Each year, Fenway Health's Activist Academy Fellowship program trains the next generation of public health activists. The 2024-2025 Sexual Health Education Team's work focused on storytelling and the Healthy Youth Act.
Sharing one's story is both empowering and necessary for social change. The team conducted a series of interviews with diverse stakeholders – from young people to teachers to legislators – to paint a picture of what Massachusetts could look like if the Healthy Youth Act passed.
Participants were asked about their personal experiences with sex education and how passing the Healthy Youth Act could help. Nearly all participants mentioned the importance of LGBTQ+ youth feeling more included and empowered in their identities and bodies, a core goal of the Healthy Youth Act. In a time where the validity of LGBTQ+ identities is being threatened, the team hopes to inspire everyone to use their voice and vote for this important cause and others.
Your story and experiences are something that no one can take away from you. Please use that to help us create a better tomorrow. Take a moment to watch the videos below to hear what project participants had to say.
Sharing one's story is both empowering and necessary for social change. The team conducted a series of interviews with diverse stakeholders – from young people to teachers to legislators – to paint a picture of what Massachusetts could look like if the Healthy Youth Act passed.
Participants were asked about their personal experiences with sex education and how passing the Healthy Youth Act could help. Nearly all participants mentioned the importance of LGBTQ+ youth feeling more included and empowered in their identities and bodies, a core goal of the Healthy Youth Act. In a time where the validity of LGBTQ+ identities is being threatened, the team hopes to inspire everyone to use their voice and vote for this important cause and others.
Your story and experiences are something that no one can take away from you. Please use that to help us create a better tomorrow. Take a moment to watch the videos below to hear what project participants had to say.
the importance of sex education
"You have a right to the best quality information available..." |
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personal experiences with sex education
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"I think 9th grade was a little too [late] because by then several of us [girls] had gotten our periods and boys had started puberty." |
current gaps in sex education
It makes me feel good when [my students] come to me for advice, but then it's also concerning because if that's the first time they're receiving it, they're already at the age, 10-13, confused as to what a healthy relationship looks like..." |
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addressing parental concerns
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Knowledge is power. Studies show over and over that abstinence education doesn't work." |
what lawmakers need to hear
"We owe it to our young people. They deserve better." |
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Thank you for watching! These videos were developed by the 2024-2025 Activist Academy Sexual Health Education fellows:
Devin Kindred, Andrea Kugler, Terry Kwamo, Stxph Viana, and Al Tsai.
Devin Kindred, Andrea Kugler, Terry Kwamo, Stxph Viana, and Al Tsai.