STD’s (think STI vs STD, types, treatments, emphasis on testing and not fear mongering, treatment and vaccines)

You will choose one of the topics listed below and write a blog post briefly covering what you knew about the topic from your own sex ed experience and then focusing on what would be a better, more expansive, inclusive, queer and helpful lesson about the topic. The topics are intentionally open ended so that you can focus on what you think would be the best way to cover that topic- a brief overview of crucial information, an in-depth look at one small aspect, or something in between. Think about what you would have liked to have known and think others should know about your topic. Pick something you yourself are interested in knowing more about, something that may be new to you, or something that you are passionate about. Don’t be afraid to cover a topic that you think we need to talk about, whatever that is; part of this project is getting past shame and judgement surrounding sexual health and education.

Requirements:

Part 1: The Blog

  • Minimum 500 words (feel free to go over)
  • At least 2 Images/Videos
  • At least 3 Verified Sources (Verified sources are legitimate websites, articles, journals, and books from knowledgeable sources- ie, a peer reviewed book from a major publisher, a sexual education website site from an accredited educator or organization, or a web post from the Center for Disease Control are fine sources, a random persons blog is not).

 

Blog Post Instructions:

  1. Plan your blog post by choosing a topic, creating an outline, conducting research, and checking facts. Consider whether you will focus on breadth or depth on your topic.
  2. Craft a headline that is both informative and will capture readers’ attentions.
  3. Write your post, either writing a draft in a single session or gradually work on parts of it.
  4. Use images or videos to enhance your post, improve its flow, add humor, and explain complex topics.
  5. Edit your blog post. Make sure to avoid repetition, read your post aloud to check its flow, have someone else read it and provide feedback, keep sentences and paragraphs short, don’t be a perfectionist but do check your grammar and spelling, don’t be afraid to cut out text, rewrite something or adapt your blog post at the last minute.
  6. Include your sources at the bottom, format doesn’t matter, as long as you provide a functional link and the title of the source.

Topics:

 Sex and the Law (think sexting, statutory rape, prostitution, abortion, sex trafficking, etc)

Sex and Disability (think about issues of consent for those with developmental disabilities, types of pleasure for individuals who are not able-bodied)

Consent (think about how to communicate consent, yes means yes, enthusiastic consent)

Sexual Abuse (think gas lighting, sexual predators, domestic violence, campus rape, date rape)

Rape Culture (think toxic masculinity, rape jokes, the need for #metoo)

LGBTQ Sexual Health Issues (think safe sex for gay men and lesbians, prEP,)

Sex Ed for Young Children (think kindrgarden sex ed, how to talk to children about consent)

Sexual Pleasure (think sex toys, the orgasm gap, communication, erogenous zones)

Fetishes (think types, safety/safe words, after care)

Menstruation (think menstrual cups, menstrual underwear, free bleeding, sex during menstruation, etc)

Masturbation (think how to, benefits)

Condoms (think male, female, latex free, sheep skin, history of, dental dams, sheaths, sizes, etc)

Contraception (think types, things that may interfere with birth control, how to access them, Plan B)

Sexual Orientation (think how to know what you want, experimentation, etc)

Pornography (think the benefits, the draw backs, the commercialization of sex, porn addiction, sexism in the porn industry)

STD’s (think STI vs STD, types, treatments, emphasis on testing and not fear mongering, treatment and vaccines)

International Sex Ed (think where is it good, why is it good there, where is it bad, what makes it bad, what are some unique approaches other places)

Reproduction (think anatomy, what to do if you want to get pregnant, what pregnancy is like, risks/complications, birthing options, postpartum care)

Parenthood (think cost of having a baby, maternity/paternity leave, insurance/wic, time commitment)

Safer Sex (think lube, protection, communication, hygiene etc)

 

Resources:

Some Sex Ed Blogs, Programs & Materials to Get you Thinking/Started: