ta·boo
təˈbo͞o,taˈbo͞o
noun
- 1.a social or religious custom prohibiting or forbidding discussion of a particular practice or forbidding association with a particular person, place, or thing.
synonyms: prohibition, proscription, veto, interdiction, interdict, ban, restriction "the taboo against healing on the Sabbath"
adjective
- 1.prohibited or restricted by social custom."sex was a taboo subject"
synonyms: forbidden, prohibited, banned, proscribed, interdicted, outlawed,
illegal, illicit, unlawful, restricted, off limits; More
verb
- 1.place under prohibition."traditional societies taboo female handling of food during this period"
Growing up in a multi-cultural family in a highly diverse part of the US, I was exposed to various lifestyles, personalities, family dynamics, and socioeconomic backgrounds. My own household was one of these diverse family dynamics. So, when I grew into a high school student and, eventually, an adult, I become increasingly surprised at the information that was liberally (or not so liberally) handed out to all ages about what my country determines as "Taboo." Especially surrounding sexuality, families, gender identity, sexual identity, and personal expression.
As a child I was always asking questions and going out of my way to learn more about what interested me. I knew I wanted to become a "baby doctor" (OB/Gyn) at the age of 4. Then that or a storm chaser by the age of 12. My senior project for high school was Free and Confidential Contraception for Teenagers, which got me thinking about different aspects of Gynecology and sexual health.Then I thought maybe I would like to be a librarian at the age of 18. By age 28 I became a sexuality educator with a passion for alternative lifestyles, prophylactic education, elder care, and sex worker safety and advocacy.
Now, as I contemplate going back to university for a Masters in Public Health for Education and Advocacy, I wanted to keep a journal of thoughts I have, and research I do for the taboo subjects of human sexuality within my culture, and share it with others who may be looking to further their own personal education.
I grew up in the US with sex being thrown at me constantly in the way of ads, movies, shows, social status, and personal relationships. My state does not require sexuality education, but if the school systems do choose to teach sex. ed., they MUST teach at least a portion on abstinence only alongside comprehensive curriculum, so I was exposed to some education during my grade school years.
Media coverage these days is flooded with sexual misconduct of teachers and professors (one particularly visible case being in my own city), high standing public officials, actors, producers, country men and woman, Boy Scouts, randos on the train, transgender bathroom assaults (or lack of), and many, many more. I feel we're missing a big portion of the picture when we, as a society, fixate on one thing. Even more so when it's a negatively impacting item of discussion, which gets me thinking more and more about how we, as individuals, choose to learn more to correct the madness.
The more I speak with people within my work group, social groups, and community, I see that there is a gross misunderstanding of many common,and what I thought of as regular, every-day knowledge, of sexuality educational values. Some examples being: what STIs are, which communities, ages, and persons are most at risk.
So, long story short, here are some thoughts, actions, books, stories, and information for us to look through to better educate ourselves on the taboo subjects of sexuality and the education thereof.
It's lovely to meet you, and I hope we can all learn and grow together.
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