There's Nothing More Terrifying Than Being Kept in the Dark
How Trump's attacks on education keep our kids vulnerable
In the past, I’ve used scary season to write about the things that most terrify parents and other caregivers when it comes to talking about sexuality with their kids.
But in this particular cultural moment, there’s nothing more terrifying to me than the steps Trump has taken to keep the kids of America—arguably, our future—uneducated.
One of the scariest measures have been Trump’s early executive orders to roll back protections for transgender people and terminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Luckily, a judge recently blocked the administration’s efforts to remove “radical indoctrination” and “gender ideology” from teen pregnancy prevention programs.
I can’t imagine, however, that the administration will just roll over. The attacks against lessons on gender and diversity have been many, particularly over the past few years, and the hits just keep on coming. Because it seems that the scariest thing for conservatives is that their kids might develop empathy for those who are different from them, and that they might develop the ability to make informed decisions about their bodies and their relationships.
Sorry for the snark. I’m feeling cranky.
ANYWAY.
I invite you to check out all SIECUS’s seasonal Insta posts on why sex ed isn’t scary, and to review the advocacy page on Guerrilla Sex Ed for ideas on how you can push back against attempts to keep our kids in the dark.
Full Disclosure: Sex Ed in the News
Another reason to love libraries? Sure! In this piece for Rewire News Group, Taylor Hunsberger reports on the libraries who are leading initiatives to distribute sexual health information, provide period products, and more.
In less delightful news, the current administration isn’t content to screw around with K-12 education. A new document promises universities federal funding in exchange for ideological compliance.
On a completely different note, I was fascinated by this piece on how helicopter parenting was becoming obsolete because kids are starting to helicopter parent themselves. This has a lot to do with the culture of surveillance in which we now live, and how the idea of being watched and tracked at all times has just become the status quo.
Sex Ed Resources
I’ve long been a fan of Pleasure Pie, a sexual health organization that creates sex ed zines and workshops. But it was this post about their period sex zine that finally convinced me to sign up for their Zine Club. They’re just making so many cool things!
Today’s Vibe
