As noted by Bullough, early 20th century sex research focused on social hygiene concerns, primarily the elimination of venereal diseases and prostitution.
The individuals credited with forming SSSS were Hans Lehfeldt, Albert Ellis, Henry Guze, Robert Sherwin, Hugo Beigel, and Harry Benjamin.
The initial organizers developed a constitution stating that the Society's purpose was to (a) Unite in common organization those professionally engaged in various disciplines...who are similarly engaged in the conducting of sexual research or whose profession involves issues relating to sex; (b) To hold periodic scientific meetings for the presentation of research and to organize symposia, seminars, workshops, and conferences to consider all aspects of sexuality; (c) To publish a scientific journal...and a newsletter... and other separate publications; and d) To create a central source for those seeking research information in the field of sex science.
SSSS fosters a worldwide community of diverse professionals committed to a scholarly and scientific approach to acquiring and disseminating accurate knowledge of sexuality.
JSR is a scholarly journal devoted to the publication of articles relevant to a variety of disciplines involved in the scientific study of sexuality.
Despite SSSS being grounded in science, Alfred Kinsey, one of the pioneers of data collection on human sexual behavior, did not support the founding of the organization.
[6] The PinkNews article covering the events noted Cantor's support for LGB Alliance, often considered a transphobic or trans-exclusionary organization.
One initiative was the development of a Statement of Values and Expectations, that asserts, "Environments that are supportive, inclusive, and free from harassment, hostility, and ridicule are the most productive, and conducive to our mission of advancing sexual knowledge.