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https://theconversation.com/big-w-has-withdrawn-welcome-to-sex-from-its-stores-to-protect-staff-but-teen-sex-education-can-keep-young-people-safe-209979>
"Teaching young people about gender, sex and sexuality has long been
controversial.
The most recent debate is over Dr Melissa Kang and Yumi Stynes’
Welcome to
Sex: Your no-silly-questions guide to sexuality, pleasure and figuring it out,
which has been withdrawn from sale at Big W stores this week, after “multiple
incidents of abuse” of its staff by angry critics of the book. However, Big W
“stands by”
Welcome to Sex, which it calls “educational, age-appropriate and
inclusive”. The department store will continue to sell it online.
Two sides to the debate are playing out.
One side argues the book is a graphic sex guide that’s “teaching sex” to young
children. Critics have taken particular issue with small sections of the book
that address inclusive sexual practices beyond penetrative sex, including
“fingering”, “oral sex”, “scissoring”, and “anal sex”.
They are also critical of the inclusion of what they term “gender ideology”.
Others are accusing the authors of “grooming” children – a term that is
increasingly misused.
The other side is celebrating
Welcome to Sex for providing comprehensive and
inclusive sex education. Many are saying they wish they had access to this kind
of book growing up.
The book describes itself as a “frank, age-appropriate introductory guide to
sex and sexuality for teens of all genders […] inclusive, reassuring and all
about keeping sex fun, real, and shame-free”.
I am a researcher on texts for young people that deal with issues around sex,
sexuality and gender. With my colleague, Dr Paul Venzo, we have been examining
the rise of (and demand for) books that provide an inclusive, safe and engaging
way to discuss the essential topic of sex for young people."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
