Christine Gordon (she/her)

Founder, DIRECTOR of education

Christine has been an educator for over 20 years, in various capacities. She holds a BFA in theater and an MA in sociology, with her career focused in comprehensive sexuality education as an educator, and most recently in leadership as VP of Education at Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania. Her philosophy includes a holistic approach in which she prioritizes creating a safe, welcoming space for exploration and learning, and in which she ensures education is sex positive, inclusive, evidence-based, stigma-free, age-appropriate, and accessible for all. Her theatre background informs her methods of engaging learners to create an interesting and compelling interactive learning environment. Her passion is social justice, primarily in sexual and reproductive health & justice. She firmly believes social justice and sexuality/sexual health are intertwined; this intersection is what inspired her to begin Cultures of Consent (formerly People Against Rape Culture or PARC), with the understanding that we need to increase education and skills around issues of sexuality, gender, respect, and consent. She is very excited to be back in DC and to continue this vital work. 

Elizabeth Puloka

Executive Director

Elizabeth Puloka is a sociologist by training living in Washington D.C., where she earned her Master's degree in Sociology from American University. Her research and work interests have focused on incarcerated and re-entering populations and their sexual health outcomes, women's reproductive rights and wellness. Her interests in social justice, health, and women's issues have converged on the cultural antecedents of sexual violence in the U.S., and she contributes a sociological perspective on the structures and behaviors that underpin and perpetuate rape culture.

History

We came together in 2013 in response to the Steubenville High School rape case and founded our organization as People Against Rape Culture. Our goal was to examine the culture-wide practices, beliefs, and institutions that reinforce a rape culture. We were inspired by the survivors, activists, and journalists who came together to bring light to rape and sexual assault epidemics in schools, the military, sports, the media, and other parts of society.  Led by founder Christine Gordon, a dedicated educator and parent, we sought to address the underpinnings of rape culture -  victim blaming, slut shaming, and harmful gender and sexuality norms.

In 2016, we became Cultures of Consent.