Let’s Talk About Inclusive Sex Education
SisterSong, a reproductive justice collective created and led by Black, Indigenous, and women of color, notes that reproductive justice is not just about abortion. The organization argues that, while abortion access is critical, racialized women and other marginalized folks often have difficulty accessing other vital resources for sexual and reproductive health — including comprehensive sex education.
On the issue of sex education, its impact on youth, and the importance of a more inclusive framework, several studies have been conducted within the North American context. Many of these studies demonstrate how a lack of inclusivity leads to increased isolation, mental health issues, bullying, and discrimination against marginalized students, either identifying as LGBTQ+ and/or racialized (Chamlin; Whitten and Sethna; Roberts et al.). Elizabeth Jarpe-Ratner conducted a case study in 2019 of sex education curricula in Chicago public schools and its lack of 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion. Jarpe-Ratner, after interacting with focus groups of grade 9 students, concluded that students understand the importance of having a safe space to explore their own identities. However, the current state of sex education did not allow for such a safe space for 2SLGBTQ+ students (Jarpe-Ratner).
In a Canadian context, Amanda Whitten and Christabelle Sethna argue that sex education has advanced in terms of 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion, but does not adopt the necessary framework of anti-racism. Their study investigates policy and analyzes documents in order to demonstrate the importance of such a framework in challenging Eurocentric norms and questioning the legacy of colonialism in sex education. They note: “A raceless curriculum is blind to and omits discussion of difference and social issues, while anti-racist education (and anti-racist sex education) is built on interrogating systemic factors” (Whitten and Sethna).
Finally, a study conducted by Calpurnyia Roberts and others demonstrated how queer racialized youth are marginalized by the current state of sex education in the United States, through a case study of a New York public high school. Roberts’ study illustrates how intersecting identities of race, gender identity, and sexuality create a unique experience for queer racialized youth that is not addressed due to the lack of inclusivity in sex education.
Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights notes that “sex-ed also has longer-term positive impacts on our social environment and what influences us. There is an emerging field of research that looks at non-health outcomes and tells us how sex-ed can lead to positive societal changes.” Amongst these positive changes are “the prevention of gender-based violence (including sexual assault, harassment, homophobic, transphobic and sexist bullying)” and the possibility of “stronger and healthier relationships.” However, the state of sex education can vary by location — and where one goes to school can often depend on a number of factors, making the access to such resources inequitable. Reproductive justice aims to bridge such gaps, and advocates for accessible and inclusive sex education across the board.
As stated by activist Loretta J. Ross, reproductive justice is about challenging “[i]nstitutional forces [that create and perpetuate reproductive oppression]” (Ross 291). Ultimately, adopting an anti-racist and queer-inclusive framework within sex education can help to challenge colonial, heteronormative, and cisnormative standards that impact 2SLGBTQ+ racialized youth. Unesco declares that comprehensive sex education provides individuals with “knowledge, skills, attitudes and values that will empower them to realize their health, well-being and dignity; develop respectful social and sexual relationships; consider how their choices affect their own well-being and that of others; and understand and ensure the protection of their rights throughout their lives.” Thus, regardless of one’s race, gender, or sexuality, comprehensive sex education opens the door to healthier relationships with others as well as one’s own body and identity.
For more resources and information related to the role and importance of sex education, check out Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights or Planned Parenthood.
Sources
Jarpe-Ratner, Elizabeth. “How can we make LGBTQ+-inclusive sex education programmes truly inclusive? A case study of Chicago Public Schools’ policy and curriculum.” Sex Education, vol. 20, no. 3, pp. 283-299.
Roberts, Calpurnyia, et al. “LGBTQ+ students of colour and their experiences and needs in sexual health education: ‘You belong here just as everybody else’.” Sex Education, vol. 20, no. 3, 2020, pp. 267-282.
Ross, Loretta J. “Reproductive Justice as Intersectional Feminist Activism.” A Critical Journal of Black Politics, Culture, and Society, vol. 19, no. 3, University of Illinois, 2017, pp. 286-314.
Whitter, Amanda & Christabelle Sethna. “What's missing? Anti-racist sex education!.” Sex Education, vol.14, no. 4, 2014, pp. 414-429.
