Exploring Sexual Health Through Isms and Artwork
Examining the Systems of Oppression that Impact Sex Education and Sexual Health
To dream of a new approach to youth sexual health education – one that is focused on pleasure and joy – we must recognize how we arrived at where we are today. Through the research introduced below, we begin to explore the history that impacts sexual health and sex education, recognizing that these experiences are centered within an existing context rooted in colonialism, capitalism, racism, heteronormativity, ableism, classism, and other forms of oppression.
In Trailhead’s work with the Youth Sexual Health Program Board to reimagine Colorado’s State of Adolescent Sexual Health Report, the Board identified a need to define and provide historical context for these isms, noting that many of these concepts may not have negative connotations for some people. The blogs included here were researched, written, and produced by Tomei Kuehl from Consulting Within Your Context with the aim of building awareness for how these isms impact the field of sexual health, and inspire reflection of how these systems of oppression broadly influence public health.
Foreword
The purpose of this series is to build a shared understanding of the ways in which isms have created sexual health education and continue to impact it through an understanding of our history and through the lens of youth artwork.
Transphobia & Sexual Health
Most sex education centers cis-gendered, straight people and there is a great deal that we do not know about the sexual and reproductive health needs and experiences of transgender and gender non-binary people.
Religion & Sexual Health
Religions in the United States have influenced sexuality education, both in progressive and conservative ways. Here, we examine the role religious movements and values have played in shaping federal funding initiatives and education programs throughout history and in present day society.
Racism & Sexual Health
Racism is a lasting and living legacy in the realm of sexual health. Here, we begin to explore the racist practices embedded within the origins of modern gynecology and their continued impact on racial disparities with sexual health.
Pleasure, Sex Positivity, Sex Education & Sexual Health
Pleasure, sex positivity, and liberatory sex education are the possibilities that live outside the existing systems governing sex education.
Patriarchy & Sexual Health
Patriarchy has long opposed the values of pleasure and joy that we dream of centering in youth sexual health education.
Capitalism, Classism & Sexual Health
Classism is a symptom of a capitalist society in which different socio and economic classes are created and valued based on those with the most wealth and capital. Throughout history, and within modern day society, these systems of oppression, coupled with our nation's racist history, have influenced who has access to healthcare, reproductive freedom, and economic opportunity.
Ableism & Sexual Health
Too often students with disabilities are pulled from sexual health classes and never receive any sex education. Read how ableism continues to be a barrier to sexual health for people with disabilities.
Heterosexism & Sexual Health
Since the inception of sex education in the 20th century, sex education has been heteronormative, with a focus on maintaining the institution of marriage through abstinence-until-marriage. Learn more about the impacts of heterosexism on sexual health and sex education.
Adultism & Sexual Health
Adultism is deeply ingrained in our society and is reinforced by attitudes, beliefs, policies, and practices that silence young people's voices and creates mistrust for young people to make their own decisions. Here, we explore adultism and its impact on young people's bodily autonomy, decision-making, consent and sexual health.
Culture & Sexual Health
Sex education in the United States is influenced by cultural changes and is shaped by more than a century of social movements, religious influence, and moments in history that have impacted the values and beliefs around what sex education should be. Read how culture impacts sexual health and education.
Colonialism & Sexual Health
Consent and the right to bodily autonomy are fundamental values of our approach to implementing comprehensive sex education in Colorado. Here, we explore how colonialism has opposed these values throughout history and examine colonialism's influence on the field of modern gynecology and reproductive freedom.
Intersectionality & Sexual Health
Read how intersectionality can support us in understanding unique experiences with sexual health and diverse needs in sex education