Katie Klabusich

Host

Is Tech the Future of Sex Ed?

Dec 24, 2013·77 visitors

Heather Parker

Cohost

Stage· 221 messages

Dec 24, 2013

Heather's back to discuss what she learned at this year's Sex Ed Conference! We hear a lot of criticism of "abstinence-only education" & what's wrong w/sex-ed, but we don't hear much about the future and how to change the landscape in this country. It turns out, technology could be one answer!nnRead Heather's Storify from the SexEd Conference session talk on tech by @HeatherCorinna http://ow.ly/rQxE7 and we'll see you Monday!

Katie Klabusich · 11:06 PM

★ Spotlighted from Tawkers Admin

“Welcome to the Forum! To get involved, click "Who's Here" and then FOLLOW people.”

Katie Klabusich · 11:06 PM

★ Spotlighted from Tawkers Admin

“Once 25 people gather in the audience, a comment needs at least one LIKE to become visible to the two Hosts and anyone not following them. So LIKE the comments you want everyone to see!”

Katie Klabusich · 11:58 PM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“looking forward to this,ladies! :-)”

Katie Klabusich · 12:00 AM

Hi, everyone! Thanks for coming to "Is Tech the Future of Sex Ed?" !

Heather Parker · 12:00 AM

I'm here! Sorry y'all! Just made it to Ohio and walked into the house, but I'm here. :)

Katie Klabusich · 12:01 AM

Nicely done! That's dedication -- taking time out of the family Christmas. ;)

Katie Klabusich · 12:01 AM

First, if you're new to Tawkers, Heather and I will see comments that get a thumbs up from "listeners" and then we can throw them into the chat. So help each other out by highlighting anything you want us to respond to!

Katie Klabusich · 12:01 AM

And remember, this is a safe space. You should feel free to ask any questions, be open and honest. You will be respected and if Heather and/or I can't get you the info, we'll do our best to follow up via social media.

Katie Klabusich · 12:01 AM

Thanks for coming back to Tawkers to chat with me, Heather! (especially on a holiday and after a long drive!)

Heather Parker · 12:02 AM

Thanks for having me, Katie. Super excited to be here, especially to tawk about such an exciting topic. :)

Katie Klabusich · 12:02 AM

Recently you attended the National Sex Ed Conference, an event that has been annual since 1985 and is hosted by The Center for Family Life Education (CLFE). You told me you learned a lot and really enjoyed it;

Katie Klabusich · 12:02 AM

I'm psyched to have you back to talk about it and share that experience with us!

Katie Klabusich · 12:03 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shawn Fisher

“Hi there, Ladies. :)”

Heather Parker · 12:03 AM

Yep. The event was utterly fantabulous! (Minus a small glitch that I'll share out with peeps at the end, because I believe that everyone should know about it).

Katie Klabusich · 12:03 AM

Ooooo. A tease!

Katie Klabusich · 12:03 AM

So, Who goes to a National Sex Ed Conf and what do you do there? ;)

Heather Parker · 12:03 AM

But ofcourse, Katie - how else would we keep peeps here till the end? ;)

Katie Klabusich · 12:04 AM

By virtue of our delightful banter, of course.

Heather Parker · 12:04 AM

Lots of people, Katie. Sex educators from around the nation, individuals who are interested in sexuality and reproductive health, sex toy vendors, sex workers, domestic violence advocates (because of the intersection b/w DV and sexual health)

Heather Parker · 12:04 AM

lots of people

Katie Klabusich · 12:05 AM

That is a really broad coalition.

Heather Parker · 12:05 AM

It most certainly is. And that's part of what made the conference so amazing - actually, the largest part. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention we also had a large contingent of religious-based orgs interested in sexuality education

Heather Parker · 12:05 AM

How awesome is that?

Heather Parker · 12:06 AM

Religion and sexuality education / reproductive health CAN coexist!

Katie Klabusich · 12:06 AM

That's really awesome. Maybe we're starting as a culture to break down some barriers.

Katie Klabusich · 12:06 AM

I notice that the conference website uses the phrase "sexuality education." Is there a difference between what they're talking about and the health class lecture of our high school memories?

Heather Parker · 12:06 AM

I think we are - and I think conferences like this are one place where those barriers become VERY flimsy

Katie Klabusich · 12:06 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“gotta start somewhere”

Katie Klabusich · 12:07 AM

True, Lucy! Conversation is a pretty solid start.

Heather Parker · 12:07 AM

OMG, yes! Those classes we we remember from high school (girls in one room, boys in another - mainly talking about the changes our bodies go through and NOTHING about sexuality) are a VERY far cry from what this conference talked about

Heather Parker · 12:08 AM

Today's sexuality education covers SO MUCH MORE than that.

Katie Klabusich · 12:08 AM

Those were basically biology lectures -- and that's if you had a decent teacher.

Heather Parker · 12:08 AM

And it's not just WHAT it covers, but WHERE we're covering it, which, conveniently enough, is the topic of our talk. ;)

Heather Parker · 12:08 AM

Precisely, Katie.

Katie Klabusich · 12:09 AM

Look at you, Queen Segue! I promise we didn't coordinate, folks.

Katie Klabusich · 12:09 AM

Before we hit tech...

Katie Klabusich · 12:09 AM

Tell people who don't have kids why they should care about sexuality education?

Heather Parker · 12:10 AM

Because sexuality education affects ALL of us. Population growth is important. STI rates are important. Being able to have a health conversation as a country about sexuality, about sexual health, about reproduction, about access to repro health (1/2

Heather Parker · 12:11 AM

services - all of that is tied to sexuality education

Heather Parker · 12:11 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“how do you progress from the "sniggering" in the sex class at school of yester-year,to a "grown-up" lecture/talk/chat? do you think the snigging will ever go? or does it make what is being talkied about easier to swallow?”

Katie Klabusich · 12:11 AM

So it's about the future of our country's sexual heath which affects all of us, but also about our own sexual health.

Heather Parker · 12:12 AM

Honestly, Lucy, I'm not sure exactly "when" I progressed, but I think it was fairly early on for me. I was always an avid reader / learner, and sex was just another thing for me to learn about. And I think the more we learn about something, the more

Heather Parker · 12:13 AM

open we are about something, the less likely we are to giggle and snicker about something. I proudly where my "sex geek" gear from Reid Mihalko because I believe that that's what I am. I'm someone who loves learning more about sex and sexuality.

Heather Parker · 12:13 AM

And, yes, Katie - EXACTLY.

Katie Klabusich · 12:13 AM

Our cultures (both US and UK) don't exactly encourage us to explore additional sexuality education and expression.

Katie Klabusich · 12:13 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“how young do you start sex education?”

Katie Klabusich · 12:14 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shawn Fisher

“As someone that has children, you start early and continue. In my mind, it's part of responsible parenting.”

Katie Klabusich · 12:14 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shawn Fisher

“Keeping open and honest dialogue with our children is key. It fosters trust.”

Katie Klabusich · 12:14 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“i wish more kids were able to read up on the topic too. and talk about it alot more. would make it less "mythical"”

Heather Parker · 12:14 AM

Lucy - how young would I prefer us start? As early as possible! I had a lot of conversations w/ people at the conference abt the Antioch SOPP (sexual offense prevention policy) and abt how it could be implemented even as young as kindergarten

Katie Klabusich · 12:14 AM

It would be easier for young kids experiencing abuse to express what's happening if they had some tools.

Katie Klabusich · 12:15 AM

And enable better questions as they grow and develop themselves.

Heather Parker · 12:15 AM

(For those who don't know, the SOPP is a policy that requires you to ask for, and WAIT, for affirmative consent before engaging in ANY sexual activity, whether that be sitting next to someone, sitting closer, holding someone's hand, etc)

Katie Klabusich · 12:15 AM

That's extremely important.

Katie Klabusich · 12:16 AM

Is tech a good way to open dialog about lesser known policies like SOPP?

Heather Parker · 12:16 AM

Yay! Tech. I think it could be, Katie. I know tech was instrumental in spreading the UN's model sex ed program.

Heather Parker · 12:17 AM

For those who want to know more about the SOPP, here it is, btw: http://www.d.umn.edu/cla/faculty/jhamlin/3925/Readings/Antioch.html

Katie Klabusich · 12:17 AM

Is the opportunity to open new dialogs and change our cultures the reason the tech session at the conference appealed to you so much?

Heather Parker · 12:17 AM

I think it is. One of the things that Heather Corinna said that struck me so much is that we spend SOOOO much of our time focusing on young ppl in schools

Katie Klabusich · 12:17 AM

(Thanks, Heather! Heather is a fountain of information on resources. Follow her on twitter @heatherr_parker in case you ever have questions or need info.)

Heather Parker · 12:17 AM

But MILLIONS of young ppl aren't in schools

Katie Klabusich · 12:18 AM

Huh. True.

Heather Parker · 12:18 AM

HOWEVER, 95% of teens are online, 93% comp access, 81% use social media, and 78% have a cell phone.

Katie Klabusich · 12:18 AM

And not necessarily just because of home schooling. Some kids just "aren't into school."

Heather Parker · 12:18 AM

If we REALLY want to reach teens, tech and the mobile world are where it's at.

Katie Klabusich · 12:19 AM

How do we use tech responsibly to reach kids? How do we put accurate, sex-positive resources at their finger tips?

Heather Parker · 12:19 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shawn Fisher

“Absolutely, Heather ... It's a form of "connectedness" that must be utilized in order to reach and teach.”

Heather Parker · 12:21 AM

I think one site that does it really well (and I swear, y'all, I don't work for them, I promise) is Scarleteen

Heather Parker · 12:21 AM

(Scarleteen.org)

Katie Klabusich · 12:21 AM

Do kids know to go there? That's the part that escapes me.

Katie Klabusich · 12:21 AM

There's SO MUCH on the internet. How do we get the right stuff on their screens?

Heather Parker · 12:21 AM

They service FIVE MILLION users a year

Heather Parker · 12:22 AM

That's a lot of teens getting information, Katie. :)

Heather Parker · 12:22 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shawn Fisher

“Work with reputable organizations that are gathering input from educators, specialists, and parents to form cohesive AND comprehensive material for that demographic.”

Katie Klabusich · 12:22 AM

That's amazing!

Katie Klabusich · 12:22 AM

That tells me teens want the "real" info and are seeking it out.

Katie Klabusich · 12:22 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shawn Fisher

“Kids are WAY smarter than most adults give them credit for being. Acknowledge and accept that they are information sponges. Either provide them honest, accurate information -- in a way that appeals to them ... Or risk losing them to Urban Dictionar”

Heather Parker · 12:22 AM

Ikr?! My jaw literally dropped when I heard Heather say that. And all that with less than a $60k a year budget.

Katie Klabusich · 12:23 AM

Yes, Shawn, totally!

Katie Klabusich · 12:23 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shawn Fisher

“*Dictionary”

Heather Parker · 12:23 AM

OMG - yes, Shawn.

Katie Klabusich · 12:23 AM

That's heartening! I love chatting with you -- I always end up feeling better about our future. Ha!

Katie Klabusich · 12:23 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“it seems the powers that be - government,organizations etc - just don't listen to what the teens want. or ignore them completely and disregard what they say or want”

Katie Klabusich · 12:24 AM

True, Lucy. Kids don't want "abstinence only" education. THEY know it doesn't work. They want information.

Heather Parker · 12:24 AM

I agree with that assessment, Lucy. What kids want and need isn't what they're getting, either offline, OR online.

Heather Parker · 12:24 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shawn Fisher

“It's because the government organizations cave to extreme organizations rather than listening to the key demographic, itself.”

Katie Klabusich · 12:24 AM

Absolutely. Well put, Shawn.

Katie Klabusich · 12:25 AM

Do parental internet restrictions make it harder for kids to get to sites like Scarleteen?

Katie Klabusich · 12:25 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shawn Fisher

“No. Kids find a way around most parental controls.”

Katie Klabusich · 12:25 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shawn Fisher

“They are MAD geniuses. LOL”

Heather Parker · 12:26 AM

That's actually a really good question, Katie. I'm not sure.

Katie Klabusich · 12:26 AM

True; I'm just wondering if supportive parents who wanted their kids to access appropriate, accurate sites but not the predatory havens could set their computers to know the diff.

Katie Klabusich · 12:26 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shawn Fisher

“Works-in-progress, Katie.”

Heather Parker · 12:26 AM

Given how many sexuality EDUCATION sites get blocked, it wouldn't surprise me if Scarleteen might get blocked, as well.

Heather Parker · 12:26 AM

But as Shawn said, teens are rather adept at figuring out ways around blocks.

Katie Klabusich · 12:27 AM

True. Thankfully. It makes it easier for them to find survivor message boards, info on birth control, etc. should they be in an abstinence only city/district/state.

Katie Klabusich · 12:28 AM

What was the most surprising thing you learned in the tech session?

Katie Klabusich · 12:29 AM

Bah. I just had an internet hiccup. Always happens once.

Katie Klabusich · 12:29 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shawn Fisher

“Let's stay on point to tech supporting sex education. We can save the religious sex education for another tawk, which I'll gladly have. ;)”

Katie Klabusich · 12:30 AM

Thanks, Shawn. Heather and I do tend to mute comments that aren't productive or on topic. :]

Heather Parker · 12:30 AM

I think the number of students not in school was pretty surprising, and why that made mobile and tech so important to sex ed

Katie Klabusich · 12:30 AM

That surprised me too.

Katie Klabusich · 12:31 AM

Is sex ed a part of the homeschooling curriculum? To the degree that there is "one" to point to.

Heather Parker · 12:31 AM

I think the tips abt how to bring tech into your current organization were also really important.

Katie Klabusich · 12:31 AM

The engaged home schooling parents I know rely a lot on the internet for resources. It would seem sex ed might be an obvious area where that is true.

Heather Parker · 12:31 AM

Currently? I think it is VERY much dependent upon the curriculum.

Katie Klabusich · 12:32 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shawn Fisher

“Shoot, Katie ... Correct me if I'm wrong, Heather ... Don't you need to "Opt-Out" of it in most public schools?”

Heather Parker · 12:32 AM

I don't know that I've seen a homeschooling curriculum that offers an in-depth sexuality and reproductive health section, but I cld just be missing it

Katie Klabusich · 12:32 AM

Could be an interesting area for tech to reach.

Heather Parker · 12:32 AM

Actually, Shawn, in a lot of states it's still opt-in

Heather Parker · 12:32 AM

(!!!)

Katie Klabusich · 12:33 AM

What are some of the tips for being a more tech savvy organization?

Katie Klabusich · 12:33 AM

UGH -- that shit makes me flip.

Katie Klabusich · 12:33 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shawn Fisher

“It's not that it isn't available, Katie ... It's if it's accepted. :)”

Heather Parker · 12:34 AM

One of the tips that made me happy? Not laying all of the tech workload on your youngest workers. Make your young tech-savvy workers TRAINERS instead.

Katie Klabusich · 12:34 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shawn Fisher

“Thanks, Heather ... I didn't know how the schools were these days -- Opt-in or Opt-out.”

Heather Parker · 12:35 AM

Another important point was to not build out tech support platforms that you didn't have the staff or volunteers to support (a big problem with some orgs)

Katie Klabusich · 12:35 AM

So make them part of the resource end of the operation, not just the busy work dumping ground.

Heather Parker · 12:35 AM

YES, Katie, exactly.

Katie Klabusich · 12:35 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shawn Fisher

“Exactly, Heather ... Perfect idea for EVERYONE to become tech-savvy, -fluent, AND -efficient!”

Katie Klabusich · 12:35 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shawn Fisher

“THAT way you get folks updating in their areas of expertise. :)”

Katie Klabusich · 12:35 AM

That's a good tip -- #protip, don't overreach!

Katie Klabusich · 12:35 AM

You can always add features.

Heather Parker · 12:35 AM

Drat, you, Katie! You keep spotlighting things before I can get to them! :P

Heather Parker · 12:35 AM

;)

Katie Klabusich · 12:36 AM

How does that (ha!) specifically relate to sex ed, the involving youth in real content?

Heather Parker · 12:36 AM

One of the points abt reaching out to youth in re: sex ed is that youth have never been shy abt telling us what works and doesn't work in terms of tech

Heather Parker · 12:37 AM

So if something isn't working tech-wise, they'll tell you. Trust me, they'll tell you.

Katie Klabusich · 12:38 AM

True.

Heather Parker · 12:38 AM

Another important point for orgs to remember is that Facebook and Twitter aren't the end all / be all of social media

Katie Klabusich · 12:38 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shawn Fisher

“Youth won't USE something if it's not both functional and "flashy" / "fashionable."”

Heather Parker · 12:38 AM

message boards that orgs create themselves on their own websites can actually be great sites for teens and young adults to come and converse about sexuality topics

Heather Parker · 12:38 AM

SO LONG as confidentiality is maintained

Katie Klabusich · 12:38 AM

Emphasis on functional. Even my generation (mid-30's) is used to shit working. We ditch things pretty fast if it isn't user friendly. (Hi, Tawkers tech support/developers!! ;] )

Heather Parker · 12:39 AM

and that means no lookism (great term I picked up from Heather Corinna). Scarleteen specifically prohibits users from posting pics to help with this problem. They also prohibit users from posting personally identifiable info.

Katie Klabusich · 12:39 AM

I liked that comment in your storify on the session. The reminder that social media isn't limited to FB and Twitter. Message boards have replaced chat rooms as the online community/support system.

Katie Klabusich · 12:39 AM

That's great.

Heather Parker · 12:40 AM

I thought so. :)

Katie Klabusich · 12:40 AM

Providing true safe spaces is SO important. Especially in areas of sexuality.

Heather Parker · 12:40 AM

OMG - YES, so much yes, Katie.

Katie Klabusich · 12:40 AM

That can be helpful (read: crucial) for people of all ages trying to get information.

Katie Klabusich · 12:41 AM

If you're part of a marginalized group, from a super conservative family/area, or just part of a really small community within the sexual spectrum (points to self_,

Katie Klabusich · 12:41 AM

…online can really be the only place to go.

Heather Parker · 12:42 AM

PRECISELY. For a lot of teens and young adults, the internet might be the ONLY place they can get accurate sexuality education. So it's our job as sexuality educators to make sure that space is SAFE and that it provides ACCURATE info

Katie Klabusich · 12:43 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shawn Fisher

“Absolutely, Katie.”

Heather Parker · 12:43 AM

I also think that having sites out there to counter things like Yahoo Answers ::shudders:: is really important.

Katie Klabusich · 12:43 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shawn Fisher

“You want them to have a place to GO to for information -- and still a number to call.”

Katie Klabusich · 12:43 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shawn Fisher

“Heather, confidentiality IS a key point. But I then refer to everything that is posted on most social media outlets.”

Katie Klabusich · 12:44 AM

As activists or future activists (as I like to think of everyone), how do we support that -- the creation of more safe and accurate spaces?

Katie Klabusich · 12:44 AM

I would assume the more the better; keep the yahoo answers out of your google search.

Heather Parker · 12:45 AM

I think we do that by participating in those sites when we find them, but pledging to support those sites (I've just made a New Year's resolution to pick 5 organizations to donate a VERY modest amt to each month, and Scarleteen is one of them)

Heather Parker · 12:46 AM

And by being just general kick-ass ambassadors for great sexuality education on the ground each and every day.

Katie Klabusich · 12:46 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shawn Fisher

“So true, Heather!”

Katie Klabusich · 12:46 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shawn Fisher

“We're all collaborative advocates, Katie ... We work together, inter-generationally.”

Katie Klabusich · 12:46 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shawn Fisher

“When we do that we knowledge-share and everyone wins. Everyone learns from everyone.”

Heather Parker · 12:46 AM

Like I know we all are. :)

Katie Klabusich · 12:46 AM

I dig it!

Katie Klabusich · 12:46 AM

I would assume being the cool aunt, etc. who knows about the resources and can't point our nieces (when they're old enough) to good sites would be helpful. ;)

Katie Klabusich · 12:47 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“is there a place with a list of these "safe" sites?”

Katie Klabusich · 12:47 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“if not,someone should make one”

Katie Klabusich · 12:47 AM

We all know that it only takes one kid in a class or group to find an awesome new <insert anything here> for that to spread.

Heather Parker · 12:47 AM

I think that's another excellent option, Katie :)

Katie Klabusich · 12:47 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shawn Fisher

“:) with Katie / Lucy ... Keeping it updated is good, too. ;)”

Heather Parker · 12:47 AM

I met several peeps at the conference who were "that one kid" in their class :)

Katie Klabusich · 12:48 AM

Yeah…. <raises hand again>

Katie Klabusich · 12:48 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shawn Fisher

“#youthleadersteachmemuch”

Katie Klabusich · 12:48 AM

Can we simple -- as adults in a community -- be ambassadors by being more open and less snickers about sexuality?

Katie Klabusich · 12:48 AM

I would assume that would make us the ones kids come to for the good online resources.

Heather Parker · 12:48 AM

YES, YES, YES, YES, YES.

Katie Klabusich · 12:49 AM

Used to be you had to pass a kid a book; now you can email them a website. Seems like the landscape has made it easier to be an ally.

Katie Klabusich · 12:49 AM

(*snickery -- ugh, autocorrect)

Katie Klabusich · 12:49 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shawn Fisher

“We can start by doing that in our own adult relationships.”

Katie Klabusich · 12:49 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shawn Fisher

“:)”

Heather Parker · 12:49 AM

The more we, as adults, can talk openly and honestly, and frankly about sex and sexuality, the more teens and young adults are going to see us as trusted individuals to come to for advice on these topics

Katie Klabusich · 12:49 AM

YES. Shawn. Absolutely.

Katie Klabusich · 12:50 AM

Changing the culture in general does open up the avenues for more resources like Scarleteen.

Katie Klabusich · 12:50 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shawn Fisher

“I mean, you're not going to have dinner conversation about sexuality and sex with all of your friends.”

Katie Klabusich · 12:50 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shawn Fisher

“But it CAN be had at times.”

Katie Klabusich · 12:50 AM

I think just not blushing and shying away from any discussion about people's real lives is helpful.

Heather Parker · 12:50 AM

Y'all - APOLOGIES! I just noticed I wasn't seeing any of the awesome comments you were posting. :( :( :(

Katie Klabusich · 12:51 AM

Can you see the ones that posted into the chat? I was putting most of them in there. ;)

Katie Klabusich · 12:51 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“anything that can change the thinking of sex/sexuality with young people can only be a good thing.”

Katie Klabusich · 12:51 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shawn Fisher

“AND if you're contemplating DOING adult things with someone you better be able to speak about those things IN an adult manner.”

Katie Klabusich · 12:52 AM

I think we also help kids when parents are exposed to many different types of relationships via their friends being honest. It makes them better first-line educators.

Heather Parker · 12:52 AM

Just got them back. Blast you tawkers! Blast you!

Heather Parker · 12:52 AM

YES, Katie!

Katie Klabusich · 12:52 AM

Ha! Beta form of a new site. lol

Katie Klabusich · 12:53 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shawn Fisher

“*laughing w/ ladies* :)”

Katie Klabusich · 12:53 AM

Working out the kinks around here!

Heather Parker · 12:53 AM

Hence the Beta tagged on to the Tawkers at the top ;)

Katie Klabusich · 12:53 AM

<<cough>> pun

Heather Parker · 12:53 AM

LOLZ!

Katie Klabusich · 12:53 AM

Yes ma'am.

Heather Parker · 12:53 AM

Okay, I'm sniggering at that one

Katie Klabusich · 12:53 AM

It works so well, I sometimes forget until there's a glitch. ;)

Katie Klabusich · 12:53 AM

Heather Parker · 12:53 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shawn Fisher

“This has been awesome, but I need to drop. Thank you so much for inviting me, Heather. :)”

Katie Klabusich · 12:53 AM

Thanks for coming, Shawn!

Heather Parker · 12:53 AM

Thank you so much for joining, Shawn!

Katie Klabusich · 12:54 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shawn Fisher

“Katie, Lucy ... It was a pleasure "speaking" with y'all. Happy Christmas!”

Heather Parker · 12:54 AM

Before you go, here's what I was going to share from the conference:

Heather Parker · 12:54 AM

http://storify.com/cisnormativity/the-genderbread-plagiarist/

Katie Klabusich · 12:54 AM

Oh yes! The tease...

Katie Klabusich · 12:54 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shawn Fisher

“*listening*”

Katie Klabusich · 12:54 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“thanks for the helpful info,shawn :-)”

Heather Parker · 12:54 AM

I learned about this from some trans* friends while I was there. This gentleman was a keynote speaker. I was NOT pleased when I found out, and will be contacting the conference organizers to express my displeasure about it, while still telling them

Heather Parker · 12:55 AM

how awesome the rest of the conference was.

Katie Klabusich · 12:55 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shawn Fisher

“Ooooh -- No. Not good. Thanks for the heads-up!”

Heather Parker · 12:55 AM

In any case, I've been spreading that far and wide, because it seems the genderbread person is being spread far and wide, and I think this appropriation needs to be known.

Katie Klabusich · 12:55 AM

YES we have to work extra hard to make sure marginalized groups don't end up FURTHER sidelines because of these idiots.

Heather Parker · 12:56 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shawn Fisher

“You know I'll do my part, Heather. Thanks for the heads-up.”

Katie Klabusich · 12:57 AM

Heather and I have tentative plans for a Valentine's Day week talk on a topic we're waiting to announce, so she's already on the schedule to come back.

Heather Parker · 12:57 AM

SQUEE! More tawks! :)

Katie Klabusich · 12:57 AM

If anyone has topics you want to hear her chat up, just let us know. We're open around here

Heather Parker · 12:57 AM

Thanks everyone for participating. Lots of holiday joy and wishes!

Katie Klabusich · 12:57 AM

Heather has many faces and many areas of expertise -- most in the sex-positive/education and repro justice arenas.

Heather Parker · 12:58 AM

::blush:: Thx, Katie.

Katie Klabusich · 12:58 AM

Thanks so much for taking the time Heather and to everyone for joining!! Happy Holidays and a FANTASTIC and satisfying New Year!!

Katie Klabusich · 12:58 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“thanks Katie and Heather,this has been an awesome Tawk!”

Katie Klabusich · 12:58 AM

★ Spotlighted from Shawn Fisher

“*muah*”

Forum · 83

Forum· 83 comments

77 visitors

Tawkers AdminDec 17, 2013, 5:13 PM★ Spotlighted

Welcome to the Forum! To get involved, click "Who's Here" and then FOLLOW people.

Tawkers AdminDec 17, 2013, 5:13 PM★ Spotlighted

Once 25 people gather in the audience, a comment needs at least one LIKE to become visible to the two Hosts and anyone not following them. So LIKE the comments you want everyone to see!

Lucy DyerDec 23, 2013, 11:49 PM★ Spotlighted

looking forward to this,ladies! :-)

Lucy DyerDec 24, 2013, 12:02 AM

btw,its christmas eve here....:-)

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:02 AM★ Spotlighted

Hi there, Ladies. :)

Lucy DyerDec 24, 2013, 12:06 AM★ Spotlighted

gotta start somewhere

William GreenDec 24, 2013, 12:08 AM

Love the Truth that God created sex and offered the 1st sexuality lesson: Man leaves his mom & dad and cleaves to his wife and the 2 become 1 flesh.

Lucy DyerDec 24, 2013, 12:10 AM★ Spotlighted

how do you progress from the "sniggering" in the sex class at school of yester-year,to a "grown-up" lecture/talk/chat? do you think the snigging will ever go? or does it make what is being talkied about easier to swallow?

Lucy DyerDec 24, 2013, 12:12 AM★ Spotlighted

how young do you start sex education?

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:13 AM★ Spotlighted

As someone that has children, you start early and continue. In my mind, it's part of responsible parenting.

Lucy DyerDec 24, 2013, 12:13 AM★ Spotlighted

i wish more kids were able to read up on the topic too. and talk about it alot more. would make it less "mythical"

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:14 AM★ Spotlighted

Keeping open and honest dialogue with our children is key. It fosters trust.

William GreenDec 24, 2013, 12:15 AM

The Biblical word for "coitus" is "to know." When a man makes love to his wife he gets to know (be better educated about) his wife and vice-versa. How cool is that -- with or without an iPad?

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:15 AM

;) w/ William

Lucy DyerDec 24, 2013, 12:15 AM

over here in the UK,some would say teaching kindergarten kids is far too young. but i agree with you,Heather

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:16 AM

Lucy, "teaching" children is a parent's responsibility. Having organized instruction is something else. :)

Lucy DyerDec 24, 2013, 12:17 AM

i agree Shawn,but some to be honest,just cant be bothered or think it will lead to pedophiles and the like taking an interest. and yes that has been the views of some

William GreenDec 24, 2013, 12:18 AM

Is this primarily a 2-way between Katie and Heather or are others participating? C'mon y'all, let's like each others comments so we can participate!

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:19 AM★ Spotlighted

Absolutely, Heather ... It's a form of "connectedness" that must be utilized in order to reach and teach.

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:21 AM★ Spotlighted

Work with reputable organizations that are gathering input from educators, specialists, and parents to form cohesive AND comprehensive material for that demographic.

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:22 AM★ Spotlighted

Kids are WAY smarter than most adults give them credit for being. Acknowledge and accept that they are information sponges. Either provide them honest, accurate information -- in a way that appeals to them ... Or risk losing them to Urban Dictionar

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:23 AM★ Spotlighted

*Dictionary

William GreenDec 24, 2013, 12:23 AM

Studies show that the greatest education occurring with the use of technology is whatever is learned from pornography. It's ubiquitous and 1 of the most profitable Internet businesses out there!

Lucy DyerDec 24, 2013, 12:23 AM★ Spotlighted

it seems the powers that be - government,organizations etc - just don't listen to what the teens want. or ignore them completely and disregard what they say or want

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:24 AM★ Spotlighted

It's because the government organizations cave to extreme organizations rather than listening to the key demographic, itself.

William GreenDec 24, 2013, 12:25 AM

OK. Now at least we've got a 4-way! Atta girls, you're educating the boyz with all girl-on-girl.

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:25 AM★ Spotlighted

No. Kids find a way around most parental controls.

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:25 AM★ Spotlighted

They are MAD geniuses. LOL

Lucy DyerDec 24, 2013, 12:25 AM

and when they ask for it,they get told that they are too young or they are doing "it" far too much,.so what? if they want to be safe why not give them the info about how to protect themselves? they will only take it in if they need it.

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:26 AM★ Spotlighted

Works-in-progress, Katie.

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:26 AM

Again, it goes back to trust.

William GreenDec 24, 2013, 12:26 AM

Think how much we've learned recently from Phil Robertson via Technology about God's view of Holy Sex and unHoly Sex. The nation has gotten a great Theopocentric education on sexuality!

Lucy DyerDec 24, 2013, 12:27 AM

tech sucks on that count,William

William GreenDec 24, 2013, 12:28 AM

@Lucy: No it doesn't. It sparked a nationwide debate about holy heterosexual coitus vs unholy homosexual sodomy. So much was learned both in support of God's Word & in opposition to it!

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:29 AM★ Spotlighted

Let's stay on point to tech supporting sex education. We can save the religious sex education for another tawk, which I'll gladly have. ;)

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:30 AM

*gentle laugh* ;)

William GreenDec 24, 2013, 12:31 AM

I'm not a dualist: you can't separate sex education or any education from God: He created the universe including toe-curling sex! Thank God He did so!

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:32 AM★ Spotlighted

Shoot, Katie ... Correct me if I'm wrong, Heather ... Don't you need to "Opt-Out" of it in most public schools?

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:32 AM

I only can imagine, as Heather stated, it being curriculum-based.

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:33 AM★ Spotlighted

It's not that it isn't available, Katie ... It's if it's accepted. :)

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:34 AM★ Spotlighted

Thanks, Heather ... I didn't know how the schools were these days -- Opt-in or Opt-out.

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:34 AM★ Spotlighted

Exactly, Heather ... Perfect idea for EVERYONE to become tech-savvy, -fluent, AND -efficient!

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:35 AM★ Spotlighted

THAT way you get folks updating in their areas of expertise. :)

William GreenDec 24, 2013, 12:36 AM

Are we back down to a girl-on-girl 3 way? How can you have a true sex ed dialogue using technology if the technology excludes half the world?

William GreenDec 24, 2013, 12:36 AM

565656

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:38 AM★ Spotlighted

Youth won't USE something if it's not both functional and "flashy" / "fashionable."

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:38 AM

So you need to appeal to all of their senses when creating content.

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:38 AM

AND let's face it ... Most folks are losing their ability to hold long thoughts -- 140 characters, Anyone? ;)

Lucy DyerDec 24, 2013, 12:39 AM

ha! thats too true,shawn!

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:40 AM★ Spotlighted

Heather, confidentiality IS a key point. But I then refer to everything that is posted on most social media outlets.

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:41 AM★ Spotlighted

You want them to have a place to GO to for information -- and still a number to call.

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:41 AM

Live Chat is a great option.

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:42 AM★ Spotlighted

Absolutely, Katie.

William GreenDec 24, 2013, 12:42 AM

A safe place is anywhere women have their backs to windowless walls where they can see the door and are concealed carrying. Firearms are great technology!

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:44 AM★ Spotlighted

So true, Heather!

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:45 AM★ Spotlighted

We're all collaborative advocates, Katie ... We work together, inter-generationally.

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:45 AM★ Spotlighted

When we do that we knowledge-share and everyone wins. Everyone learns from everyone.

Lucy DyerDec 24, 2013, 12:46 AM★ Spotlighted

is there a place with a list of these "safe" sites?

Lucy DyerDec 24, 2013, 12:47 AM★ Spotlighted

if not,someone should make one

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:47 AM★ Spotlighted

:) with Katie / Lucy ... Keeping it updated is good, too. ;)

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:48 AM★ Spotlighted

#youthleadersteachmemuch

Lucy DyerDec 24, 2013, 12:49 AM

we can but try,Katie

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:49 AM★ Spotlighted

We can start by doing that in our own adult relationships.

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:49 AM★ Spotlighted

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:50 AM★ Spotlighted

I mean, you're not going to have dinner conversation about sexuality and sex with all of your friends.

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:50 AM★ Spotlighted

But it CAN be had at times.

Lucy DyerDec 24, 2013, 12:50 AM★ Spotlighted

anything that can change the thinking of sex/sexuality with young people can only be a good thing.

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:50 AM★ Spotlighted

AND if you're contemplating DOING adult things with someone you better be able to speak about those things IN an adult manner.

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:53 AM★ Spotlighted

*laughing w/ ladies* :)

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:53 AM★ Spotlighted

This has been awesome, but I need to drop. Thank you so much for inviting me, Heather. :)

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:54 AM★ Spotlighted

Katie, Lucy ... It was a pleasure "speaking" with y'all. Happy Christmas!

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:54 AM★ Spotlighted

*listening*

Lucy DyerDec 24, 2013, 12:54 AM★ Spotlighted

thanks for the helpful info,shawn :-)

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:54 AM★ Spotlighted

Ooooh -- No. Not good. Thanks for the heads-up!

Lucy DyerDec 24, 2013, 12:56 AM

what an awful name - genderbread

William GreenDec 24, 2013, 12:56 AM

It won't be long before technology develops virtual sex partners to teach us everything we want to know by doing. Life-like, mechanical and artificially intelligent. Then women can live w/o men & vice-versa.

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:56 AM★ Spotlighted

You know I'll do my part, Heather. Thanks for the heads-up.

Lucy DyerDec 24, 2013, 12:57 AM

i hope we get some guys in on that too. be interesting to get their perspective

Shawn FisherDec 24, 2013, 12:57 AM★ Spotlighted

*muah*

Lucy DyerDec 24, 2013, 12:57 AM★ Spotlighted

thanks Katie and Heather,this has been an awesome Tawk!

William GreenDec 24, 2013, 1:01 AM

Great girl-on-girl sex ed. Thanks ladies. Perhaps one day you'll admit some from the more powerful sex.

joe shmoeSep 10, 2014, 7:41 AM

I think sex Ed should be taught by experience!!

joe shmoeSep 10, 2014, 7:41 AM

Kik me anyone! Snicklefritzz