This film drives home the critical message that we have to start talking openly, honestly and publicly not just about wearing condoms every time we physically engage in sex (oral, anal, vaginal), but about the psycho-social issues that surround intimacy-- economics, control, power, infidelity, violence, etc. We need to develop k-12 youth sexuality programs (not simply sex education classes) that address issues of personal space/ appropriate touch, self confidence, self respect and communication in addition to information on the reproductive system, anatomy, physical intimacy and HIV/STI/ pregnancy prevention.
In the US, approximately 85% of the total population completes 10th grade--let’s reach that captive audience with defined sexuality curriculums that build skills and provide accurate sexual health information. Empower youth to develop safe and healthy sexual behaviors from the very beginning. Current prevention programs focus on behavior change; we approach individuals after they have fallen into behavior patterns that put them at risk for HIV. I say “fallen” because I truly believe the youth of American are not given enough sexual health information to make a “sex plan”. They stumble into physically intimate situations and learn from so and so’s boyfriend’s sister that…
Yes, it is an uphill battle (it maybe more appropriate to say it’s a vertical wall we need to scale), but the sooner we start climbing, the sooner our collective “baby steps” will effect change for future generations.
I think the quote at the end of the movie is powerful-- we make the road by walking. It’s time to start strolling, ladies.
--Bridget L. DeCrane, MLIS, HIV Prevention Program Manager, Columbus AIDS Task Force
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