Sexual Education for LGBTQIA+ Youth: Best Resources

• Lack of information could lead to severe consequences.
• Discover 4 facts about sexual education.
• Why it’s crucial for the community’s young members.

How is sexual education for LGBTQIA+ youth? The fight for sexual education in US schools began in the early 20th century with policies designed to teach ‘morality’ in classrooms.

This faced resistance, but when sexually transmitted diseases started spreading massively, such education became necessary for the general population’s health.

In the 1950s, the American Medical Association created a standardized program to share valuable information in schools.

However, most teaching modules are geared towards heterosexual individuals, creating an information gap for LGBTQIA+ youth that could lead to severe consequences. Discover 4 facts about sexual education and its influence on youth:

Challenges for LGBTQIA+ Youth

Many LGBTQIA+ young people face a significant problem, especially in the classroom.

They are often hesitant to seek information from adults due to fear of judgment or rejection, leading them to the internet for answers.

However, many online sites offer vague, incomplete, or inaccurate information regarding sexual orientation, health, and sexually transmitted diseases.

This misinformation becomes part of teenagers’ lives.

Benefits of Better Sexual Education

According to activist groups, this could be solved by creating programs, resources, and materials specifically designed for LGBTQIA+ youth.

Several studies assert that sexual education allows young people to explore attitudes and values related to an active sexual life, thereby fostering critical skills to establish boundaries and protect their physical and mental health.

Numerous researches have shown that inclusive sexual education tailored for LGBTQIA+ youth helps delay the age of the first sexual encounter.

Also, it reduces the number of lifetime sexual partners, promote protection use, and decrease the risk of diseases like HIV.

Consequences of Lack of Sexual Education in LGBTQIA+ Youth

There are several compelling reasons to promote inclusive sexual education in schools. Lack of information jeopardizes the physical and mental well-being of LGBTQIA+ youth, an inherently vulnerable community.

Studies have found that in schools promoting exclusively heterosexual-oriented sexual education, LGBTQIA+ youth are more likely to experience bullying or feel ashamed of their sexual orientation and gender identity.

As a result, there’s an increased risk of depression, anxiety, isolation, and dropping out of school.

Furthermore, their academic life is compromised, ultimately reducing their chances to access better universities and jobs.

What Should Sexual Education Include?

Activists pushing for inclusive sexual education recommend including age-appropriate materials that consider students’ needs, descriptions of gender identities, sexual orientations, and potential future relationships.

It’s also advised to avoid presenting condom use as exclusive to heterosexuals.

Proper pronoun usage is crucial, reaffirming students that their reality is acknowledged.

And they, that way, will feel protected, and that they are in an accepting environment where authority figures seek their current and future well-being.