The Centre for Intimate and Sexual Citizenship (CISC) was established in October 2009 and continues the long tradition of research on sexualities, intimate life and equalities at the University of Essex. Much pioneering research on sexualities and intimate life originated at Essex in the early 1970's, which has always been to the forefront of work on lesbian and gay studies, qualitative research methodologies, intimate relationships, and sexuality and social theory. Leading scholars such as Ken Plummer, Mary McIntosh and Tony Coxon transformed the field of sexualities, producing classic texts such as The Making of the Modern Homosexual (1981) and The Homosexual Role (1967). Ken Plummer is the founding editor of the leading journal Sexualities: Studies in Culture and Society, which is based at Essex, and author of Intimate Citizenship: Private Decisions and Public Dialogues (2003).

This rich tradition continues with the establishment of the Centre for Intimate and Sexual Citizenship, which takes this legacy forward to provide a space for cutting edge theory and research on intimate and sexual citizenship. Regular seminars provide a forum for presentation and discussion of new research. The Centre will continue to support work on intimate life, including: family practices, relationships, and patterns of family change; critical engagement with epistemology and methodology; and sexuality and social theory. The Centre maintains a commitment to theory and empirical research within a global and interdisciplinary perspective.