2019 MOSHAPE Convention

Findings from the 2017 National School Climate Survey (NSCS) by GLSEN uncovered devastating realities for Missouri youth and point to the need for advocates to continue to rally behind strategic implementation of LGBTQ+ inclusion in Missouri schools. Only 14% of students across the country reported having LGBTQ inclusive curriculum of any type taught in their schools, a number that has stayed the same since GLSEN’s 2013 NSCS. Additionally, only 3% of Missouri students surveyed reported receiving inclusive sex education. According to the CDC’s reports on Health Risks Among Sexual Minority Youth, LGBTQ+ youth are at higher risk than non-LGTBQ+ students of experiencing dating violence or forced sex, and are more vulnerable to some sexual risk behaviors and unintended pregnancy (CDC, 2019). Despite these disheartening facts, there are reasons to be optimistic about sexual health education moving forward. In March of 2019, Gender Spectrum released the first-ever comprehensive principles for gender-inclusive puberty and health education (PHE). These principles were reviewed by national experts and are designed to affirm and recognize all students in sexual health education classes. They can be used in conjunction with any curriculum to ensure that all students receive the health knowledge and skills they need.
In this session, we will provide an overview of the principles for gender-inclusive puberty and health education along with GLSEN’s recommendations for creating safe and inclusive schools. Resources to support next steps will be introduced followed by a facilitated discussion to incorporate ideas and experiences from the audience.