Why I Don't Celebrate STI Awareness Month: Promoting Ongoing Education and Inclusivity
You may see other educators celebrating April as STI Awareness Month, however, I am not one of them. I have several posts from prior years about why, but much of my logic centers around the idea that it further others, or stigmatizes, STIs. For me, to be truly inclusive and remove stigma, we need to extend awareness beyond a month. It’s a conversation we need to have with students, educators, clients, etc. in perpetuity.
While I do not participate, I want to share some reminders for folks who continue to engage and post, as well as remind folks more generally.
1. Use person-first language (I learned this from Courtney Brame of @honmychest)
2. Say goodbye to STD and Venereal Disease. STI is generally received as more inclusive
3. Teach students about disclosing their oral HSV status (because were living in a world where many do NOT realize that cold sores can be transmitted to someone’s genitals).
4. Find language that reflects the realities of living with STIs. Get guest speakers, go beyond the textbook into the world of Instagram educators, look for how people define their experiences versus how stigma and stereotypes do.