Taboo topics

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 in the world for sexual research. The institute’s primary focus is to provide research about and analysis of sexuality to researchers and the public.

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 stages, caused quite a commotion. From this, he developed the Kinsey Reports, two books featuring human sexuality — one for males and one for females.

The institute was brought to IU in 1947 to provide 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 includes artwork, books, films and other resources.

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

Undergraduate and grad students are encouraged to volunteer, intern or work with the institute, often for credit hours toward their degrees.