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Recently in Ontario there has been controversy over the sex education being taught in our public schools. Speaking only for myself,  I will say I appreciated every word of sex education that was taught in my schools. Every word. 

My mother was not forthcoming about sex information. My sisters had their own agendas as to what I should, or shouldn’t know, and my friends didn’t know anything more than I did. In the era before birth control, you really didn’t want to be learning about sex through experience. Sex education was too late for many a pregnant teenager.

Today’s sex education agendas are more complex. Gender identity and issues related to the LGBT community are included. As they should be. Confusion and feelings about these issues need to be acknowledged and understood as best as they can in a classroom setting.

Naivety about sex, sex health, or sex practices benefits no one. It is not cute or charming to be ‘innocent’. Too often the innocent person is made vulnerable through their lack of knowledge. How many girls have been tricked into a compromised situation because they were too naive to fully comprehend another’s motives? Boys are equally as vulnerable.

Mae West fought against censorship her whole career. Her humour was bawdy, full of innuendo and sexual nuance. But she made a very good point when she said, “A dame that knows the ropes isn’t likely to get tied up.” (Or a guy).

That’s the best argument for sex education ever. 

I hope you enjoyed reading this blog.  Your comments, questions, ideas and suggestions are always welcome.  You can comment here, or choose between Facebook, Twitter, or the contact button.  

Anne Milne is an every Sunday blogger.  I keep it short and to the point.  Topics are as wide ranging as a straight but not narrow path.