Special issue introduction: Research presented virtually at the 47th Annual Meeting of the Canadian Sex Research Forum, October 15–17, 2020

As President of the Canadian Sex Research Forum (CSRF), I am proud to introduce this special issue of The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality (CJHS), based on research presented at the 47th Annual Conference of the CSRF held virtually in October 2020. Given the COVID-19 pandemic, our Annual Conference was adapted to an online synchronous format, and included reflections on the impacts of COVID-19 on sex and sexuality, knowledge mobilization and translation, ethics and biases, and much more. You will see connections with these topics in the original research presented at CSRF and included in this special issue.

The special issue provides an opportunity for our community to reflect on our approaches, and several papers provide critical and passionate pleas for change. Krystelle Shaughnessy and Justine Braham reviewed the opportunities, challenges, and benefits of integrating research about online technology within human sexuality research. These arguments are exemplified in the work by Anabelle Bernard Fournier and colleagues, who explored how COVID-19 impacted group sex communities, and how these communities quickly adapted to social isolation through innovative use of technology. Angela Underhill interrogates problematic, hierarchical dichotomies in academic spaces and how these perpetuate systems of power and oppression, and calls for a shift to embodied pedagogical approaches to the field of human sexuality. Another study by Rebecca Nurgitz and colleagues highlights how more comprehensive, process-oriented, and higher quality sexual education, especially within schools, increases learners' sexual self-efficacy and sexual satisfaction. Two other papers relate to quantitative measurement within sexuality research. Stéphanie Gauvin and colleagues introduce their Measurement of Sexuality and Intimacy Constructs (MoSaIC) project and provide pragmatic suggestions for editors, reviewers, and authors to more deeply consider reliability metrics and improve scientific replicability. This special issue also includes a paper by Lucas Walters and colleagues who revised the Condom Fit and Feel Scale to incorporate emotional intimacy and pleasurable sensations.

Several papers within this special issue relate to Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer (2SLGBTQ+) communities. Tin Vo critically examines the whiteness of "safe spaces" for racialized 2SLGBTQ+ people. Lauren Matheson and colleagues take a gender-based analysis approach to unpack how gender expression in same-sex relationships affects experiences of public displays of affection. Charlie Davis and colleagues used collective memory work to engage trans participants in an examination of their individual experiences, with health care described as toxic and abusive.

The three remaining papers in this special issue relate in terms of how we support, intervene, and provide services to advance sexual health and well-being. Karyn Fulcher and colleagues explore the benefits of community-based contraceptive care, and highlight the value of specialization and experience, time and attention, task-sharing, and inclusive and supportive environments. Katie Cassidy and colleagues analyzed the impact of sexual offences on non-offending family members in order to inform service design and support positive relationships. Finally, Megan Muise and colleagues assessed the ways in which couples discuss and negotiate exclusivity agreements detailing how these were often implied and persistent over time.

This issue represents the 13th consecutive year that the Sex Information and Education Council of Canada (SIECCAN), via CJHS, has dedicated space in its publication to original research presented at CSRF. Naturally, SIECCAN is an invaluable partner in helping CSRF fulfill our vision to foster sexual science and improve the sexual health and well-being of people across Canada. On behalf of all our CSRF members, I want to thank SIECCAN for its ongoing commitment to CSRF. In particular, special thanks are extended to the Editors, Associate Editors, Editorial Board members, and other reviewers of CJHS for their careful peer review of the manuscripts included in this special issue. We look forward to welcoming you all at our 48th Annual Conference to be held virtually October 14–16, 2021. For more information, please visit www.canadiansexresearchforum.com.