Questioning the Sex Education Cis-Tem: LGBTQIA+ Sex Education and the Safety of First Consensual Sexual Encounter

A TILE x LGBTQ+ Psych-Neuro Network Seminar Collaboration. For LGBTQ+ History Month we have united forces with the LGBTQ+ Network at the School of Psychology and Neuroscience.

Abstract

Actively researching sex education, sexual safety, and associated barriers is an integral step in helping to reduce stigma, promote healthier dialogue, and increase sexual safety. Particularly, this study aimed to explore sex education and risky sexual behaviours outside of cis-heteronormative relations, in an aim to rectify historical inequities of LGBTQIA+ participation in sex education research. Using a questionnaire and modified scale, we collected mixed-methods data from a solely LGBTQIA+ sample, which looked at hours of sex education in school, factors surrounding sex education, and age and safety of first consensual sexual encounter. Whilst our quantitative results did not achieve significance, the study’s qualitative responses revealed numerous barriers in LGBTQIA+ sex education provision, including societal expectations, insufficient education, religious and political impacts, and source of education. These findings have highlighted the need for a reformed, LGBTQIA+-inclusive sex education programme, and the negative impact that exclusive sex education can have on individuals from sexual minority groups.

About the speakers

Maxime Levasseur (she/her) BSc is an alumna and Visiting Researcher at Newcastle University, where she contributes to a range of research projects within the School of Psychology. She also works clinically as an Assistant Psychologist in the NHS. Follow her on LinkedIn.

Daniel Smith (he/him) BSc is an alumnus and Visiting Researcher at Newcastle University, with a focus on research surrounding LGBTQIA+ individuals and sex education. Follow him on LinkedIn.