#United States #Washington #sex education #LGBTQQ #It's On Us

Erased in School: A Closer Look at the Sex Education Gap for LGBTQQ Men

A recent report released by It's On Us, titled Erased in School, Educated Online: LGBTQQ Men and the Sex Ed Gap, provides a critical exploration of the experiences of young LGBTQQ men regarding sex education in schools. This mixed-methods study aims to uncover the gaps in knowledge and representation that many in the LGBTQQ community face as they navigate their sexual education, particularly during their formative years before entering college.

The report reveals startling findings that speak to the heart of a significant issue within the current educational system. Young LGBTQQ men often find themselves turning to online resources for information about sexual health and well-being, largely due to the inadequacies present in school-based curricula. While education should be inclusive and comprehensive, many LGBTQQ students, unfortunately, find that their specific needs are either overlooked or completely ignored in traditional sex education programs.

Tracey Vitchers, the Executive Director of It's On Us, emphasizes the urgency of this issue: "At a moment when diversity, equity, and inclusion programming faces unprecedented and destructive attacks, we must invest more into supporting LGBTQQ students, not less." The sentiment clearly outlines the perspective that the responsibility of obtaining accurate sex education should not rest on the shoulders of the students themselves, especially when systemic shortcomings exist.

Key Findings and Insights

The report bases its findings on surveys conducted with college-aged men, consisting of 512 individuals who identified as LGBTQQ and 494 who identified as straight and cisgender. Some key points highlighted in the findings include:

• - Higher Online Resource Utilization: Young LGBTQQ men who had access to sex education in schools were still more inclined to seek supplemental information through online sources compared to their cisgender straight counterparts. This indicates a perceived deficiency in the education they received, prompting them to find answers elsewhere.
• - Divergent Search Behaviors: When it comes to online searches for sexual health information, LGBTQQ men showed a preference for reputable sexual health and medical websites, contrasting with the tendency of cisgender straight men who often relied on general internet searches. This difference underscores the need for accurate and reliable resources tailored for LGBTQQ individuals.
• - Mental and Emotional Affinity Towards Online Settings: The study establishes that online platforms were viewed as more affirming and comprehensive, especially when compared to the often outdated abstinence-based and fear-driven messages found in school curricula. This dichotomy reflects a critical gap in the educational approaches currently in place.

Moving Towards Inclusion

Despite the disheartening findings, the report does not dwell solely on the negatives. It outlines actionable steps for improvement, emphasizing the need for inclusivity in sex education programs. Recommendations from the report advocate for:**

• - Foster partnerships with national and local sexual health organizations to create LGBTQQ-inclusive programming that addresses the unique needs of these students.
• - Provide media literacy courses and online safety training to equip educators and students alike with the skills needed to navigate the online realm effectively.
• - Encourage schools to engage in thorough audits of their existing curricula to ensure they are inclusive and representative of all student identities.

The message of the report is clear: it's time for educational institutions to step up and take responsibility for the comprehensive care and education of all students, rather than allowing systemic neglect to perpetuate disparities.

The full report can be accessed here. As further insights from this ongoing research emerge, they will undoubtedly inform future efforts by It's On Us to enhance prevention training regarding sexual health and safety on college campuses.

Conclusion

It's On Us is committed to building a movement that tackles campus sexual assault and promotes a safe, inclusive environment for all students. Founded as an initiative during the Obama administration, It's On Us has become the largest student organizing program in the nation focused on combating sexual violence in educational institutions. As the conversation around inclusivity and diversity in educational settings continues to grow, it is crucial to address these essential findings head-on and work towards a more equitable future for all students.