Giant Clitoris Takes to the Streets: Advocating for Sexual Education in Providencia

Original article: Lo borraron de los textos y ahora irrumpe en la calle: clítoris gigante exige educación sexual en Providencia Giant Clitoris Takes to the Streets: Advocating for Sexual Education in Providencia An inflatable clitoris three meters tall was installed this Friday morning, May 22, in Providencia, transforming the public space into an impromptu anatomy classroom. This artistic intervention, led by the group Las Clito along with health professionals and sexual education activists, aims to raise awareness about an organ that, despite being present in half of the global population, has been systematically excluded from educational materials, human anatomy atlases, and health training programs. The piece, created by French artist Julia Pietri, not only draws attention due to its size but also encourages discussions in informal settings about autonomy, health, care, and sexual rights both reproductive and non-reproductive.

The ignorance surrounding this organ is not coincidental, the organization claims. However, they hope that this «anatomical representation will be included in study materials. Belonging to the vulvoclitoral reproductive system, the clitoris serves sensitive and erectile functions thanks to its dual innervation—according to the latest neuroanatomical mapping—and its cavernous and spongy tissues facilitate sexual pleasure.

With 10,280 nerve endings, scientific research indicates that this organ plays an active role in emotional self-regulation and pain relief. Yet, its anatomical representation is still absent in most formal educational spaces, which Las Clito deem as “a public health issue that affects women across generations. Throughout the day, nearly one hundred passersby stopped to learn more and take photos with the giant clitoris.

The Intersexuales Chile group took the opportunity to highlight the grief of those who have experienced genital mutilation at birth and the diversity of human genitalia, calling for honest dialogues about sexual education. “All girls, adolescents, women, and older adults have the right to know their intimate anatomy to engage with their own sexuality in an informed, healthy, and pleasurable manner,” stated Las Clito. The event in Providencia is part of the “Clitoristour,” an initiative that began in Paris in 2021 when the French collective Gang du Clito set up a similar inflatable at the Trocadero, in front of the Eiffel Tower, to protest against sexual illiteracy.

Since 2022, Las Clito have replicated the experience in Chile, Uruguay, Argentina, Colombia, and Mexico, with workshops, training sessions, and various sexual education initiatives. Upcoming activities in Santiago include the discussion panel “International Day for Clitoral Awareness,” featuring Dr. Loretos Vargas and sex educator Pamela Moreno, with details to be shared on social media.