About Us
The Eli Coleman Institute for Sexual and Gender Health is one of the largest clinical, teaching, and research institutions in the world specializing in human sexuality and gender health. We provide specialized clinical care in sex and relationship therapy, compulsive sexual behavior, and gender-affirming care across the lifespan.
Our clinical providers are the world’s most respected scholars and faculty in their specialty, many of whom have literally written the standards of care in their areas of expertise or published the very empirical evidence that therapists around the world utilize every day. Researchers at the Institute include research faculty whose work spans the life course, with topic areas including but not limited to oncosexology, improving competencies of healthcare providers in providing sexual and gender healthcare, sexual trauma and trauma-informed care, behavioral interventions and implementation strategies for HIV and STI prevention, compulsive sexual behavior, transgender and gender diverse health, relationship and sex therapy models of care, sexual function, etc. that has been supported by millions of dollars in state, federal, and foundation funding. We have developed innovative and effective treatment approaches to sexual and gender challenges.
Our educational program includes two master’s degrees and multiple graduate certificates that all align with AASECT credentialing and provide advanced knowledge and skills in sexual and gender health. We also train medical students, residents, and fellows at the UMN Medical School in sexual and gender healthcare, with one of the longest-running curricula for medical student learners in the US.
Our postdoctoral fellowship program is the only one of its kind in the world and specifically develops clinical scholars with specialization in the intersections of our pillars. Advocacy runs through all of our pillars, with our faculty and staff working tirelessly to improve the sexual and gender health and well-being of all locally, nationally, and internationally. The Institute has led the way nationally and internationally in crucial, often controversial, sexual and gender health 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 Mission
A vibrant leader in advancing and promoting positive sexual and gender health at the local, national and global levels, through our integrated CARE model of work.
C = Clinical Care. Advancing, providing, and promoting evidence-informed clinical care.
A = Advocacy. Advocating for sexual and gender rights and well-being.
R = Research. Discovering through groundbreaking multidisciplinary research.
E = Education. Developing cutting-edge education to equip the next generation.
Our Vision
Building a world where sexual and gender well-being is protected and accessible to all.
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.
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
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.
