Sex in the Dark MSU LGBT Resource Center

If one looks back to their high school sex ed class, they probably can imagine an uncomfortable teacher demonstrating the application of a condom and condemning sexual activity as a near-criminal act. Although these courses did mention the potential danger in contracting STDs, HIV and AIDs, they likely promoted an abstinence-only outlook. The Guttmacher Institute has found that these kind of programs that "promote abstinence-only-until-marriage—now termed 'sexual risk avoidance' by proponents—have been described as 'scientifically and ethically problematic.' They systematically ignore or stigmatize many young people and do not meet their health needs." And, the institute reports that within each state, "relatively few high schools offered instruction on HIV, STDs or pregnancy prevention specifically relevant to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning (LGBTQ) youth in 2014; the proportion ranged from 11 percent in South Dakota to 56 percent in Vermont."
Bearing in mind that many high schoolers went without an inclusive, honest discussion around sex, MSU's LGBT Resource Center is hoping to change that. On Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m., in the Erickson Hall Kiva classroom, students will be able to enter a "sex-positive space."
According to the event Facebook page, students can "ask those questions you may be too afraid to ask your peers." And, the group will provide opportunities for students to learn about safer sex behaviors and resources throug ha panel of "professional educators and MSU students who will be prepared to answer all queer & trans sex question."
For information about registration, or accommodations, please contact Frankie Resto at [email protected].