Let's Talk About Sex

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On April 9, TLC will be premiering a film by James Houston called Let’s Talk About Sex. The movie is supposed to present “an innovative and empowering new vision for shifting our culture's approach to young people and sexual health in the United States,” to which all I have to say is—it’s about time! What’s especially exciting about this movie is that it was produced as a collaborative project with Advocates for Youth, so we know it’s going to be about comprehensive sex education and facts rather than the scare tactics and avoidance issues we’re pretty much used to in this country when it comes to sex ed.

The movie is supposed to highlight sexual information from a wide variety of sources, including interviews with health care practitioners, parents, faith leaders, and teens. It’s presenting sex in an “open, honest way” rather than the glorified sex we expect from the media or the misinformed sex ed we so often get from schools and abstinence-only programs. According to filmmakers, the movie is “both a catalyst and a tool to initiate healthy conversations in kitchens and classrooms across the country.” In a country where “teens live in a society that uses sex to sell everything from lipstick to laptops,” this couldn’t be more timely or needed.

Hugh Jackman says of the film, “Whether you have children, teach children, or are around children at all, this film is a must see.” I don’t hold his parenting opinion any higher than any other parent I know, but given the rest of the information I’ve read about the movie, I am inclined to lean toward his opinion. And Advocates for Youth have always done such wonderful comprehensive programs; if it’s affiliated with them, it’s probably worth checking out. As both a parent and an educator, as well as an activist, I can’t wait to see it myself!

You can watch this innovative film on April 9 at 10:00 PM, 9:00 Central. DVR it if you can’t see it, or check your local listings to see what times and dates you might be able to catch it at later. On Tuesday, April 12, the movie will also be available on DVD. If you visit the website mentioned above, you can also sign up for future updates, as well as to receive materials such as viewing party kits, discussion guides, and other materials to use with the film when discussing sex ed with teens and college students.