From movies to magazines, sex is everywhere. Yet there are still so many taboos and stigmas surrounding sex and sexuality. For a lot of people from different demographics, sex isn’t the usual subject to talk about as it is still perceived to be dirty or shameful. In pop culture, there has been an over romanticisation of sex that we can’t talk about it outside of a humorous and ineffective way which leads to myths that sex is suppose to be great and if it isn’t, that means something is not right. But in recent years, shows like Netflix’s Sex Education have broken barriers of sex within storytelling, showing the actual depiction and realism within sex and how there are many layers within it that are beyond acts of reproduction. Prompting people to have real conversations about sex brings a list of benefits that would not only improve the sex lives of people but the mental and physical wellbeing of society.
Promoting Gender Equality
Comprehensive sex education can challenge gender stereotypes and promote gender equality in several ways by providing accurate information about gender and sexuality, helping dispel myths and stereotypes that may contribute to discrimination and violence. Sex education plays a vital role in teaching people that gender is a social construct, not a biological fact, and that gender identity can be diverse and complex. Providing sex education or talking about sex in general, can encourage respectful and open communication between individuals of all genders, which will help break down barriers and promote a sense of understanding among people. This includes discussing topics such as consent, healthy relationships, and respectful communication. Sex education can promote gender equality by teaching students about the importance of mutual respect and valuing each other’s contributions. This can help reduce instances of gender-based violence and discrimination.
Encouraging Consent
Encouraging consent is an important aspect of comprehensive sex education that can help reduce instances of sexual harassment and assault. By providing accurate and comprehensive sex education, we can teach individuals about the importance of consent and how to ask for and respect it. Many individuals, especially young people, may not have the knowledge or skills they need to communicate their boundaries and expectations when it comes to sexual activity which may lead to confusion, misunderstandings and even instances of sexual harassment and assault. By talking more about sex and providing sex education that includes information on consent, we can help individuals develop the skills they need to have healthy and respectful sexual relationships. There is a lot more that goes into consent such as how to ask for it, learning how to read verbal and nonverbal cues from a partner, and exploring power dynamics that can impact consent. Talking more about sex can also help reduce stigma and shame around sexuality, increase awareness and education about sexual health and safe practices, and promote respect and understanding between individuals of all genders and sexual orientations.
Providing Information on Reproductive Health
Providing information on reproductive health is another important reason why we need to talk more about sex. By providing comprehensive sex education that includes information on reproductive health, we can help individuals, especially women and marginalised communities, make informed decisions about their bodies and health. Access to accurate information on reproductive health can help individuals understand how their bodies work and how to maintain their sexual health. This can include information on topics such as contraception, sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy, and childbirth. Without access to accurate information on reproductive health, individuals may not be able to make informed decisions about their bodies and health. This can lead to unintended pregnancies, STI transmission, and other negative health outcomes. By talking more about sex and providing comprehensive sex education that includes information on reproductive health, we can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their bodies and health. This can include understanding their options for contraception and STI prevention, as well as learning how to recognise and respond to potential health concerns.
Challenging Harmful Cultural Norms
Challenging harmful cultural norms is another important reason why we need to talk more about sex. Sex education can help to challenge harmful cultural norms such as victim-blaming and slut-shaming by providing accurate and comprehensive information about sexuality and relationships. Victim-blaming and slut-shaming are cultural norms that can perpetuate discrimination and violence against women and marginalised communities. By providing sex education that challenges these harmful cultural norms, we can help individuals understand that these attitudes are unacceptable and harmful. This can include providing accurate information about consent, healthy relationships, and sexual violence, as well as exploring the ways in which cultural norms and societal expectations can perpetuate harmful attitudes towards women and marginalised communities. By talking more about sex and providing comprehensive sex education, we can help to create a culture that values respect, consent, and healthy relationships, and challenge harmful cultural norms that perpetuate discrimination and violence.
There are many important reasons why we need to talk more about sex, and why comprehensive sex education is essential for promoting healthy societal behaviours towards women and marginalised communities. By providing accurate and comprehensive information on topics such as consent, reproductive health, and healthy relationships, we can help individuals develop the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions about their bodies and health, and promote respect, understanding, and equality. Additionally, sex education can challenge harmful cultural norms that perpetuate discrimination and violence, and help create a culture that values respect, consent, and healthy relationships. By prioritising comprehensive sex education and promoting healthy behaviours and attitudes towards sexuality, we can work towards a more equitable and just society for all.