Tonight we’re gonna study like it’s 1998 (not)
With the return of school comes the return of Talk Nerdy to Me. While the column may be back, not all sexual education has returned. The health curriculum has been reverted to its 1998 version (instead of the 2015 curriculum). Being aware of important aspects of sexuality can help make your sexual life better. The following list, in no particular order, addresses some of the aspects you should be aware of (many of which I have written about in more depth in previous instalments of this column).
1. Understand consent
While there are a lot of campaigns regarding consent, unfortunately consent is not simple and there is more to consent than can fit into a catchy phrase. Make sure you have a thorough understanding of consent and what constitutes inappropriate sexual behaviour.
2. Understand the benefits and dangers of technology and how to protect yourself
Technology is imbedded in sexuality, from dating apps to sexting. While technology is great it does have some serious drawbacks, including the potential to put your safety at risk. It’s important to be aware of the risks you are taking and make sure you’re doing what you can to protect yourself.
3. Understand the risks of sexual activity and how to protect yourself
Sexual activity can result in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy. It is important to understand how STIs can be contracted, what they are, and how to prevent them. If you are engaging in penile-vaginal intercourse and do not want to be pregnant, it is also important to know about the different contraceptive options that are available to you.
4. Communicating with your (potential) partner
Communication is key! Being on the same page as your partner — whether that’s a sexual partner, a romantic partner, or both — is important in order to ensure you are both getting what you want out of the relationship. From a sexual point of view, it is important to discuss relevant protection, such as condoms, STI testing, and contraceptives, but it is also important to talk about what you find pleasurable and your boundaries.
5. Genders and orientations
Being aware of the various genders and sexual orientations that exist can help you discover who you are and how to be an ally. See the article “Sexuality is a spectrum,” in issue 185.1 of The Ontarion.
6. Healthy relationships
Understanding what a healthy relationship is, and what an unhealthy relationship looks like, can help you find a healthier relationship.
7. Credible sources
Knowing what sources are credible ensures that you are getting the correct information. Often, media such as Internet news articles or TV shows can contain useful information about sexuality, but sometimes media tends to be biased, stereotypical, and unrealistic. Being aware of how various sources are impacting your understanding of sexuality can be valuable.
If you found yourself reading this article and feeling like you don’t know a lot about a certain topic mentioned. Please visit The Ontarion’s website to learn more from previous instalments of Talk Nerdy To Me, or better yet, talk to a healthcare professional. With sexual education taking a step backwards, it’s more important than ever to step up and make your sexual health a priority. Take the initiative to seek out information on the areas listed here.
Photo by Tasha Falconer