FEATURE
May 2021 Issue
Comprehensive Sexuality Education: A Wider Perspective written by Ryan de Torres
Despite having a fast-paced and ever-changing technological world, some aspects of society are left behind. Conservative views, beliefs, and practices still persist that can be barriers for people to become more open, progressive, and critical on their way of life and living. We can associate this with the discourse of having comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) in every educational institution.
sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and reproductive tract infections are prevalent health concerns. Some individuals suffer from emotional, social, psychological, and spiritual challenges because of confusion, misunderstanding, and rejection of their own sexuality. This situation occurs because of fear and experience of rejection, stigma, and discrimination.
CSE focuses not only on discussing what sex is all about. More than that, it comprises multifaceted topics, issues, and concerns on sexual health. The World Health Organization recognizes that sexual health is an essential aspect of individuals’ health There are ongoing debates and resistance that has implications for communities and to implementing CSE as others perceive societies’ socio-economic development. this to promote early sexual engagements, especially among the youth. Other people An affirmative environment that recognizand groups question its importance despite es and accepts individuals regardless of its positive impacts on individuals’ health their sexual orientation, gender identity, and wellness as a whole. There are notions and sexual expression can create positive about the preparation and readiness of ed- growth and development in every individucators considering their social, cultural, ual, community, and society. CSE is instruand religious backgrounds that challenge mental in awakening and broadening the their acceptance to implement it. Looking perspective of individuals that sexuality into the situations of societies, premarital is not only about having sex and doing it sex, teenage pregnancy, gender stigma, responsibly. It helps individuals to learn discrimination, and violence, and increas- and witness the diversity of sexuality and ing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), eventually promotes inclusivity. It creates
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an empowering environment where individuals can freely express their sexuality safely and experience the true meaning of equality, freedom, and pride. It destroys communities that are restrictive, punitive, and destructive to human potential and development. If we want individuals and communities to see, embrace, and respect different colors, we need to work together to integrate and implement CSE in our educational system successfully. Nurturing individuals at the early stage helps them to defy social and sexual constructs that inhibit them from reaching limitless possibilities. Moreover, CSE is crucial to eliminating social inequities, injustices, and inequalities from a broader perspective. Thus, different members of communities and societies must understand and advocate CSE.
A group of high school students classify sexual characteristics and puberty manifestations among male compared to females. Photo from United Nations in Philippines.
