Sex Stories We Love: Sex Ed Ain’t Voldemort, Don’t Get Stuck in a Rut & Altogether Now

The state of sex education in North America is a travesty. This has been well-discussed but, somehow, it isn’t changing. Sex ed remains one of the most divisive topics out there, which has the direct effect of leaving a lot of kids and adults with a fundamental gap in understanding their own bodies, the bodies of others, and the ways all of these bodies can interact. The fact remains that folks with more conservative sexual education views keep needed information from the rest of us. Even in jurisdictions where sex ed is permitted. Even if an educated teacher or outside speaker is allowed to discuss sex freely in a classroom setting, they can still be restricted in specific words, phrases, or themes. (In this case, a sex educator was asked to avoid using the word "clitoris.") Well, it happens. All. The. Time. Imagine not being allowed to discuss the term "variable" in a math class? I mean, by definition, a variable is “a quantity that may change within the context of a mathematical problem or experiment.” I don’t know, that sounds pretty queer to me! No more talk of these variables! Ridiculous.Don't Get Stuck in a Rut

Of course, even if sex education is permitted, there is no guarantee the information is going to be correct. There are still agendas out there, some overt, some subtle, that put specific idea about sex front and center while ignoring realities. Take penetration. Yes, penetration of various types can be a nice part of sex. And, for some folks with penises, sure, it might be the apex of a fun time. But it isn’t the be all-end-all (literally) that we are taught in sex ed and in media. Penetration as the goal of a sex situation can often ignore the needs - both physical and emotional - of someone involved. It has also been used to invalidate some forms of sex. Let’s reconsider penetration. Let’s bump it down to what it really is: just another variation of the wide spectrum of human sexuality.At Home and More

There is no denying that families should play an important part in a child’s sex education. It would be great if families had open dialogue about bodies and changes and feelings and all of the good, bad, awesome, and ugly that can go into sex. But, more often than not, two other extremes are more likely to emerge. Either there is no talk or parents impose their own views on kids that are not entirely conducive to a positive sexual outlook. Comic Aparna Nancherla shares stories of her sexual upbringing that fall a bit more into the quiet zone than they do the parent trap. However, both situations can lead to the same scenario: navigating those waters on your own as a young adult - and bumping into other ill-equipped swimmers along the way.