Many sex education programs in the United States fail to meet the needs of sexual and gender minority students. This is especially true for programs that have an abstinence-only focus. Research has found that LGBTQIA students who take such courses report that they not only reinforce negative stereotypes, but they are also seriously lacking when it comes to providing useful and relevant information and resources [1].

We need comprehensive and inclusive sex education—and there are a lot of wonderful people in my field who are working to change the way that we approach sex ed around the world; unfortunately, however, there’s a lot of political resistance and progress is slow. The good news, though, is that some sex educators have begun to put together valuable educational resources for LGBTQIA students that are readily available to anyone with an internet connection.

One such guide I recently came across is available here on Healthline. This guide addresses the terminology/vocabulary of gender and sexual orientation, while also addressing the following topics through an LGBTQIA-inclusive lens: how to approach sexual consent, common STIs and how to prevent them, methods of prevention, and how to talk to a partner about STIs and STI testing.

There’s a lot to like about this guide. For example, it takes an expansive view of what “sex” is (one that includes, for example, use of toys), it discusses safer-sex practices in an inclusive manner (e.g., using the terms “inside condom” and “outside condom” instead of “female condom” and “male condom,” respectively), and it avoids heaping shame and stigma on people who are sexually active as well as persons who contract STIs.

Take a look and share with those you think might benefit from this guide. Know of other LGBTQIA sex education resources? Share your favorites in the comments section below and help us compile a comprehensive list of inclusive sex ed materials.

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[1] Hoefer, S. E., & Hoefer, R. (2017). Worth the Wait? The Consequences of Abstinence-Only Sex Education for Marginalized Students. American Journal of Sexuality Education, 12(3), 257-276.

Image Source: Healthline

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