Male circumcision has a long and rich history in religion, tradition, and medicalisation. In 1870s, cereal magnate Dr John Harvey Kellogg (of Kellogg’s Cornflakes) said it could even ‘cure masturbation’. Circumcision is now a contested practice that is no longer medically recommended in Australia. Join Dr Bridget Haire, Senior Research Fellow at the Kirby Institute in conversation with Professor Basil Donovan AO FAHMS, head of the Sexual Health Program at the Kirby Institute and Will Only, a male sex worker who works with male clients all over Australia.

Let’s cut through the noise as we trace the controversial history and the social significance of one of the world's oldest surgical procedures. Free food will be provided so swing by the Bookshop to learn more!

This event is brought to you as part of UNSW's annual festival of celebrating, questioning and exploring every aspect of sex. To learn more, check our website out here. The panel discussion is supported by project funding from the Australian Human Rights Institute.

Content Warning: Conversations about consent, relationships, sex and sexuality can sometimes be difficult but you don’t need to face it alone. Find the support you need with someone who is trained to help, through free and confidential support services and 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732.

Contact the host of SEXtember 2023: The Cut and the Controversy: Male Circumcision