SIECUS Sign Up Information

Dear Bobby,

Thank you for joining the community here at the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS)! We are thrilled to have your support.

I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce you to the organization. Since 1964, SIECUS has been working every day toward a world where people of all ages are treated with dignity and respect in regard to their sexuality and sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Today, we continue the original vision of our founder, Dr. Mary S. Calderone--but with a new approach. We're pushing folks across the nation to realize that sex education is not only vital for ensuring young people's sexual health and well-being, but also, that it's a powerful vehicle for social change.

Make sure you visit our website for more information on our work and, if you are a social media user, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn for daily updates.

We're thankful to have you with us as we continue advocating for the sexual health and rights of all people.

Fiercely yours in this fight,

It’s been a fast and furious few months at SIECUS! So busy, in fact, that we never shared a May update with y’all (our bad!).

Here's what's happening right now...

It’s appropriations season in Washington, DC, which means Congress is determining its funding packages for fiscal year 2020. Right now, we are pleased with the House’s support for adolescent sexual health promotion programs and their refusal to fund harmful abstinence-only programs, as well as their provision blocking the Title X gag rule. And we’re urging the Senate to pass this Title X protection ASAP. However, there is one huge disappointment in the House bill: we are vehemently opposed to its inclusion of the Hyde Amendment. Hyde blocks abortion access for many low-income folks--especially young people.

But while the House works on governing to benefit Americans, the Trump administration's attacks on sexual and reproductive health and rights (among various other civil rights) have been nonstop over these last few months. They’re working to undermine the Health Care Rights Law -- which serves the necessary function of preventing discrimination in health care. Especially for trans folks. Their atrocious gag rule on Title X has gone into effect in all states except for Maryland. LGBTQ discrimination cases are making their way through the courts, highlighting the need for legislation like the Equality Act to provide comprehensive, express federal protections for queer folks nationwide. And reports continue to show that the administration is holding migrant youth -- including infants, toddlers, children, and even young mothers with premature infants -- in horrific, unsanitary, and unlivable conditions at the US’ southern border. 

Stay tuned for further updates on the items above coming your way over the next few weeks. And be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook for daily updates, too.

And here are some highlights from our work at SIECUS...

We launched the first-ever “Sex Ed For All” month! 

Last month, we worked with our partners at Advocates for Youth, Healthy Teen Network, Planned Parenthood, and Power to Decide to introduce the first-ever “Sex Ed for All Month.” In addition to rebranding the month of May (previously called “Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month”), we also hosted a press conference on Capitol Hill--joined by multiple members of Congress and youth advocates--to advocate for the rights of all young people to be able to access the information, education, and care they need to ensure their own sexual and reproductive health and well-being.

We announced SEPAC’s inaugural class

We are thrilled to share that the Sex Education Policy Action Council (SEPAC) is officially underway! SEPAC is our brand new initiative to build the power of state and local advocates actively working together to advance comprehensive sex education. Our first cohort includes sex education experts and advocates from 25 states across the country. 

“Sexual Risk Avoidance (SRA)” is abstinence-only.

Along with our friends at Advocates for Youth, Answer, and over a dozen other sex ed organizations, we led the #SRAisAbstinenceOnly campaign this month. Abstinence-only proponents have been attempting to rebrand their failed, harmful programs as “Sexual Risk Avoidance (SRA).” But, aside from the new name, these programs are the same, shame-filled programs that have been denounced for decades. To clear things up, we created the “SRA Stigma and Shame Starter Kit” with trading cards to share what these so-called “SRA” programs really teach young people. Learn more by visiting sraisabstinenceonly.org. 

Some SIECUS thoughts...

Abortion & sex ed

Along with the recent wave of extremist abortion bans taking place across the country, we’ve also seen a wave of politicians with zero understanding of how sexual and reproductive health works. Imagine if these decision-makers had received quality sex ed that prioritized evidence, not ideology? Our blog post, The fight for reproductive freedom should start in the classroom dives deeper into the subject.

What do we mean when we say, “sex ed?”

When we say, “sex ed,” too often, people picture a week-long course taught by the gym teacher, scaring young people with horrifying images of STIs. But, in reality, sex ed is and should be so much more than that. “It’s 2019. And we can no longer allow a one-off, half-baked lesson plan and a prayer to count as ‘sex education.’  Our young people deserve so much more.” Learn more with our latest blog post, It’s time to rethink sex ed. 

SIECUS in the news...

• Teen Vogue - Sex Education Bills Fight Back Against Trump's Abstinence-Only Plans

• Mashable - Clever new campaign reveals dangers of abstinence-only sex ed

• Esquire - Let’s Talk About Sex Ed

Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your web browser

Hi Bobby,

Recently, we launched something we've been wanting to create at SIECUS for a very long time: a blog!

While our publications, press statements, and digital campaigns provide us with plenty of opportunities to write about our work, we wanted to add a unique space to share our SIECUS perspective in a more personal way.

For example, check out our blog post that we published to kick off 2019 and share our new framework, Sex Ed For Social Change with the world!

Sometimes our posts provide commentary on specific policies or approaches related to sexuality, and, other times, we publish more "back to basics" pieces to return to the foundations of our work.

Interested in learning more? Head on over to our blog today.

Happy reading,

Dear Bobby,

Advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights under our current administration is not easy. From Congressional decisions, to the President’s priorities, to federal agency shifts, our recent nation-wide efforts have been facing unprecedented challenges.

That’s why we’re focusing much of our work in the states. Despite discouraging national headlines, we’re making some incredible strides for sex education at state and local levels.

Your support has allowed us to assist hundreds of state partners on the ground—some old, but many new—and these partnerships are only increasing.

We’re creating tailored resources for local advocacy groups, activists, and individuals to help them improve and expand sex education in their own communities.

From sharing model sex ed policies with local coalitions in Ohio to providing talking points for organizers to use at school board meetings in Georgia, we’ve been busy.

A gift from you today will allow us to create and share more resources like these with more advocates across the country.

No matter the political climate, we remain committed to advancing the rights of all people to accurate information and comprehensive education about sexuality and related health services.

Your tax-deductible donation will allow us to ensure that anyone who wants to support our mission has the tools to do so successfully—no matter where they live.

Thank you for your support,

Welp, July really flew by, didn't it?

Here's what's happening right now...

Title X is under attack
There has been a lot happening with the Title X family planning program. Title X is a vital source of quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care that millions of people rely on each year.

Sadly, the Trump administration’s dangerous gag rule has gone into effect. Right now, doctors are prohibited from discussing abortion care options with their patients in facilities funded by Title X, adding unnecessary and unethical barriers to the care they provide. We've been working hard with our partners to push back against this dangerous rule--including through supporting and signing onto multiple amicus briefs.

Last month, the House passed a measure to protect Title X from this gag rule. And we need your help to get the Senate to do the same. Contact your senators today and urge them to protect Title X!

Protect Trans Health
The Trump administration issued a proposed rule to roll back critical civil rights protections under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Known as The Health Care Rights Law, section 1557 is a vital anti-discrimination protection within the ACA. If this protection is eliminated, health care providers are given a green light to discriminate against patients--denying them care. And this move particularly targets transgender and nonbinary people as well as people seeking abortion care. 

Submit a comment to #ProtectTransHealth before the August 13th deadline.

And here are some highlights from our work at SIECUS...

Congress must stop the humanitarian crisis at the border

We led a joint statement, along with over 60 sexual and reproductive health, rights, and justice organizations to condemn the Trump-Pence administration’s inhumane treatment of migrants in border detention camps.

The Blueprint for Sexual and Reproductive Health, Rights, and Justice

The Blueprint for Sexual and Reproductive Health, Rights, and Justice is a proactive policy agenda to advance sexual and reproductive health in the United States and around the world. SIECUS is proud to have worked in partnership with nearly 80 other organizations to create this much-needed blueprint. 

Say hello to some new faces at SIECUS!

This summer, we were thrilled to have our interns and fellows Helen, Noelle, and Lexi join the team. Each of them made meaningful contributions to our work advancing sex ed for social change. You can learn more about them here.

This month, we also welcomed a new Policy Analyst to the team. We are so excited to have Gabrielle Winger with us full time.

Some SIECUS thoughts...

This month, our President & CEO penned an op-ed for POZ Magazine--the award-winning print and online brand for people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. Read it here.

SIECUS in the news...

• Rewire News, HHS Awards Nearly $1.5 Million in Teen Pregnancy Prevention Funding to Anti-Choice Organizations

• Ms. Magazine, The Blueprint for Global Reproductive Justice

• Daily Kos, Early July Women Trailblazers and Events in Our History

Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your web browser

And everyone says that August in DC is typically “slow…”

Here's what's happening right now...

Public Charge rule forces dangerous ultimatum upon immigrant families
On August 12th, the Trump administration finalized a dangerous new “Public Charge” rule. Set to go into effect on October 15, this rule will force immigrant families to choose between attaining a green card or accessing life-saving public programs like Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and federal public housing. For many immigrant families, these programs are their only option for receiving the sexual and reproductive health care they need. This ruling is the latest in a rush of cruel attacks on immigrant communities. It allows immigration officials to deny immigrants entry to the U.S. based on a mere perception that they seem more likely than not to rely on public services in the future. 

SIECUS will be signing onto an amicus brief led by the National Women’s Law Center, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, and the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund to challenge this ruling.

Contact your representatives today and urge them to stop this attack on immigrant families!

Health care providers across the country forced out of Title X Program

Following the implementation of the Trump administration’s dangerous gag rule that barred Title X providers from discussing abortion care options with their patients, several states and Planned Parenthood were forced out of the family planning program last week. Despite making up just 13 percent of providers, Planned Parenthood previously served 40 percent of all Title X patients.  A new study shows that without Planned Parenthood clinics supported by Title X, other types of Title X–supported sites would need to increase their contraceptive client caseloads by an average of 70%. 

In a similar fashion, numerous states have withdrawn from the Title X grant program, including Washington, Vermont, and Oregon. Starting in fiscal year 2021, Maryland will follow suit. This gag rule threatens the well-being of millions of low-income patients who rely on Title X to access and afford critical sexual and reproductive health care services. 

But you can take action, right now, to protect Title X. Contact your Senators and demand they put an end to this dangerous gag rule.

Trump administration proposes another license to discriminate 
The U.S. Department of Labor proposed a new rule to codify federal contractors’ ability to claim religious exemption, granting them permission to avoid employment nondiscrimination requirements. Yet again, this administration is working to greenlight discrimination in the name of religion--and we know that these discriminatory religious exemptions will disparately impact LGBTQ folks and religious minorities. 

SIECUS is joining its partners in demanding an extension to the unusually short 30-day public comment period on the proposed rule and to seek further clarification on its actual impacts. 

Proposed cut to SNAP benefits could leave hundreds of thousands of students hungry 
The U.S. Department of Agriculture proposed a rule revising how it determines eligibility for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), often referred to as food stamps. The new and unnecessarily cruel rule would narrow the definition of who is automatically qualified to receive SNAP benefits, which could result in 500,000 hungry students being denied access to free school meals.

SIECUS will be submitting a comment opposing this harmful revision. Because no young person is able to receive a quality sex education--or any eduction--if they go hungry at school.

And here are some highlights from our work at SIECUS...

We participated in the fifth annual Reproductive Justice Week of Action
We honored this year’s Reproductive Justice Week of Action with digital activity led by our friends at In Our Own Voice. This week celebrated 25 years of Reproductive Justice and featured the leadership of Black Women for Wellness, Black Women’s Health Imperative, New Voices for Reproductive Justice, SisterLove, Inc., SisterReach, SPARK Reproductive Justice NOW, The Afiya Center and Women With a Vision, Inc. To check out some of the action, head to Twitter to follow the hashtags #RJWOA19 and #LivingOurPower.

We led a back to school-themed #SexEdForAll Twitter Chat with Scarleteen
As students across the country began their first week of classes, we teamed up with Scarleteen to lead a Twitter Chat in order to emphasize the importance of sex education during this back to school season. We discussed the current state of sex ed in this country, the gaps that need filling, and how we can all go about advancing #SexEdForAll in our own communities.

Some SIECUS thoughts...

Right now, students all across the country are headed back to class to kick off the new academic year. As families start to get back into the swing of their daily school routines, we have a perfect opportunity to make some noise (and some change!) for sex education.

Here are five steps you can take, right now, to advance sex education in your community. No matter where you live.

SIECUS in the news...

• How #MeToo is changing sex ed policies, even in red states - NBCNews (As well as US News & World Report, Salon, and a number of other publications) 

• Millennial Parents Have Changed the Way We Talk With Kids About Puberty - Good Housekeeping

   

Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your web browser

Here's what's happening right now...

Title X gag rule is already having disastrous effects. 
The Trump administration implemented their dangerous, unethical gag rule aimed at Title X facilities. Oral arguments began just last week and the rule continues to face legal challenges all across the country. While a permanent decision isn’t expected until later this year, the gag rule has gone into effect--and has already forced nearly 20% of Title X grantees to leave the program. In California alone, the gag rule has resulted in a near 40% reduction in the number of patients served by Title X statewide.

Without intervention, we could very well face a public health crisis due to the strain on health centers that have been forced out of the program. In a time when the US is already experiencing record high STI rates, Trump’s gag rule could make matters worse. The rule could also delay medical intervention for reproductive health care services such as cervical cancer screenings.

But we can take action today to ensure that Title X clinics are able to provide patients with accurate, comprehensive care. Join us in urging the Senate to restore this vital program through the appropriations process. Contact your Senators today and tell them to protect Title X! 

The Senate’s current spending bill does no favors for sex ed
The Senate Appropriations Committee’s proposed spending measure to fund the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and related agencies for fiscal year (FY) 2020 includes harmful provisions for young people. Senators proposed funneling $45 million to failed abstinence-only, or “Sexual Risk Avoidance,” programs in FY 2020 – adding onto the $2.2 billion that has already been wasted on abstinence-only programs.

We’re bracing for some Supreme Court decisions that could have huge implications
- LGBTQ anti-discrimination protections: Next week, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) will be hearing three separate cases that jeopardize anti-discrimination protections for queer folks across the country. Through these cases, the justices will decide whether or not sexual orientation and gender identity are covered under workplace anti-discrimination protections included in the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

- The right to access safe and legal abortion: As extreme abortion bans continue to pop up across the country, they are being met with significant legal pushback. SCOTUS is set to discuss a number of cases that could impact the right to safe and legal abortion in this country. Namely, SCOTUS is expected to discuss currently pending appeals to restricive abortion laws in Indiana and Louisiana. 

We’ve got a lot to to raise awareness around next month
Move over pumpkins and apple cider! October is all about observing and celebrating sexual and reproductive health, rights, and justice! From Intersex Awareness Day, to Let’s Talk month, there are so many awareness days, weeks, and activities happening that we wrote them all down in the form of a blog post so you can join in on the fun!

And here are some highlights from our work at SIECUS...

SIECUS went to Texas, y’all! 
For the first time since the 1990s, Texas is gearing up to change their sex education standards. So, of course we joined our friends at the Texas Freedom Network Education Fund on the steps of the Texas State Capitol to tell their board of education to #TeachTheTruth in their schools. We worked with TFNEF to create a report that details the state of sex ed in Texas and shares recommendations for overhauling the state’s failed and dangerous abstinence-only approach. 

- Read the report.
- Learn more about the campaign.

We welcomed a new policy intern.
Meet Angela Maske--the newest addition to the SIECUS team. Angela is a graduate student at Georgetown University studying global health. And we couldn’t be more excited to have her on board.

We wrote about some recent research on the dangers of abstinence-only programs.
Our research fellow, Lexie Wille, contributed a blog post examining a recent study published in the American Journal of Public Health. The study examined the effects of federal funds used to support abstinence-only programs. Spoiler: Researchers found that these programs do not accomplish what they say they do. They also actively harm young people.

SIECUS in the news...

- Washington Post: It’s not about sex: Teaching young children where babies come from (and other stuff) ?
- Houston Chronicle - Dirty Skittles and broken Butterfingers: How abstinence is taught in Texas schools
- The Dallas Morning News - Texas’ abstinence-only sex ed isn’t working, according to groups urging kids be taught more about contraception

Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your web browser

Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your web browser

Here's what's happening right now...

Supreme Court happenings
The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) recently heard oral arguments for three separate cases that could jeopardize anti-discrimination protections for queer folks. These landmark cases will decide whether or not sexual orientation and gender identity are covered under workplace anti-discrimination protections in our civil rights laws. We’ll be waiting to hear the rulings in the spring. Until then, here’s what you need to know. 

And here are some highlights from our work at SIECUS...

SIECUS and Youth Justice Awareness Month (YJAM)
Since 2008, youth justice advocates around the country have come together to organize events and online activities to raise awareness and inspire action. Despite the power of this advocacy, racial and ethnic disparities inherent in the criminal justice system have not improved. SIECUS is proud to join over 100 organizations during October to raise awareness of the needs of system involved youth and their right to receive comprehensive sex education.

As a leading partner within the Sexual Health Youth Advocacy Coalition (SHYAC), SIECUS is proud to announce the release of SHYAC’s new fact sheet, It’s Time to Fight for the Sexual Health Rights of Youth in State Custody. We also invite individuals and organizations to sign the subsequent Consensus Statement on the Rights of Youth in State Custody.

We observed Ace Week
October 20-26 marked this year’s Ace Week, or Asexual Awareness Week. Each year, we take this week to celebrate and educate about the diversity of identities that fall along the asexual spectrum.

SIECUS’ fall travel plans
SIECUS attended the SisterSong Let’s Talk About Sex Conference. We joined over 400 leaders committed to reproductive justice in Atlanta for the event. Jennifer Driver, SIECUS’ Vice President of Policy & Strategic Partnerships, presented on sex education as a vehicle for social change.

SIECUS also attended the Healthy Teen Network Conference. This year’s theme was “Sex+ A Sexual Health Revolution,” centering on sex-positivity in sex education and policy. Jennifer Driver was a keynote speaker.

Domestic Violence and Intimate Partner Violence Week of Solidarity 
SIECUS collaborated with Advocates for Youth, In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda, Ujima: The National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community, and URGE: Unite for Reproductive & Gender Equity to lead the 2019 Domestic Violence and Intimate Partner Violence Week of Solidarity campaign.

Congresswoman Barbara Lee and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley sponsored a briefing on young people and intimate partner violence, in which SIECUS’ Federal Policy Director Samantha Cyrulnik-Dercher spoke about the crucial role of healthy relationships curriculum in sex education and advocated for the Real Education for Healthy Youth Act (REHYA) and the Youth Access to Sexual Health Services Act (YASHS). 

SIECUS in the news...

Rewire.News: Adolescent Health Groups Warn of Risks Anti-Choice Crisis Pregnancy Centers Pose to Young People

Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your web browser

Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your web browser

Here's what's happening right now...

A new rule to allow discrimination in health care was put forth by HHS. 
This month, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a proposed rule to abandon current anti-discrimination regulations within HHS-funded programs. This rule effectively greenlights broad discrimination based on religion, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity while eliminating the requirement that HHS grant recipients recognize same-sex marriage as valid.

Congress avoids a government shutdown...for a few more weeks.
Congress passed another short-term funding bill to continue funding the government at its current levels until December 20th. 

We’re fighting back against attacks on abortion access in Louisiana. 
As the Supreme Court continues hearing June Medical Services, LLC v. Gee, the challenge to a law that would make it next to impossible for most people in Louisiana to seek abortion care, SIECUS is proud to join the #MyRightMyDecision campaign. 

A previous Trump admin attempt to ‘ok’ discrimination gets halted.
The Trump administration’s so-called “Conscience Rule” was voided by a federal court. This rule would have allowed providers to refuse care to patients because of personally held religious or moral objections--particularly impacting queer and trans folks and people seeking abortion care.

And here are some highlights from our work at SIECUS...

We hosted our inaugural Sex Ed Policy Convening (#SEPAC2019). 
For the first time, we brought members of the Sex Education Policy Action Council (SEPAC) -- sex ed advocates from 24 states across the nation -- together for a day-long conference to share and learn strategies for advancing comprehensive sex education in each of our communities. 

We led a day of advocacy to promote #SexEdOnTheHill.
Following our Sex Ed Policy Convening, we brought a group of over 50 advocates and activists from 28 states to Capitol Hill to meet with their members of Congress. We spent the day reiterating the importance of accurate, inclusive, and empowering sex ed and why it must start to receive funding at the federal level.

We honored Sex Ed Champions and Trailblazers.
With so many sex ed movement builders in town this month, we hosted an awards ceremony to acknowledge the necessary but often thankless work of a number of sex education champions and trailblazers. We honored Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal of Washington, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, Delegate Arianna Kelly of Maryland, Representative Susan Lontin of Colorado, and Natasha Vianna, founder of #NoTeenShame.  

We rebranded.
We are now SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change. After a year of advancing a new framework for how and why we do what we do, we cemented this shift with an organizational rebrand. 

SIECUS in the news...

RePROs Fight Back (Podcast): Sex Education as a Vehicle for Social Change
Today: How to talk to children about sex: An age-by-age guide
Truthout: Anti-Choice Crisis Pregnancy Centers Pose Risks to Young People
TIME: 'We Are Grabbing Our Own Microphones': How Advocates of Reproductive Justice Stepped Into the Spotlight

Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your web browser

Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your web browser

Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your web browser

Here's what's happening right now...

Medicaid is under attack...again – The Trump administration announced its plan to allow states to cap federal funding for Medicaid. This move could result in loss of health care, including sexual and reproductive health services, for millions of people.

California abortion access is at stake – The Trump Administration is also trying to prevent Californians from receiving the abortion coverage that their state law requires. For six years, the state has required its employers and insurers to include abortion as a covered benefit – but HHS leadership is now working to push its anti-abortion ideology across the state.

Discrimination Against Poor and Pregnant Immigrants – On January 27th, the Supreme Court ruled that Trump is allowed to enforce his new expanded definition of “public charge,” greenlighting the denial of immigration status to people who are deemed likely to need Medicaid, food stamps, federal housing assistance, and other government resources. This allows blatant discrimination against immigrants and refugees based on their income, but it could also deter millions of non-citizens from applying for public benefits that they or their family members are eligible for because they fear doing so could impact their immigration status. The legal battle over this rule continues, but for now, it is being enforced.

Earlier this month, Trump’s State Department issued a new rule to try to block pregnant people from visiting the U.S. This is a supposed solution to “birth tourism,” a concept alleging that pregnant immigrants come to the U.S.to give birth in order to secure U.S. citizenship for their children. However, the Trump administration refuses to release any data related to the scale of “birth tourism.” This targeted attack on women of color is yet another action taken by this administration to support and uphold white supremacy. 

Birth control back on the SCOTUS agenda – the Supreme Court announced that it will, once again, hear the issue of whether employers must guarantee birth control coverage to their workers under the Affordable Care Act. The Trump administration tried to widely expand the kinds of organizations and employers who can claim exemptions from the birth control coverage requirement. However, these attacks to contraceptive access have rightfully been blocked by lower courts.

And here are some highlights from our work at SIECUS...

- We joined our partners in the #MyRightMyDecision coalition to honor the 47th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade on January 22 online. Follow the hashtag to see what we discussed with our partners about the need to protect this landmark decision--and the work that still remains to make access to safe and legal abortion available for all people.

- SIECUS joined over 4,000 attendees in Dallas, Texas for the National LGBTQ Taskforce’s 2020 Creating Change Conference. SIECUS facilitated workshops on centering trans, nonbinary, and gender noncorfoming young people in sex education policy; religion, education, and the LGBTQ community; and improving sex education policy for system impacted youth

- SIECUS joined 200 youth leaders in Washington State as they advocated for the passage of a comprehensive sex education mandate with their state legislators. SIECUS delivered the keynote speech at the event sponsored by Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest and the Hawaiian Islands, convening over the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday for a “Youth Revolution,” inspired by the activism of Dr. King and Black revolutionaries.

- SIECUS published a new blog post, Can 2020 presidential candidates start talking about sex ed already?

SIECUS in the news...

The Atlantic: The Questions Sex-Ed Students Always Ask
Vox: The future of sex ed has arrived. Is America ready?
Rewire.News: With STDs Rising, Advocates Hope State Legislators Will Fix Harmful Sex Ed Laws
Teen Vogue: Transgender People on What They Wish They Had Learned in Sex Ed
Bustle: Can Crisis Pregnancy Centers Teach Sex Ed?

 A quick intro 

Welcome to the SIECUS State of Sex Ed March Newsletter! Each month, we will share news and updates from federal and state legislation, trending national headlines, relevant district policies that impact sex education, and calls to action to advance the field. This month, in light of the oral arguments for June Medical Services v. Russo (formerly June Medical Services v. Gee) that were heard on March 4th, we're examining the connection between sex education and abortion access.

Sex Education for Social Change: Abortion 

On March 12, SCOTUS heard oral arguments for June Medical Services v. Russo. The case challenges a burdensome 2014 Louisiana law that requires abortion providers to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital. 

While limiting access to abortion care adversely impacts adults, most significantly impacting people of color and low-income people, limiting access to abortion also directly impacts youth. The fact is, young people experience pregnancy and they need medically accurate, shame-free information about their options. Through the inclusion of abortion within comprehensive sex education, students have the opportunity to receive instruction on the full range of pregnancy outcomes. This education is critical in the pursuit of empowering young people to make informed decisions about their health and future. Both sex educators and pro-choice advocates must work to include young people in conversations about abortion access. 

In advancing sex education, we must consider how threats to abortion care impact young people. Pro-choice advocates cannot continue to sacrifice the needs of young people by permitting lawmakers to further impede access to abortion care through the implementation of strict parental involvement laws (currently present in 37 states) or biased policies that inhibit young people from learning about their pregnancy options. We must continue to fight back against these policies with the same vigor we display when abortion bans are introduced. 

 Learn more about fighting for reproductive freedom with sex education.

In the states 

This section highlights recent legislation concerning sex education and related topics, including: reproductive health care, LGBTQ equality, sexual violence prevention, gender equity, racial equity, religious freedom, and more.

Correction: Our previous email incorrectly noted that VA HB 1663, known as the Virginia Values Act, passed both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly. Rather, SB 868, the companion bill, passed on February 24. HB 1663 was approved by the Senate on March 5.

SUPPORT

Sex Education: 
- IL HR 660 would codify every student's right to comprehensive sex education and that it is necessary to reduce sexual violence and STI transmission.The House Committee on Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies Committee held a hearing that included this bill on March 4, 2020.
- MI HB 5500 would require Michigan schools to provide instruction on affirmative consent, sexual assault prevention, and dating violence prevention. MI HB 5499 would require all sex education to be objective and medically accurate.
- MA S 2475 passed the Senate after enveloping several amendments. Known as the Healthy Youth Act, the bill requires sex education to be comprehensive. Mandatory topics include sexual orientation and gender identity, affirmative consent, and preventing teen dating violence.
- OK HB 3090 would require "life skills" courses to include instruction on consent. OK SB 1368 requires the State Department of Health to review and approve all sex education curricula for medical accuracy.
- TN HB 2434/SB 2583 would remove the requirement to promote "sexual risk avoidance" and require sex education to be medically accurate and age-appropriate. The bill would require curriculum to include instruction on HIV/STI prevention, healthy relationships, and the importance of effectively using contraceptives.

LGBTQ Equality:
- OH HB 503 has been introduced in an effort to prohibit conversion therapy on minors, joining states that have introduced similar measures such as Iowa, Virginia, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Tennessee has also introduced legislation to ban conversion therapy for pre-pubescent minors. For young people who have already gone through puberty in TN, lawmakers are attempting to require multiple physicians' approval before conversion therapy is allowed to be administered.
- CA SB 201 would prohibit medically unnecessary, "normalizing" surgical procedures on intersex children under 6 years old to prevent attempts to modify natural genital differences. 
- VA HB 580 would expand definitions of child abuse and neglect, adding language related to sexual orientation and gender identity to further protect LGBTQ youth. VA HB 1663, known as the Virginia Values Act, would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. HB 1663 was approved by the Senate on March 5, joining companion bill SB 868 in passing both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly. 

OPPOSE

Sex Education: 
- MO SB 786/HB 1565 would permit parents to remove their children from any instruction about sexual orientation or gender identity. This is known as an "opt-out" policy. There was a public hearing on the House bill on February 25th.
- MN HF 3147 would restrict youth access to sex education by requiring parental consent, also known as an "opt-in" policy, for their children to participate in instruction. Similar measures are being considered in Idaho, Alabama, and Arizona.
- TN SB 2089/HB 2135 would prohibit school employees or volunteers from "advocat[ing] or encourag[ing] abortion" or referring a student to a practice for the purpose of obtaining an abortion. 
- TN HB 2567 would establish the "Parents' Bill of Rights," outlining parents' ability to direct the education of their children and requiring parental consent for a young person to receive surgery, a physical examination, or prescription drugs. This trend of "Parents' Bill of Rights" legislation can also be seen in states such as Florida and Minnesota.

LGBTQ Equality:
- OH HB 513  would prohibit physicians and other medical professionals from providing therapy that affirms a young person's gender identity, hormone treatments, or gender affirming surgery. Georgia, West Virginia, Illinois, and Alabama have introduced similar measures.

Abortion:
- FL SB 404, which would require young people to receive parental consent prior to obtaining an abortion, has passed both the House and Senate and is expected to be signed by Gov. DeSantis.
- NH HB 1640 The state currently grants minors the ability to "waive" parental notification requirements, or seek abortion services without their parents' knowledge, by seeking a court-ordered exemption. However, HB1640 would remove that ability--forcing all young people to inform their parents without exception. There was an open executive session on the bill on March 4th.
- AK HB 302 would ban abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected. Florida has introduced a similar measure that would also remove medically necessary exceptions. Colorado, Illinois, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Tennessee have all introduced similar measures.

On the Hill 

INCREASED SUPPORT FOR YASHS

The Youth Access to Sexual Health Services Act (YASHS - H.R. 2701) continues to receive increased support in Congress. Since our email last month, YASHS received five additional co-sponsors. Learn more about this bill and urge your members to support YASHS, too.

SCOTUS:

June Medical Services v. Russo
Status: Oral arguments heard on 3/4/20
Description: The lawsuit challenges a 2014 Louisiana law that, if successful, would require every health care professional who provides abortions to have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of where the abortion is performed. SCOTUS struck down an identical restriction during Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt in 2017.
SIECUS stance: OPPOSE

Title X: 

Status: An eleven judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit vacated the preliminary injunctions issued by three federal courts in the Title X cases on February 24, 2020.
Description: In the 7-4 ruling, the judges held that the Trump administration's Title X family planning rule, which prevents Title X clinics from providing or referring abortion care, to remain in effect. Read the National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association's statement here. 
SIECUS Stance: OPPOSE

Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your web browser

Hi Bobby,

Today marks the beginning of our LGBTQ+ Inclusive Sex Ed Week of Action. To round out Pride Month, we are joining partners across the country to highlight the dire need for inclusive sex education and to share actions folks can take in their own communities.

I hope you will join us for this series of virtual events happening all week long.

Don't miss our first webinar at 2:00 pm (ET) today - Couch Conversations: Queer Liberation and Joy.

Since we frequently talk about the oppression that LGBTQ+ young people experience, we want to kick off our week of action with a celebration of queerness to ground us and guide us as we move through more difficult topics throughout the week. 

Below are some additional actions you can take, right now, as part of our LGBTQ+ Inclusive Sex Ed Week of Action:

?? Sign your organization on to support our Call to Action. If you've already signed on, you can share this with allied organizations and encourage them to do the same.
?? Register for our upcoming webinars. Make sure you register as soon as you can because space is limited.
?? Use our communications toolkit to make noise for LGBTQ+ inclusive sex ed. The toolkit includes suggested messaging, press release and email templates, and sample social media posts and graphics.
?? Encourage your colleagues, friends, and loved ones to sign up to join our week of action, too!

Looking forward to taking action together,

Jennifer Driver
Vice President, Policy & Strategic Partnerships
(She/Her)

Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your web browser

SIECUS Receives the 2020 Social Justice / Public Service Policy Award

From the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality 

WASHINGTON - Today, on behalf of the organization, Christine Soyong Harley, president & CEO at SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change, received the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (SSSS)'s 2020 Social Justice / Public Service Policy Award. The Award is given to an individual or organization in appreciation for its outstanding achievements and major impact on public awareness, advocacy and policy. It was presented to Harley at SSSS' 2020 Global Sex Research Virtual Conference.

"For fifty-six years, SIECUS has served as the national advocacy voice for sex education, asserting that sexuality is a fundamental part of being human," said Christine Soyong Harley, SIECUS president & CEO. "I am honored to accept this award on behalf of our founders, staff and supporters that have made SIECUS what it is today. And I am grateful for the recognition of the recent efforts since our rebrand one year ago, that SIECUS has made to illuminate the power that comprehensive sex education has to advance a variety of pressing social issues-ranging from sexual violence prevention to LGBTQ liberation to reproductive justice and beyond. This award validates our vision that sex education can be a vehicle for social change and social justice. 

This award is especially meaningful given our long-standing relationship with SSSS and their dedication to advancing the knowledge of sexuality and communicating scientifically based sexuality research and scholarship. I look forward to future collaborations and growing our partnership to ensure greater public awareness of our collective issues."

# # #

SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change has served as the national voice for sex education for 56 years, asserting that sexuality is a fundamental part of being human, one worthy of dignity and respect. Through policy, advocacy, education, and strategic communications efforts, SIECUS advances sex education as a vehicle for social change-working toward a world where all people can access and enjoy sexual and reproductive freedom as they define it for themselves.

Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your web browser

Hi Bobby,

As you likely already know, President Trump has selected Amy Coney Barrett as his nominee to fill late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg''s seat on the Supreme Court. And he has done so with the stated purpose of allowing the Court, not the people, to decide the outcome of the Presidential election. Since Senate Republicans have agreed to help rush Barrett's nomination through before our elections are complete, it is our job to work together to stop this illegitimate nomination. 

Judge Barrett is an anti-abortion extremist who has decades of public statements and rulings that have harmed women, LGBTQ+ people, and communities of color. Judge Barrett on the bench would jeopardize the sexual and reproductive health and rights of all Americans--and especially our young people. So let''s act fast.

Tell your senators that they must uphold Justice Ginsburg's final wish and not install her replacement until after Inauguration Day.

Fiercely yours in this fight,

Christine Soyong Harley
President & CEO
(She/Her)

Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your web browser

Hi Bobby,

This has been a tough time for all of us. As our country grapples with overlapping public health crises of COVID-19 and racism, our Pride Month celebrations are looking a lot different this year. While we can't be together in person to celebrate and support our LGBTQ+ communities--and especially our Black LGBTQ+ loved ones--we can still do so online.

Please join SIECUS along with our partners at Advocates for Youth, Answer, Black and Pink, Center for HIV Law and Policy (CHLP), Equality Federation, GLSEN, Healthy Teen Network, Lambda Legal, Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA), the National LGBTQ Task Force, and URGE: Unite for Reproductive and Gender Equity as we wrap up Pride month with our LGBTQ+ Inclusive Sex Ed Week of Action. 

Sign up now to receive our full schedule of activities and other important updates.

We'll be coming to you live every day from Monday, June 22 - Friday, June 26 with webinars on topics ranging from queer joy to creating momentum for LGBTQ+ inclusive sex ed in your school district. We'll also be hosting a Tweet Storm on Wednesday, June 24 to share why we support LGBTQ+ inclusive sex ed. View our week of virtual events at a glance below:

June 22nd: Couch Conversations: Queer Liberation and Joy
June 23rd: LGBTQ+ Inclusive Sex Ed
June 24th: Risk and Protective Factors for LGBTQ Youth: Implications of COVID-19 and Beyond
June 24th: #PrideInSexEd Tweet Storm at 2:00pm ET
June 25th: Still Here, Still Rising: Moving Forward from the 2020 Legislative Session
June 26th: Taking Action at Home: Building LGBTQ+ Inclusive Sex Ed in Your School District

Stay tuned for future emails related to these activities and more.

And remember: We celebrate Pride Month every June to commemorate revolutionary acts of queer people of color who fought back against police violence during the Stonewall Riots of 1969. And this June, the spirit of our country's first Pride resonates louder and clearer than ever.

We can't wait to honor, support, and celebrate our LGBTQ+ community with you,

Jennifer Driver
(She/Her)
Vice President, Policy & Strategic Partnerships

Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your web browser

Hi Bobby,

In these unprecedented times, our ability to connect and share with one another online is critical. From hosting family game nights via Zoom to sharing LOL-worthy memes across social media, the staff at SIECUS has been grateful to have these options to be with our loved ones digitally, even if we can't be together physically.

And we've got some exciting news to keep you connected with SIECUS in a new and totally digital way:
We are now on Instagram!

We are thrilled to have a new platform to regularly engage with supporters like you--with a little more visual appeal and a lot more emojis.  ??????

So, if you are an Instagram user, please follow our account today. And even if you aren't on the 'gram, you can still visit our page to see what we're up to.

Wishing you well during these difficult times,

Zach Eisenstein
(He/Him)
Sr. Communications Manager

Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your web browser

*Pst... It's almost May! We can't wait to kick off our second annual observance of Sex Ed For All Month. We'll be launching this year's #SexEdForAll campaign on Monday, May 4th, so stay tuned for more updates next week!*

This Month...

SIECUS honored National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NYHAAD)

SIECUS observed NYHAAD on April 10th. Our policy intern, Madeline Doe, wrote a blog post, voicing the dire need to center young people in the fight against HIV in the US. And, as she writes, HIV education is "one of the most effective prevention strategies to help lower the rate of new HIV cases in the U.S."

SIECUS shared sex-positive ways to discuss sexual health amid COVID-19

Teaming up with The STI Project, SIECUS created a guide that included 6 ways to talk about safer sex and STIs without using fear, shame, or stigma; how to seek STI testing and related care in a time when access may be limited; and shared a list of credible resources answering people's questions about coronavirus and sex.

SIECUS participated in a webinar to center systems-involved youth in sex ed

SIECUS joined fellow members of the Sexual Health Youth Advocacy Coalition (SHYAC) for a webinar, RISE to the Challenge: Advocating for Responsible, Inclusive Sex Education. This webinar discussed best practices for focusing advocacy efforts to serve the needs of youth experiencing homelessness and out-of-home placement--many of whom identify as LGBTQ+ and/or youth of color.

SIECUS got loud online to defend our sexual and reproductive health

It's no secret that extremist politicians have been working to sneak anti-sexual and reproductive health, rights, and justice policies into COVID-19 responses. To fight back, SIECUS has joined partners in a variety of digital activities to say, "this is unacceptable." While we cannot rally in person, we can make noise online. Here are a few highlights:

• We joined the virtual rally  #ReproHealthCantWait with our partners in New York
• We also joined our partners in saying #AbortionIsEssential and encouraging folks to #BeBoldEndHyde
• And we participated in our partners' #CareNotCages campaign to help shed light on the need to provide systems-involved youth with quality sexual and reproductive health care.

And speaking of digital activity. ICYMI, we are now on Instagram! Check out our account today.

SIECUS in the news

Jezebel - Inside the Sex-Positive, Socially Distanced Rebirth of Sex Ed

Hi Bobby,

Today, we are thrilled to officially launch Sex Ed For All Month! ??????

Throughout May, SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change is leading efforts alongside our partners within the Sex Education Coalition to bring digital resources directly to young people; support parents and educators as they navigate remote learning; and keep advancing policies that ensure all young people are equipped with the education, information, and resources they need to make informed decisions for themselves. Learn more about our efforts in this year's official Sex Ed for All Month announcement. 

And while we've got a whole month of activity planned, we need you to participate, too! In particular, we invite you to join our #SexEdForAll Video Challenge. To do so, follow the instructions below:

1. Film a video of yourself answering the question, "Why are you observing Sex Ed For All Month this May?" in 60 seconds or less to share on your social media channels.

2. Add the hashtag #SexEdForAll to the text of your post.

3. Tag 3 friends and challenge them to do the same.

4. Share the post across your Twitter, Instagram, and/or Facebook channels

That's it! That's the challenge. Are you up for it?

At SIECUS, we believe that sex education can spark social change--empowering young people with information about bodily autonomy, maintaining healthy relationships, and affirming each other's identities--ultimately building a stronger community of connection and respect. Especially in a time as challenging as this one, we need you to join us in naming and sharing the society-shifting power of sex education.

May the fourth be with you ??,

Zach Eisenstein
(He/Him)
Sr. Communications Manager

P.S. Be sure to follow along with the hashtag #SexEdForAll on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to see and share these conversations all month long.