Hello! My name is Iman and I’m writing a story for Sex, Etc. about how teens are prevented from getting the information and care they need when it comes to their sexual health and sexuality because of the stigma of talking about sex. Teens shouldn’t be made to feel ashamed when it comes to talking about their sexual health whether it’s with their parents or guardians, their health care providers or their partners. It would be really cool if you helped me write the article by answering some questions!
The questions are below. You don’t have to answer all of them and your name doesn’t have to be disclosed. If you do choose to answer, please include name, age and state. We don’t have to publish your real name in the magazine but we need it for verification purposes. Only respondents between the ages of 13 and 19 can be included.
Thank you so much!
Do you feel comfortable talking with your doctor about sex and sexuality, whether it’s talking about sexual behaviors, sexual orientation or sexual health more generally? Why or why not?
Would you feel more comfortable and like things were more confidential talking to a health care provider at a clinic as opposed to your family doctor? Why or why not?
Do you feel comfortable talking with your parents/guardians about sexuality or sexual health? Why or why not?
How do you think or do you think parents/guardians and their kids should talk about sex?
Have you spoken to a partner about engaging in sexual behaviors and sexual health? If so, how did you (or your partner) start the conversation and how did it go? If not, what specifically prevented you from discussing topics like safer sex, birth control or readiness to engage in sexual behaviors?