Ruth Neustifter (said: NEW-stiff-trr), PhD, RMFT-S, RP is an openly sex and gender queer, polyamorous, kink affirming, and helplessly nerdy advocate for pleasure and intimacy. They strive to base their work in anti-oppressive and trauma-informed approaches, and are dedicated to continuing to grow as an anti-racist white person. They are a practicing therapist and a core faculty member of the University of Guelph’s Couple & Family Therapy program, faculty lead of the Sexual and Gender Diversity Lab Cluster and the Anti-Oppression Rainbow Lab, former co-chair of the Guelph Sexuality Conference, an anti-oppression trainer for the Rainbow Diversity Institute, and the author of The Nice Girl’s Guide to Talking Dirty among other mainstream and academic publications. Their outreach and qualitative research has most recently included topics and focuses such as: trans and genderqueer experiences of micro-aggressions in healthcare, intimate relationships of adult learners, experiences of queerness on campus, defining sex/gender/kink outness, BIPOC definitions of outness, non-physical aspects of dating violence, texting-based sex education, and BDSM & body image. 

Creative, applied, and accessible dissemination of data-driven findings are a major component of their efforts. Ruthie strives to meet potential knowledge users where they are, including at: sex parties & orgies, BDSM spaces such as dungeons, sex toy stores, and kink events, as well as churches, homeless shelters, health centres, universities and more. They are actively engaged with on-going learning and work around anti-oppressive practices and continue to strive to decolonize their work in all areas.   

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When they aren't doing that long list of things, they can be found snuggling their pets, going on adventures with their polycule and other queer fam, buried in books, or making very queer creations as the artist behind Moon&Flame. Ruthie would like to remind you that they love you very much, and don't need to have met you yet to know that. They are grateful that you exist, and hope that you continue to keep doing that.