According
to teenagers at the conference, some youth are comfortable
speaking about sex openly with adults, as they become more
familiar with the subject. This afternoon in the gym, Barb,
Vanessa, Curtis, Priya, and Sonia all spoke on a panel about
their different experiences with what they have learned
about sex and sexuality. This session was in place to help
encourage respectful conversations about healthy sexuality
in their teams later in the day.
With Barb
moderating the session, Vanessa shared how she learned about
sex from her grandmother and her difficulties with a good
friend after taking their friendship to an intimate,
physical relationship. Vanessa spoke of how she dealt with
the situation, and though the friendship was compromised,
she holds no regrets.
Curtis
told the crowd that he learned about sex through much
experience, and is willing to try everything once. Priya
described casual discussions about sex that she had at
school with her friends. Sonia said that she learned about
different elements of sex from talking with her parents
about practicing safe sex, what to do, and what not to do.
It became clear that young people are learning about sex
from many sources: their own experiences, parents, extended
family, friends and the media.
The
discussion between the five was very educational for the
delegates at the conference and sparked lots of discussion.
Here is what a few had to say :
The discussion between the five was very educational for the
delegates at the conference and sparked lots of discussion. Here is
what a few had to say :
"They
approached the subject well, for what the topic was. I felt
very comfortable in the situation, although I thought that
each individual should have stayed focused on the one area
that they said they were going to touch upon instead of
jumping all over the board."
Samantha,
team five
" The
content of the whole discussion was really good, the best
one I've heard yet. The only thing that I would change is to
put more males up on stage, there was only one guy."
John,
team twelve
"The
discussion was great. Maybe more people would participate if
it were smaller groups. Definitely add more guys. At least
have two up there to get the different perspectives."
Trevor,
team eight
"They
gave a lot of moments, life scenarios, but they didn't
really give any solutions, maybe if they had more
time."
Alisha,
team eleven
"I felt
that the panelists should have approached the subject
differently. I think that if you meet a person and you know
you're interested in them as more than friends then, I don't
think you should be friends, just date. I suggest this
because it cuts out a lot of those mixed feelings and you
wouldn't find yourself in a confusing situation like Vanessa
did."
Ian, team
seven
"There
wasn't a lot of time for the panelists to speak, I had so
many more questions. I guess with a subject like this there
never is enough time."
Anonymous
The
discussion provided an open environment about an often
uncomfortable subject. The delegates became more at ease and
were able to talk about sex and ask potentially difficult
questions. The panel also showcased Barb's experience and
knowledge. The discussion was educational and a great
learning experience for everyone.
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