Sexual Health Educator | Sojourner House
I had recently left the traditional classroom setting before entering my current position where I work with youth and sexual health. With the increasing access to digital information, it was challenging to see how much misinformation continues to spread and be absorbed in harmful ways. This new digital reality is intersecting with a political climate that is limiting access to valid & reliable information. Now more than ever, young people need consistent access to valid information.
I am continuously surprised about how much students crave information from a “valid” source. Sexual health classes are never dull, and these students want to learn in a safe way. These questions range from the very silly to very serious. Frankly, I wish I had these classes when I was a youth. My own education was very limited to STI education & an enormous focus on preventing pregnancy – void of the realistic scenarios I might find myself in.
Many traditional classroom teachers feel ill-equipped to deliver this type of instruction. This could be due to personal discomfort, lack of knowledge in the content, or even fear of backlash. A goal of sexual health educators is to alleviate those discomforts and fears, but to primarily deliver important information.
I see sexual health as such a vital part of anyone’s life. It encompasses identity, love, self-awareness, biology, relationships, and even how we view the world. Without access to information, resources, and understanding I don’t see how a person can reach their fullest potential. EVERY body needs access!