TonioTimeDaily

"But above all else, sexuality is a fundamental part of being human. Everyone has a right to the information they need to engage in sexual activity in a way that’s not only safe, but also, right for them.

This driving/sex analogy isn’t perfect, of course. Driving is a privilege that people enjoy, while sex is an integral part of life that everyone has a right to fully understand. And while driver’s ed is an impersonal state requirement, sex ed serves as an important key to bodily autonomy. But the basics stand.

Most people will drive in their lifetimes, and it’s understood that driver’s ed is needed for them to do so safely and successfully. Similarly, most people will have sex in their lifetimes, and sex ed should be an obvious accompaniment. It’s ludicrous to assert that anyone should be expected to know exactly what they’re doing in the bedroom without learning some rules of the road.

Saying that young people need sexuality education just to prevent unintended pregnancy and STIs is a disservice. Young people deserve to fully understand their bodies and the potential outcomes of any sexual decision they may or may not make.

We should be following in the footsteps of reproductive health, rights, and justice activists. Let’s let it be known that refusing young people quality sexuality education robs them of the right to information that’s fundamental to ensuring their lifelong health and well-being.

I, for one, want to be part of a nation that equips its emerging leaders with all the tools possible for success — whatever that means for them.

So, I ask: how is the right to abortion different from the right to sex ed?

Young people, like all people, have the right to autonomy over their bodies — to be fully in charge of their health and well-being regardless of anyone’s opinions, values, beliefs, or desires. But we deny them that right when we withhold information that allows them to fully understand the decisions they may make regarding sexual health.

Sure, we could point to studies and stats when making the case for comprehensive sexuality education — because they are plentiful.

But, a rights-based approach to comprehensive sexuality education in schools should be a no-brainer. Much like other forms of education or training — where we aim to provide people with as much information as possible — it just makes sense.

Let’s take driving as an example. No matter who you are or how you drive, there are potential risks associated with driving a car, but no one expects you to avoid driving altogether because of them.

And while accidents are possible, there are certain steps we take as a society to mitigate risks. For example, we all take driver’s ed and learn all the information and options we need to ensure our wellbeing while we’re on the road. It’s a given that this is important and necessary.

Now, let’s talk about sex. Sure, there are potential risks associated with engaging in sexual activity no matter who you are or how you have sex. But, it’s completely unrealistic to expect that human beings will avoid sex altogether because of them.

People enjoy sex, and in addition to allowing us to reproduce (in the context of penis-in-vagina sex), it brings with it myriad social, emotional, and physical benefits."

I fully approve of this article: "https://siecus.org/sex-ed-is-a-human-right-its-time-we-start-treating-it-like-one/." 

--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/antonio-myers4/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/antonio-myers4/support