A retrospective analysis of sex education messages received by LGB youth

Abstract

Using focus groups, this qualitative study asked thirty-five gay, lesbian, and bisexual (LGB) young adults to reflect on messages they received about sex and sexuality around the time they first had sex. Focus groups were conducted, recorded, transcribed, and analyzed. Through thematic analysis, the authors identified two messaging sources identified by participants: (1) formal education sources (i.e., school and parents), and (2) informal education sources (e.g., internet, peers). Formal sources often included messages perpetuating heteronormative assumptions, emphasizing abstinence, pregnancy and HIV/STI prevention, or silence as a form of messaging. Informal sources consisted of LGB specific information. These findings suggest informal sources may provide more useful and relevant information to LGB youth, further suggesting a need for more inclusive and comprehensive sexuality education.

Keywords:

• LGB youth
• sexual health education
• comprehensive sexual health

Notes

1 This study received approval from Montclair State University’s IRB.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jacqueline Bible

Dr. Jacqueline Bible is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the CARE4U Program at Illinois State University.

Alejandra Kaplan

Alejandra Kaplan is a PhD student in the Department of Applied Health Science at Indiana University Bloomington.

Lisa Lieberman

Dr. Lisa Lieberman is a Professor in the Department of Public Health at Montclair State University.

Eva Goldfarb

Dr. Eva Goldfarb is a Professor in the Department of Public Health at Montclair State University.