When it comes to the topic of sexuality, I find that many issues are still off limits. This came to light recently when I attended a play about teen relationships and sexuality. After the performance, audience members were encouraged to participate in a discussion regarding teen sexuality.
Some audience members expressed discomfort about the topics broached by the play and felt that the African-American community may not be ready to deal with certain issues related to sexuality. Not only do I disagree, but I feel that we cannot shy away from talking with our youth about their sexual health, and for one primary reason – the prevention of diseases such as HIV, AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
HIV, AIDS and other STDs are real in Indiana, and even though African-Americans make up only 8.4 percent of Indiana’s population, we account for approximately 29 percent of confirmed AIDS cases in our state.
We need to educate our youth on how to make educated and realistic decisions about their sexuality. That education needs to come from trusted adults who can be caring, sounding boards when their children or other loved ones want to discuss sexuality issues. Because we know for sure that ignoring the consequences of unprotected sex and not properly educating our teens is just not working.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in April 2008 that an alarming 48 percent of African-American girls age 14-19 have an STD (that’s in comparison with 20 percent of young white and Mexican American females). As for our young men, the study reported that syphilis rates are skyrocketing among African-American males within the same age group. And, African-Americans account for 69 percent of new HIV/AIDS cases among American teens every year.
With the rates already high, we need to place emphasis on ensuring our young people have access to proper education, STD screenings, treatment, vaccinations and contraception. If you feel uncomfortable starting that conversation with your teens, there are places to turn to for advice. Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) offers education resources, including videos, books and pamphlets, along with a variety of education programs to help start the communication.
Contact the PPIN education department with your questions at AskMe@ppin.org or call (317) 637-4343.
As a sexuality educator, I always want to stress to parents that when the “conversation” is yelling or preaching, youth often shut down and don’t hear what adults are trying to say. When adults are open, honest and use a reasonable tone of voice, we have a better chance of helping the youth in our lives to make healthy decisions that in turn will help them to avoid the pitfalls of STDs and HIV…and keep our children from becoming statistics.
Leslie Montgomery is the director of education for PPIN. She has a Bachelor of Social Work from Indiana University and has been with PPIN for 10 years.
