Mandy Mangler und Esther Kogelboom: Sex Talk

An evening exploring female pleasure, gaps in medical knowledge, and the question of why the clitoris was overlooked for so long

In her new book, *Don’t Miss the Clitoris*, co-authored with writer and journalist Esther Kogelboom, Prof. Dr. Mandy Mangler addresses a topic that medicine has neglected, stigmatized, or simply misunderstood for centuries: female sexuality and, in particular, the clitoris as the central organ of pleasure. In an open, intelligent, and humorous way, she demonstrates how strongly medical knowledge remains shaped by male perspectives to this day—and what consequences this has for women’s health, sex education, and self-determination.

During the evening, the two authors will speak with Dr. Sophia K. Johnson about female pleasure, body awareness, and societal perceptions of sexuality. Why has the anatomy of the clitoris only recently been fully explored? Why do many people still lack basic knowledge about the female body? And what might a modern, enlightened medical practice that takes women seriously look like?

Heinrich Bennke will accompany the evening by reading excerpts from the book, lending the texts a special atmosphere with his distinctive voice.Annika Boschand Johanna Phillip will provide the musical accompaniment, using their music to create space for emotional nuances.

In this way, this special evening combines science, literature, and music into an open, inspiring exchange about the body, desire, and the need to make female perspectives more visible.

Prof. Dr. Mandy Manglerisa speaker, author, and chief physician at two Berlin clinics for gynecology and obstetrics, specializing in surgical therapies and gynecologic oncology. She teaches in the “Midwifery Science” program at the Evangelische Hochschule Berlin, serves as chair of the Berlin Society for Gynecology and Obstetrics, and is chair of the Berlin Chief Physicians Association (BLFG e.V.); she is also known for her appearances on the Tagesspiegel podcast “Gyncast.” In 2022, she wasawardedthe Berlin Women’s Prize for her commitment to equality and diversity in medicine. Mandy Mangler has five children and lives with her partner in Berlin.

Esther Kogelboomisan author, journalist, and host. Together with Mandy Mangler, she produces the podcast “Gyncast,” which addresses topics related to women’s health, sexuality, and social issues.

Dr. Sophia K. Johnsonisa speaker and author who lives and works in Weimar, specializing in integrative general and women’s medicine. For years, she has intensively studied the placenta as a remedy (placentophagy); she earned her Ph.D. at the Placenta Laboratory of Jena University Hospital and completed her habilitation at Witten/Herdecke University. For Sophia K. Johnson, medicine is multidimensional, vibrant, and aesthetic.