The Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States grades states based on sex ed requirements and sex ed content. It gives Delaware a C.
That’s an average grade made by combining sex ed requirements and content. SIECUS gave Delaware an A in its requirements but a D+ for content.
Planned Parenthood education and community outreach coordinator J. Green said IN·clued will address health disparities affecting LGBTQ+ youth, who are disproportionately impacted by unintended pregnancies.
The Planned Parenthood of Delaware will start offering an LGBTQ+-inclusive sex education program in April. Green said the program will give its students tools to navigate the health care system.
“That's the purpose of kind of filling those gaps and to give that insight so that it doesn't come across as awkward because we do have practice sessions on how to have those conversations or mock form filling and mock introductions with the health care provider to make it a little less awkward,” Green explained.
The IN·clued program team aims to educate 14-to-19 year-olds on sexual health and lower STI transmission among LGBTQ+ youth.
Sex ed programs in the U.S. vary by state and municipality, with some states requiring education that pushes abstinence-only prevention. Delaware requires schools to have comprehensive sex ed programs that stress abstinence.
Green said it’s important that LGBTQ+ youth have access to sex ed beyond heteronormative curriculum.
“The norm or what is taught, is primarily heterosexual experiences, and that might not have been their experience…” Green said. “We all know about condoms, female condoms and that all those things that are available to help prevent against STIs transmission, and also to include a bit more talks about birth control for those who could get pregnant.”
They add that when people have accurate information, they’re more likely to delay sexual activity and be safer when they decide to have sex.
“When a person has all the information to make the choices for themselves, again, the studies show with accurate information, they're more likely to delay and become safe when it comes down to sexual activity, whether it's postponing or to use protection,” Green said. “So no matter who gender or identity, having this knowledge is beneficial.”
And while learning about safe sex for LGBTQ+ people might not apply to everyone’s personal life, Green said it’s important to have the knowledge out there to work against misinformation.
Green added that allies need to play a role in addressing folks or spaces that are hesitant about including LGBTQ+-inclusive material in sex education.
The course can be a one-time, three-hour class or split into three one-hour modules.
Organizations or schools interested in booking free sessions can reach out to Green directly at education@ppde.org or by calling 302-224-8099.
PPDE’s Director of Public Affairs Patricia Hartman said the program will be available for the foreseeable future despite funding issues as it’s taken care of through a community grant.
“Planned Parenthood of Delaware is definitely feeling the pinch of federal funding cuts we have been providing care, regardless of the fact that people who are coming through our doors are Medicaid recipients and we are not getting reimbursed,” Hartman said.
While dozens of Planned Parenthood clinics have been closed nationwide, Hartman said she hopes Delaware lawmakers and donors will help their clinics keep their doors open and make up for federal funding cuts.
