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.

There are ongoing debates and resistance to implementing CSE as others perceive this to promote early sexual engagements, especially among the youth. Other people and groups question its importance despite its positive impacts on individuals’ health and wellness as a whole. There are notions about the preparation and readiness of educators considering their social, cultural, and religious backgrounds that challenge their acceptance to implement it. Looking into the situations of societies, premarital sex, teenage pregnancy, gender stigma, discrimination, and violence, and increasing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), 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 that has implications for communities and societies’ socio-economic development.

An affirmative environment that recognizes and accepts individuals regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and sexual expression can create positive growth and development in every individual, community, and society. CSE is instrumental in awakening and broadening the perspective of individuals that sexuality is not only about having sex and doing it responsibly. It helps individuals to learn and witness the diversity of sexuality and eventually promotes inclusivity. It creates 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.