Let's talk about sex

Sex is usually a pretty taboo subject, but at IU’s Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender and Reproduction, the bedroom is their business.

The Kinsey Institute, while sometimes controversial, has become one of the top places for sexual research in the world. The institute’s primary focus is to provide research and analysis to researchers and the public about sexuality.

Alfred Kinsey, a biologist and zoologist, was the founder. He was curious about human sexual behaviors and relationships.

He researched his theories using face-to-face interviews, which, especially during the initial period of research, caused quite a commotion. From this, he developed the Kinsey Reports, two books featuring human sexuality, one for males and one for females.

“Kinsey was a revolutionary of his time, and we get the opportunity to see his research and see what he did in person,” senior Jon Allen said.

In 1947, the Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender and Reproduction was brought to Indiana University as a stable and secure location for Kinsey’s research.

“It’s one of the treasures of Indiana University,” said Jennifer Bass, communications director for the Kinsey Institute. “There are many students who are interested in human sexuality, and there are not very many academic sources for studying topics related to sexuality.”

Today, the Institute has grown to include artwork, books and resources.

The institute has even branched out to create Kinsey Confidential, a question-and-answer blog, for students to learn more about sex and relationships in a straight-forward and objective fashion.

Students agree that the Institute provides excellent resources to help them to learn more about the world of sexuality and gender.

“I feel that most college students need somewhere to learn more about sexuality,” junior Minjin Choi said.