ERIC Number: EJ1357709
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022
Pages: 32
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1554-6128
EISSN: EISSN-1554-6136
Responsiveness of Sex Education to the Needs of LGBTQ+ Undergraduate Students and Its Influence on Sexual Violence and Harassment Experiences
Bloom, Brittnie E.; Kieu, Talia K.; Wagman, Jennifer A.; Ulloa, Emilio C.; Reed, Elizabeth
American Journal of Sexuality Education, v17 n3 p368-399 2022
Exposure to comprehensive sex education shows promise in preventing sexual violence and sexual harassment (SVSH) perpetration and victimization and supporting survivors. Determining if these benefits are also found in communities experiencing high levels of SVSH, such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) communities, is needed. Utilizing a sequential explanatory mixed-methods study design, we assessed LGBTQ + undergraduates' exposure to sex education (SE), what SE sources they relied on, and SE's perceived usefulness and responsivity to LGBTQ + needs. Compared to their non-LGBTQ + peers, LGBTQ + students perceived SE as less helpful in navigating personal desires (t294 = 2.08, p < 0.05) and sexual consent (t295= 2.15, p < 0.05). LGBTQ + students were more likely to use media (e.g., internet, pornography) as their primary source of SE on topics such as violence in relationships and consent. In-depth interviews substantiated quantitative findings, highlighting the non-responsiveness of SE among LGBTQ + students and further revealed that having to supplement SE through media increased LGBTQ + students' vulnerability to SVSH (including online sexual coercion). Via interviews, LGBTQ + students reported formal SE to be non-inclusive, led to experiences of othering, silencing, erasure, and made them more vulnerable to SVSH and related outcomes. SE policy and education must be modified to be more inclusive and helpful for LGBTQ + students, especially relating to SVSH prevention.
Descriptors: LGBTQ People, Sex Education, Undergraduate Students, Student Needs, Sexual Harassment, Violence, Prevention, Victims, Student Attitudes, Program Effectiveness, Social Bias, Online Courses, Information Sources, Internet
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (DHHS/PHS)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: California (San Diego); California (Santa Barbara); California (Los Angeles)
Grant or Contract Numbers: NUF2CE002403