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.