years.
Our Symbol
Our symbol represents the Institute’s multidisciplinary approach to sexual and gender health, with shapes to represent each of the four pillars of our work:
- Rectangle: Advancing a nationally and internationally recognized center for sexual and gender health education
- Hourglass: Advancing groundbreaking discovery through bio-psycho-sociocultural gender and sexuality research
- Triangle: Advocating for sex and gender rights
- Circle: Developing, providing and promoting evidence-based clinical care
Contact the Eli Coleman Institute
Email Addresses
Eli Coleman Institute for Sexual and Gender Health: [email protected]
Sexual and Gender Health Clinic: [email protected]
Research: [email protected]
Phone and Fax
612-625-1500
Media calls: 612-625-1331
Fax: 612-626-8311
Getting to the Institute
The Eli Coleman Institute for Sexual and Gender Health and the Sexual and Gender Health Clinic are located on the west bank of the Mississippi River near I-35W and Washington Avenue South in Minneapolis.
Eli Coleman Institute for Sexual and Gender Health
Sexual and Gender Health Clinic
West Bank Office Building (WBOB)
1300 South 2nd Street, Suite 180
Minneapolis, MN 55415
To most easily access our office, use the side door of the building (circled in red), nearest the parking ramp guardhouse.
Parking and Transit
Convenient parking is available at the West Bank Office Building ramp connected to the ISGH offices. For current parking rates visit Parking and Transportation Services.
The nearest Metro Transit bus stop is on the corner of Washington Avenue at 11th Avenue S for the Route 7 or Route 22 buses. The nearest Metro Transit Light Rail station is West Bank Station.
For more information in planning your trip, visit the Metro Transit website.