Baltimore, MD —  Today, Healthy Teen Network is proud to join over 50 organizations across the country in demanding LGBTQ+ inclusive sex education for all young people in the United States. [Your organization name] is participating in a series of virtual events as part of the LGBTQ+ Inclusive Sex Education Week of Action, led by SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change, taking place June 22-26, 2020.

 LGBTQ+ young people are valued members of every community in the country, yet only nine states mandate that sex education be inclusive of their experiences and contain information relevant to their sexual and reproductive health needs. Research shows that LGBTQ+ young people report disproportionate experiences of depression, bullying, and feelings of unsafety at school–and these experiences are even more common among LGBTQ+ youth of color. However, queer youth that do receive inclusive sex education are less likely to feel unsafe and report lower levels of victimization because of their identity.

The LGBTQ+ Inclusive Sex Ed Week of Action is dedicated to highlighting the dire need for inclusive instruction. The week will feature webinars led by LGBTQ+ sex education experts, educators, advocates, and researchers and center stories from LGBTQ+ young people themselves. Week of action participants will also have opportunities to take digital action and join conversations on social media.

Healthy Teen Network stands with LGBTQ+ young people in demanding access to the sexual and reproductive health information, skills, and services that all young people need to properly care for themselves, their families, and their communities. 

“It’s long past the time where we must demand better, not only for our LGBTQ+ young people, but for all adolescents and young adults. When young people are affirmed in their sexual orientation and gender identities, the outcomes are overwhelmingly positive. And we should expect nothing less than #PrideInSexEd,” explains Interim President and CEO, Janet Max.

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Healthy Teen Network envisions a world where all adolescents and young adults lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Founded in 1979, we promote better outcomes for adolescents and young adults by advancing social change, cultivating innovation, and strengthening youth-supporting professionals and organizations. We serve as a leading national membership organization (501c3) for adolescent health professionals and organizations, promoting a unique and holistic perspective—we call it Youth 360°—to improve the health and well-being of young people.

Contact: Gina Desiderio, Healthy Teen Network, Director of Communications: 443-216-1360