Kinks, Communication and Connection: Busting Your Myths About Sexuality
Details
To note: You'll be able to send questions anonymously to the speaker before this event.
*Important info*. Tickets can only be bought on our Ticket Tailor page. See further info here: tickettailor.com/events/conn8cting/1992720/r/meetup
What you'll learn
How do desire and relationships work? Key concepts and psychological mechanisms
We will explore what research suggests about desire, arousal, and sexual decision-making, and why these don’t always align neatly (e.g., wanting vs doing; arousal vs consent). This includes how context, stress, mood, health, and relationship dynamics shape sexual experience and satisfaction.
What are “kinks”?
You'll get an understanding of what people mean by kinks and sexual preferences, including how common sexual diversity is and how psychologists distinguish fantasies and behaviours. How do you separate evidence-based definitions from common myths and stigma?
Communication: Practical skills grounded in evidence
The talk will cover straightforward, research-informed tools for talking about sex: how to start the conversation, make and receive requests, negotiate boundaries, and handle mismatched desires without shame or coercion. The talk also discusses broader relational communication strategies useful for all interpersonal relationships.
Reimagining sexual and relational health: from “normal vs abnormal” to wellbeing and connection
How does contemporary research challenge simplistic ideas of what’s “normal,” and frame sexual health in a different way? The talk will highlight how sexual self-knowledge can support healthier relationships and better mental wellbeing in intersectional contexts such as disability, relationship structures, and sexual/gender diversity.
*Important info*. Tickets can only be bought on our Ticket Tailor page. See further info here: tickettailor.com/events/conn8cting/1992720/r/meetup
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The Speaker
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Dr Ashley Brown
Ashley Brown is a Lecturer in Psychology (Education) in the Department of Psychology at King's College, London at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience. She co-leads the LGBTQ+ Mental Health Research Group and teaches across the Psychology BSc and Health Psychology MSc. Dr Brown is a Fellow of Advance HE and centres diversity and evidence-based practice in her teaching.
Her research is focused on sexual functioning and distress in minoritised populations, such as people with long term health conditions (LTCs) and who are transgender and gender diverse. She also works in scale development and psychometric assessment.
Clinically, Dr Brown works as a counsellor at cliniQ, a clinic for trans, nonbinary, and gender diverse people that works in partnership with King’s College Hospital.
*Important info*. Tickets can only be bought on our Ticket Tailor page. See further info here: tickettailor.com/events/conn8cting/1992720/r/meetup
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The Agenda
18:30-19:30 - Arrivals & structured networking/ice-breakers
Arrive, mingle and grab drinks. You'll have more time than ever before to meet others. You'll be moving between tables in small groups discussing intriguing discussion/ice-breaker questions (optional). If you want to meet like-minded professionals you're welcome to join. This part of the event's ideal for anyone who works (or aspires to work) in psychology, neuroscience, education, healthcare or related fields. We'll also have an interactive pub psychology quiz in groups using your mobile phone.
19:30-20:20- 'TED style' talk
Learn something new. You'll get printed handouts from the Powerpoint slides and ticket holders will get a recording of the talk after the event (subject to agreement from the speaker/capacity in our team).
20:10 - 20:40 - Q and A
Question time - the chance to ask your questions about this topic and anything else you'd like to know with our expert speaker.
20:40 - 22:00 - Networking mingle
Informally meet our speaker and other likeminded people, continuing conversations, drinks, sharing knowledge and reflections. Whether you've got a personal or professional interest, anyone who wants to connect with young professionals is welcome to join! This is a great way to expand your social and professional network.
*Important info*. Tickets can only be bought on our Ticket Tailor page. See further info here: tickettailor.com/events/conn8cting/1992720/r/meetup
The Venue
You'll have exclusive use of the private 'Green Room' (upstairs) at the Star of Kings pub - just a 5 minute walk from Kings Cross train/tube station. Further details about the pub can be found here.
This pub has a lovely array of craft beers, cocktails and soft drinks. The pub recently updated its menu to include a range of burgers from award-winning 'Filthy Buns'. You'll also be a short stroll from a number of restaurants around Kings Cross.
One of the few traditional pubs in Kings Cross, the Star of Kings boasts a large beer garden and classic arcade games downstairs.
*Important info*. Tickets can only be bought on our Ticket Tailor page. See further info here: tickettailor.com/events/conn8cting/1992720/r/meetup
Join our Whatsapp group to hear about the latest events
FAQs – Pub psychology events
Who attends these events?
This event is open to anyone regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender. Many attendees have a professional interest working (or aspiring to work) in psychology, neuroscience, healthcare, counselling, wellness and wellbeing, education or related fields. You're also welcome to come along if you have a personal interest in the subject matter. This is an ideal way to expand your social and professional network**.**
Will you sell tickets on the door?
No! All our tickets are sold before the event so please don't arrive on the day without a ticket as you'll be turned away. Pub psychology events are popular and tend to sell-out. Please get a ticket in advance!
I’m not sure if I’ll arrive in time after work. Should I still come?
Yes! If you have a ticket, please come whenever you can (ideally before the talk begins). For pub psychology events, most talks begin 1 hour after the scheduled start time. This gives you time to settle in, network with others and grab a drink or food. Please double check the event agenda on Ticket Tailor (the platform we use to sell tickets) as times vary depending on the event.
Will I be able to network?
Yes! You're welcome to come along if you've got a personal or professional interest and/or want to meet new people. Based on feedback, we’ve added loads of new opportunities for mingling. Many people attend alone and please do reach out if you want to be introduced to anyone or need support. For pub psychology events, we recommend arriving early for ice breakers. We’ll also have a pub psychology quiz arranged in groups and there’s always a friendly group of us who’ll stay for drinks afterwards.
Can I come just for the talk?
Absolutely! If you'd prefer to come along for just the expert 'TED style' talk (skipping the networking/mingling bits) you're more than welcome to arrive later and before the talk begins. Please keep in mind all seats are unreserved.
Are you on social media?
Yes - we are! Join our Whatsapp group to hear about the latest events: WhatsApp Group Invite
You can also follow us on Instagram: @Conn8cting
About us
Want to learn about psychology, neuroscience and healthcare while meeting like-minded people in London? You're in the right place. Exclusive educational talks and mingling events for young professionals. Conn8cting 'TED style' talks are ideal for anyone with a professional or personal interest in the topics and want to meet likeminded people.
Our talks cover every topic you can think of. From the psychology of laughter, happiness, decision-making and regret to psychosis, narcissism, incels, drugs and psychopaths. You'll learn interesting stuff delivered by experts, in-person.
Learn something new, meet someone new.🧠
*Important info*. Tickets can only be bought on our Ticket Tailor page. See further info here: tickettailor.com/events/conn8cting/1992720/r/meetup