What Does An Honest Sex Education Program Look Like?
Comprehensive, Reliable, and Realistic.
Our teens deserve honest sex education. Comprehensive-based sex education (sex ed) is known as a form of sex ed that teaches young people (ages 14-18) the skills and values they need, in order to make the most healthy & appropriate choices in their sexual lives.
Sex has been a taboo topic for decades. Talking about sex in american public schools, has been a debated topic for years. Thousands of public school districts have sex ed programs, but they’re either abstinence-based, or rooted in fear mongering. American teens are hungry for this information, but little are being fed.
Sex education needs to be about health, not opinion. So, what do we do?
We deliver this information in a way that resonates with 14-16 year olds, of course. This is done through social media, approachable graphics & language, and conversations that break the uncomfortable factor of “the talk”. Comprehensive sex ed is not only about heterosexual physical relationships, but also LGBTQIA+ ones, romantic relationships, mental well-being, hygiene, and the list goes on.
Research shows that pregnancy & sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among adolescents is reduced when comprehensive sex education is provided (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists).
Just like any social issue, it will take time to create change. That doesn’t mean it can’t happen. A lot can be achieved when enough people start taking the right steps forward.
This thesis project was thoroughly researched, tested, critiqued, and finalized over an 18 month period. A faculty member advised the project at every step. After these several months of processes, the final exhibition was built in 20 hours, and on display for 10 days in one of the Bowling Green State University galleries.
The Process
“Sex Ed: Let’s Do It” was crafted with indoor paint, vinyl lettering, lots of sweat, tears, and back pain.
The Exhibition
Finally, the day has come. After 18 months of researching, imposter syndrome, and iterations, it was here! The most rewarding part of the entire experience was watching all kinds of people interact with the exhibition. It was a full-circle moment & reminded me why I chose this topic in the first place. Sex education benefits everyone, and should be celebrated. On this day, it was!
