fuck yeah sex education

Disclaimer: This blog is no longer very active, now most posts are just asking for feedback on current projects. Because it hasn't been thoroughly checked in a while some information may be outdated and some links may be broken. 

[fuckyeahsexeducation]

Asking the Tumblr Hivemind

I teach the sex education curriculum of Our Whole Lives at my local Unitarian Universalist church, right now we are teaching the kindergarten-1st grade class. We don’t get a whole lot of support from the congregation, although we do have a small budget we can use for supplies and training new teachers. I want to get more involved and get them more involved.

One of the ways I want to do this is help change the culture to be more trans inclusive, since gender education is a big part of comprehensive sex education. I swear I’ve seen print outs or signs for churches and other organizations on how to be more welcoming to trans people including always including your pronouns in introductions to make it more normalized, avoiding gendering and binary language, etc. but I can’t find one anywhere! I want to put it on the cork board in the foyer so everyone can see it and start changing their behavior.

So tumblr hivemind: can any of you find me something I can print out that will show a list of ways my congregation can be more welcoming/inclusive of trans people?

[fuckyeahsexeducation]

For Your Sex Education — Inclusive Community for the Modern Parent

I know I rarely post on here any more and that sucks but I’m a columnist for an online parenting zine called Candor. I try to post at least once a month so if you want to read my stuff click here! I’m planning on re-writing some of my old stuff and posting it so stay tuned.

[fuckyeahsexeducation]

The Status of Abortion in Arkansas

rI live in Arkansas and have volunteered with the local Planned Parenthood. I’m friends with some of the people involved in campaigning for keeping abortion available in Arkansas. We’ve had a lot of anti-choice bills coming up and being passed, as are a lot of states right now. I wanted to share with you some of the things happening in Arkansas right now.

Signed into Law:

•Act 180 (SB 149, Sen. Jason Rapert, R-Conway) triggers a total abortion ban if Roe v. Wade is overturned with no exception for rape or incest. Doctors who perform abortions would face up to 10 years in prison. Senate vote: passed 29-6; 2/7/19. House vote: passed 72-20; 2/14/19.

•Act 493 (HB 1439, Rep. Robin Lundstrum, R-Springdale) is an unconstitutional bill to ban abortion after 18 weeks without exceptions for rape, incest, or fatal fetal anomaly. House vote: passed 86-1; 3/13/19. Senate vote: passed 28-6; 3/11/19.

•Act 522 (SB 341, Sen. Missy Irvin, R-Mountain View) would force physicians to give medically inaccurate and potentially dangerous information about abortion pill "reversal" to patients.  Some claim that after taking the first abortion pill you can take an amount of progesterone that would negate the effects of the pill. Not only is there no medical or scientific proof that this would actually work, or is safe. According to ACOG, the American College of Obstetretricians and Gynecologists,  these procedures are unproven and unethical(medical Senate vote: passed 29-5; 2/28/19. House vote: passed 70-14; 3/18/19.

•Act 620 (SB 3, Sen. Trent Garner, R-El Dorado) is a TRAP* law that imposes medically unnecessary reporting requirements on abortion providers in an effort to intimidate and ultimately discredit them. Senate vote: passed 28-6; 3/7/19. House vote: passed 75-13; 3/27/19.

•Act 619 (SB 2, Sen. Trent Garner, R-El Dorado) stands in the way of a person’s right to an abortion in the case of a diagnosis of fetal Down syndrome, while doing nothing to address discrimination or ensure that people living with disabilities have access to health care and other services they need. Senate vote: passed 29-2; 3/20/19. House vote: passed 75-11; 3/27/19.

•Act 700 (SB 448, Sen. Gary Stubblefield, R-Branch) would require abortion providers to be OB/GYNs, creating a barrier to care in Northwest Arkansas, where the only abortion formerly available was the abortion pill. They are requiring even those administering the abortion pill, one of the safest medications available, to be a OB/GYN. This is like requiring a doctor prescribing antibiotics to be a surgeon. Senate vote: passed 29-5; 3/14/19. House vote: passed 70-15; 3/28/19.

•Act 801 (SB 278, Sen. Gary Stubblefield, R-Branch) is a TRAP* law that would extend the abortion waiting period to 72 hours and increase Arkansas' "informed consent" requirements. Senate vote: passed 28-6; 3/18/19. House vote: passed 75-13; 4/2/19.

Awaiting Governor’s Signature:

•HB 1453 (Rep. Clint Penzo, R-Springdale) would make it state policy to encourage women to carry fetuses with a fatal diagnosis to full term. It has passed the House. House vote: passed 73-18; 3/4/19. Senate vote: passed 29-5; 4/8/19.

•HB 1856 (Rep. Jim Dotson, R-Bentonville) bans state funding for abortion or related expenses for those in state custody. House vote: passed 75-16; 3/26/19. Senate vote: passed 29-3; 4/9/19.

* A TRAP Law, Targeted Regulation of Abortion, is a law that targets the medical pratices of doctors that provide abortion and enforces requirements that aren’t required of other medical practices. They often make it more difficult to get abortion and don’t actually make anything safer. 

[fuckyeahsexeducation]

Conversation Topic of the Day

What are some questions you’ve been afraid to ask about your vagina and/or vulva?

[fuckyeahsexeducation]

STI jeopardy

I need some really difficult questions for the Sexually Transmitted Infection jeopardy game I’m working on. The purpose of this activity is to provide a fun and quick way for them to get all the information they need so it also needs to be important questions.

Any ideas?

[fuckyeahsexeducation]

Conversation Starter of the Day

What are the advantages of having sexual fantasies- in terms of pleasure, emotional intimacy, safety, and communication.

What are the disadvantages?

[rapeculturerealities]

It is another example of the pervasive issue of sexual assault against people with disabilities and Native women.

Although many of the details of this horrifying incident remain unknown, news of the case has conjured up significant outrage, especially among sexual assault and disability rights advocates who want to know how this could have happened and what actions will be taken to stop similar tragedies in the future.

Chief among their concerns is the troubling treatment of this story, particularly among the media who have been reporting this incident as a “possible sexual assault.”

“It is unacceptable that the media isn’t covering this for what it is—rape. She wasn’t ‘allegedly assaulted,’ she was raped,” Rebecca Cokley, director of the Disability Justice Initiative at the Center for American Progress, told Rewire.News in an email.

“I think it continues to indicate a media that is still largely uncomfortable seeing disabled people, as well, people. It’s further emphasized by the journalists covering the issues neglecting to interview disabled women who work on these issues, forcing it to be perceived through a nondisabled lens,” Cokley continued.

Of course, this heartbreaking incident is not surprising to many people with disabilities. As Imani Barbarin aptly pointed out on Twitter, “83% of disabled women are sexually assaulted in their lifetime.”

read more

[fuckyeahsexeducation]

This is why it’s important to talk about disabilities when talking about sex education and why sex education programs specifically for people with disabilities is so important

[rapeculturerealities]

Over-the-Counter Contraceptives Are Now Free for Washingtonians With Insurance

The morning-after pill and vasectomies are now free in Washington!

After six years of infuriating Republican obstructionism in Olympia, the Reproductive Parity Act passed last session. A lot of the talk around the bill focused on the part that requires all insurers who cover maternity care to also cover abortion. And rightfully so. That provision expanded abortion access to greater number of Washingtonians, giving a greater number of women control over their own goddamned reproductive health choices. But the bill also included some preventative care measures that didn’t get as much press.

Namely: As of January 1, 2019, all Washingtonians with state-regulated insurance can now pick up over-the-counter contraceptives for free at their in-network pharmacies, according to the Office of the Insurance Commissioner. Those contraceptives include “condoms, spermicides, emergency contraceptives, and sponges.”

So—if you’re not on Medicaid, and if you don’t work for a mega-company that self-insures—then you can just stroll into a Walgreens (or a Rite Aid, or whatever pharmacy is in your network), walk up to the pharmacy counter, and ask for some Plan B, some condoms, or whatever a “sponge” is, and they’ll give it to you for freeeeeee at point of service.

read more

[rapeculturerealities]

This Is the Difference Between Normal Fighting and Verbal Abuse

A psychologist gives us six examples of verbal abuse in a relationship.

Because the signs may be subtle, discerning between a heated argument and verbal abuse can be tricky. I’ve seen many people who didn’t realize they were being abused until they began therapy. Oftentimes, they unknowingly minimize or justify their partner’s actions, by telling themselves things, like: “He’s just stressed out from work; once we get away for a vacation, things will get better,” or “He has trouble coping with anger. I know he didn’t mean the cruel things he said to me.” When caustic words like “I wouldn’t get angry if you weren’t so sensitive,” or “You brought the conflict on yourself. I’m not apologizing,” become the norm, not a rare exception, it may be time to re-examine the well-being of your relationship.

It might sound surprising, but nearly 50 percent of women and men have experienced at least one psychologically unsafe encounter with a partner. While it’s difficult to ignore the damage inflicted by physical violence—like black eyes and bruises—the psychological wounds left by verbal punches aren’t nearly as noticeable. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t just as damaging to one’s self-esteem and mental health as physical violence.

And while there’s often a thin line between fighting and verbal abuse, there are a few tell-tale signs that could indicate you’re in an emotionally abusive relationship.

read more

[thatdiabolicalfeminist]

Some ways to talk positively about sex without adding to the pressure to have it:

Make it clear that trying to control other people is what’s wrong with sex-shaming. Sex is a personal choice. It’s just as wrong to shame people for choosing not to have sex as it is to shame them for having it. What’s important is respecting people’s right to make their own choices.

Be clear that having sex or not has zero impact  on someone’s worth. You’re not worth more or less if you have a lot of sex. You’re not worth more or less if you have no sex or sex only in certain circumstances. Your choices about whether or not to have sex are not even remotely connected to how good, cool, or interesting a person you are. Feminists: When you talk about the way sexually active women are devalued, also talk about the way women who choose not to have sex are thrust into their own unhealthy roles as paragons, “innocents” to be manipulated, or ever-nurturing maternal figures. Talk about false dichotomies and why they’re harmful to everyone who is coercively sorted into them, and why it’s important to value people without thrusting them into this dichotomy.

Desexify sex. Talk about it frankly. Don’t treat it as a big mysterious forbidden secret, a big rite of passage, a feminist achievement, or some kind of holy bonding ritual. Sex is a hobby. Like any other hobby, it has different meanings for different people in different contexts. Like any other hobby, some people like to do it with their romantic partners, with friends, or with other people, and some people like to do it rarely or not at all. Like any other hobby, some people find it very meaningful, some use it as a way to bond with their partner, and some people just think it’s fun or do it because they’re bored. Like any other hobby, sex is not necessary to have a good and happy relationship. Some people have it, some people don’t. There are a lot of hobbies you can share with your partner; this one isn’t the only option or the most important one. Etc., etc.

Make a clear distinction between sexual feelings and choosing to do sexual things. Many people like to feel sexual even if they don’t want to have sex, and that’s okay! Exploring sexual thoughts, feelings, and activities alone is a healthy choice, and so is just ignoring those thoughts and feelings. Make it clear that the power is in the choice. .

Provide information on asexuality. Not everyone feels sexual attraction, and knowing that it’s a valid experience shared by many others may help people feel like it’s okay not to have sexual relationships they don’t want.

Emphasise emotional safety. Talk about how people have different emotional needs and that it’s important to think about your feelings and expectations before deciding to have sex. Many people have complicated feelings about sex and it’s important not to rush in until you understand what you want - emotionally and otherwise - from a sexual experience.

Emphasise meaningful consent. Meaningful consent means everyone involved really understands what’s going to happen, what the risks are, and what it means for them emotionally and for their relationship with whoever they’re having sex with. It means everyone has talked about what they want and what they don’t, and feels okay saying “stop” and “slow down” and “not right now” and “let’s do something else for while.” It means there’s a pretty even balance of power - there’s no meaningful consent if one person is much older, a teacher or mentor, a coach, or a boss. It also means that nobody feels like they have to do it to make someone else happy. Meaningful consent means that nothing happens unless everyone has said yes to it while feeling safe enough to say “no” if they want to.

Here are some things to think about when deciding whether or not to have sex. (link one) (link two)

[fuckyeahsexeducation]

Tumblr Guidelines

I’m honestly not 100% how FYSE and other sex ed related blogs are going to be affected by the new community guidelines.

I’m hoping if anything about my blog does get deemed inappropriate that I’ll have a chance to fix it to make sure nothing is removed.

I’ll keep y’all updated.

[fuckyeahsexeducation]

I wanted to provide abortions for my patients. My med school wouldn't teach me how.

Access isn’t just about legal restrictions. It’s about attitudes inside the medical community.

Whenever I posted about Abortion in Arkansas I got a lot of questions, this answers a lot of them and shows why reproductive justice is so important.

On a personal note, it’s written by the doctor who put in my IUD and is also the doctor who does general care in the Planned Parenthood. If you don’t have insurance, or have insurance that isn’t so great, see if your PP does general medicine. Some don’t, but those that do have great doctors like this one.

[reading-writing-revolution]

[seriesofnonsequiturs]

[Text of Tweet: George Takei: If you are turned away at the polls because your name is not on the register, don’t walk away. Say this: I REQUEST A PROVISIONAL BALLOT AS REQUIRED BY LAW.

Don’t let them steal your vote]

Additional info:

“Provisional Ballot Laws are laws that require a provisional ballot upon verficiation of the idenity of the voter if a voter fails to present proper identification at the polls or when registering before voter registration deadlines.”

More here on national provisional ballot laws

[delphinidin4]

Copied from facebook (source: John Young)

Poll worker here! Let’s talk about this “I DEMAND A PROVISIONAL BALLOT AS PROVIDED BY LAW” thing.

== TL:DR; Yes, provisional ballots are important! And yes, you should absolutely ask for one if you need to. But there’s a couple of things to try first. A provisional ballot is a last resort. ==

It’s very common for voters to come up to the “check-in” desk, and not be found in the poll book. Some non-nefarious reasons why that might be the case:

1) The poll worker doesn’t understand how to spell your name. 2) You’re not in the right precinct (this happens ALLLL the time) 3) New married name? 4) You’re a college student, and you are registered, but you’re registered at home.

Here’s my recommendation for what to do: * Make sure the poll worker is looking in the right spot (the book will be right in front of you; you can help find your name.) * Mention your home address to the poll worker. THey may very well immediately say something like “Oh! Yes, you should be voting in the cafeteria. Here in the GYM, we are your next precinct over.” * Ask politely to speak to someone to verify your status with the county. They will get on the phone with county folks, who will look you up in their BIG COMPUTER.

The steps above will, eight times out of ten, change you from the scary status of “Huh? you don’t exist!” to “Oh, right! Okay, here you go, voter!”

If that doesn’t work, ask firmly and politely for a provisional ballot. If you say “AS PROVIDED BY LAWWWWW”, you will only get an eye-roll from a tired and hungry poll-worker. But hey, you do you – it really IS the law.

If you don’t get satisfaction, all is not lost. Step outside the precinct and call the ACLU, and they will send someone over to have some FIRM WORDS with the Judge of Elections.

How do I know? I’ve had ACLU lawyers sent to talk to me during an election: “Hey, we heard that you were turning voters away!” they said.

I wasn’t, but I DID NOT MIND having someone smart and informed come to check on what was up. The ACLU counsel was smart, engaged, and knew the rules. Had I been trying some crap, this person would have SHUT. IT. DOWN.

So, the BOTTOM bottom line is: 1) Provisional ballots are a last resort. You can read up on them; they’re definitely riskier than a full, “real” ballot. You want to vote at your proper precinct as your first choice. 2) Don’t panic if you’re not in the book. Are you in the right place? 3) If you decide you do need a provisional, be firm, polite, and persistent. There’s no “secret phrase” that’s going to make us poll workers hiss with dismay: “CURSESSSSSSS! They know about the provisionalssssss!” 4) But do stick up for yourself! And if you don’t get what you want, call it in! There’s LOTS of folks to help!

[fuckyeahsexeducation]

Your Friendly Neighborhood Sex Educator here!

Please do research on your local elections. Please go vote. A lot of reproductive health rights and the rights of repressed groups are on the line.

[hellyeahscarleteen]

HIV infections dramatically declined in one Australian state through the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis PrEP in men who have sex with men.

This is awesome news! Want to learn more about PrEP? Check this out!

[fuckyeahsexeducation]

Aid Access supports women who cannot otherwise access an abortion and protects their human rights.

This is by the same organization as Women on Web, an amazing organization that helps people in countries where abortion is outlawed or scarce get the abortions they need. Unfortunately, the organization has been unable to deliver to the United States.

That’s why Aid Access was created, now that abortions are getting more difficult to obtain in the U.S. It’s a safe and reputable way to get the abortion pill online. 

Because it is the abortion pill it is only effective before nine weeks of pregnancy.

For more information on self-managed abortion check out this Guttmacher article Scarleteen Article or the studies done on its safety here and here

[hellyeahscarleteen]

The Fake Clinic Database is a collection of all discoverable crisis pregnancy center locations nationwide, independently verified and regularly updated by Reproaction. We are proud to provide access to the Fake Clinic Database in an open-source fashion. Terms of use for our Fake Clinic Database are available below our data: This dataset is most easily viewed on larger screens. TERMS OF USE: You agree to provide attribution to Reproaction and its data in the following format: Reproaction Education Fund: Fake Clinic Database, accessed from . You may not publicly represent or imply that Reproaction is participating in or has approved, endorsed, or sponsored your use of the Fake Clinic Database – including using the Reproaction logo – without express permission from Reproaction principals. Reproaction reserves the right to deny access to our Fake Clinic Database or remove from public availability at any time, for any reason, without advance notice to users, if abuse of our data or

A fantastic, thorough new tool from the folks at Reproaction.

[plannedparenthood]

basically 

[fuckyeahsexeducation]

Any other sexuality educators loving this show? Of course I have problems with some parts but I can never fully enjoy everything.