The LGBTQ+ community are often excluded from sex education
Sex education is beyond just sexual activities, We are not talking about the energy, behavior, and emotions behind sexuality, says Niyatii - Sexuality Educator.
By Pooja P
LGBTQ+ topics are often left out and disregarded in the conversation of sex education classes. One cannot understate the significance of sex education in tackling gender issues. It can help decrease gender stereotypes, teach students about different gender identities, and help fight high dropout rates among vulnerable communities.
Niyatii Shah is a TEDx speaker, certified sex educator, intimacy coach, author, and counsellor. Her purpose is to educate and empower youngsters about sexuality, raise awareness about the significance of sex education, and communicate the taboo's truth. In a talk with Niyatii, she discusses the inclusion of sex education for the LGBTQ+ community. Edited excerpts follow.
Is there any inclusion of sex education for the LGBTQ+ community in educational institutions?
In general, schools and universities give relatively little sex education to students, whether or not it includes LGBTQ+ issues. The whole idea of sex education is comprehensive. Schools are open to sex education on subjects such as puberty, but they are hesitant regarding sexuality or gender identification. In general, sex education is lacking. As sex educators, we strive to avoid gender prejudice. Sex educators are supportive of LGBTQ+ issues, but educational organisations such as schools and universities are cautious to discuss gender identity and sexual orientation.
The role of social media in educating the LGBTQ+ community on sex education.
Social media is a general platform, not specifically an educational platform. A lot of people on social media are Googling for answers. We don't have a stream or a curriculum that is formally introduced to educate us on sexuality. We also don't have a core from the university either. As a result, the content that people share is perceived as information and reshared. It is great that social media has become a platform for education. Still, at the same time, it is extremely important to be responsible for what is going out as information and be aware of the misinformation that could create doubts in people’s minds.
Suggestions for the community people to come out about their sexuality and identity to their family or friends.
When I was growing up, I didn't have to announce to my family that I was heterosexual; it was understood and accepted already, but with homosexuality or any other orientation, families may not be open to it. Their normal way of being is that the human body is designed for reproduction, and the pleasure part of it is a different angle to sexuality, which we do not give much importance to. So, I suggest asking for someone’s help who can guide you in understanding your background, family values, parents, or spouses, and then guide the best way to let others know. There are so many different ways to come out about your identification, but it is best to understand your value and decide it. However, it is finally personalised and sensitive.
The difference between sex assigned at birth, gender, and sexuality.
While sex is assigned at birth based on your biological body parts or organs, gender is something that you identify yourself as. A new gender is being named here rather than the bodies. That is the distinction between genders and sexes. Sexuality is like a sky under which all these are clouds: the topics of sexuality, marriage, sex, emotions, reproduction, and all of that. Simply put, it is the sexual energy someone is born with.
Do you agree to the following statement, You don't need to have sex to know if you're queer.
I don't agree with that statement entirely, Sometimes you know whom you are attracted to and attractions based on many different reasons. It is important to explore in totality if you are genuinely attracted to someone and want to continue the sexual relationship with them. I won't completely agree, but yes there are times you don't need to have sex, you just know that you've been attracted to a certain gender. And definitely by the age of 25, you should be able to establish your sexuality.
Do you think improper sex education can result in misinformation about their identities?
I don't think it is only sex education one needs to identify themselves. It is giving them an open field. It only takes a lot of support and acceptance from family to say you are who you are. Identification becomes a part of knowing oneself. It is becoming confusing for people with a lot of information out there to consume. I think one needs to figure it out and also try to fit into certain boxes to communicate with their community.
Facts are mostly left out in the conversation of sex education classes.
Most of the time, teenagers are not told about the complications or how to avoid engaging in sexual activities. Casual sex is dangerous in so many aspects: psychologically, mentally, emotionally, and physically. There are a lot of gaps in sex education. A lot of things are missing when it comes to sex education. When it comes to sex education, we are only okay to some extent, but then we don't want to talk about the details of it. We only talk about sexual activities, not the energy, behavior, psychology, and emotions behind sexuality.