I’m gender-fluid and pansexual. I’ve had experiences in sex ed classes that aren’t limited to my identity, or the identities of my friends.
Silence about sexual orientation and gender identity can be harmful to LGBTQ students sitting in classrooms. They aren’t getting the information on safer sex or relationships that they need. Therefore, they are ultimately erased as a group of people.
Feeling left out
I’ve raised my hand and mentioned that there’s more than just heterosexual, gay, lesbian and bisexual people in the world. Gender cannot be put into two neat boxes — cisgender and transgender.
Unfortunately, when I speak up I am met with looks of confusion. This makes me concerned for the state of sexuality education. LGBTQ-inclusive sexuality education is not being taught in New Jersey, despite having one of the most progressive sexuality education laws in the U.S. How bad is it for people in other parts of the country? As a result, I wonder, “Did my cousins in Montana grow up thinking that not being heterosexual was shameful or wrong?”
The larger problem
Not talking about sexual orientation and gender identity can come from homo- or transphobic social norms or teachers who just don’t have the training to teach about these topics. This can also come from state-mandated sexuality education laws.
The silencing of anything that’s not heterosexual and cisgender leads to shame and self-loathing among LGBTQ students. Additionally, it stops young LGBTQ people from getting proper information about their sexual health.
Why we need LGBTQ-inclusive sex ed
In 2015, the combined reported cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis reached the highest number ever, according to the CDC. If sexuality education classes need to address safer sex for a variety of sexual behaviors and orientations. Therefore, this might help reduce the rise of STDs.
Everyone needs medically accurate sex ed that respects people of different sexual orientations and gender identities. As a result, people will learn to respect LGBTQ people, which creates a safer and healthier environment for everyone.
