Maxime Levasseur’s talk, hosted by the TILE Network and LGBTQ+ Psych Neuro Network, explored the limitations and impacts of sex education for LGBTQIA+ individuals. The presentation focused on findings from a study examining the relationship between sex education and the safety of first consensual sexual encounters.
The study, conducted with 96 LGBTQIA+ participants, revealed that the amount of sex education received before a first sexual encounter was limited, with only 10 participants having received LGBTQIA+ inclusive content. Quantitative analysis found a small but significant positive correlation between the age of first sexual experience and its safety, but no significant link between sex education hours and safety.
Qualitative responses highlighted key themes affecting sex education: societal expectations, insufficient education, religious and political influences, and alternative sources of education. Many participants reported inadequate or biased RSE (Relationships and Sex Education), often shaped by cis-heteronormative standards, religious restrictions, or exclusionary policies like Section 28. Some sought information from media or peers, while a few reported positive and inclusive education experiences.
Levasseur emphasised the need for comprehensive, inclusive RSE, advocating for gender-neutral language, diverse relationship representation, and better teacher training to ensure all students receive relevant and supportive sex education.
[This summary was generated by AI and checked for accuracy and edited by a human.]
Abstract
Actively researching sex education, sexual safety, and associated barriers is an integral step in helping to reduce stigma, promote healthier dialogue, and increase sexual safety. Particularly, this study aimed to explore sex education and risky sexual behaviours outside of cis-heteronormative relations, in an aim to rectify historical inequities of LGBTQIA+ participation in sex education research. Using a questionnaire and modified scale, we collected mixed-methods data from a solely LGBTQIA+ sample, which looked at hours of sex education in school, factors surrounding sex education, and age and safety of first consensual sexual encounter. Whilst our quantitative results did not achieve significance, the study’s qualitative responses revealed numerous barriers in LGBTQIA+ sex education provision, including societal expectations, insufficient education, religious and political impacts, and source of education. These findings have highlighted the need for a reformed, LGBTQIA+-inclusive sex education programme, and the negative impact that exclusive sex education can have on individuals from sexual minority groups.
About the speaker
Maxime Levasseur (she/her) BSc is an alumna and Visiting Researcher at Newcastle University, where she contributes to a range of research projects within the School of Psychology. She also works clinically as an Assistant Psychologist in the NHS. Follow her on LinkedIn.
