Big Ideas The science of SEX! Natasha Mitchell and guests at World Science Festival Brisbane
Apr 8, 2026
Professor Robbie Wilson, biologist studying animal mating strategies. Professor Helen O'Connell, urologist who transformed clitoral anatomy knowledge. Dr Esme Louise James, historian and creator of Kinky History. They explore animal sex and strange mating tactics. They unpack the hidden anatomy of the clitoris. They trace sexual history, cultural practices, and modern Gen Z trends.
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Vibrator Evolved From Medical Gadget To Sex Toy
- The vibrator's history is complex: early devices were marketed for medical and household uses and targeted men more than women.
- Widespread sexual use by women emerges mid-20th century after household adoption and sex educators like Betty Dodson promoted genital use.
Freud Marginalised The Clitoris
- Freud downrated clitoral orgasm as infantile, which biased medical and cultural views of female sexuality for decades.
- That framing created long-lasting medical and social myths that later researchers had to overturn.
Kinsey Brought Rigour And A Continuum Model
- Alfred Kinsey applied rigorous data collection to human sexuality, producing large-sample interviews and the Kinsey Scale that framed sexuality as a continuum.
- His entomology background informed systematic methods and challenged taboos about sexual diversity.
