Why Sexual Health Education Can’t Ignore Politics: The Impact of Historical Control on Our Bodies
“I just come to your page for information. I don’t want your politics.”
I hear you, politics is exhausting. I get it. Just look at how stressed Americans get even thinking about it (65%).
But we need to have a talk—when we talk about sexual health, we’re not just sharing facts, we’re having a conversation that has deep political roots.
The history of s*x education isn’t just a backdrop — it’s a battleground that affects every single one of us, and is likely one of the reasons you’re here.
Think back to abstinence-only health education that so many of us (including myself!) endured—education that did not prepare us for real-life situations and promoted misinformation. This history is critical because it illustrates how those in power have sought to control not just our bodies, but our understanding of them.
Every question that you bring to my page echoes these struggles. When accurate information becomes increasingly difficult to find (think social media censorship of your favorite health educators) the questions don’t go away. They’re redirected to less reliable sources, perpetuating cycles of misinformation and shame.
If you’re ready to explore why your questions matter in this ongoing struggle for knowledge and agency, read my latest article on Substack—I dive into how over a century of policy has shaped the narrative around our reproductive health education—and what’s really at stake in the 2024 election and beyond.