Planned Parenthood Joins Leading Organizations in Call to Action for More Gender-Inclusive Sex Education

New York, NY —  Last week, Planned Parenthood Federation of America joined Gender Spectrum, Advocates for Youth, Answer, GLSEN, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, and the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS) — in releasing a landmark report outlining the first-ever comprehensive set of principles for gender-inclusive puberty and health education (PHE). This report is a call to action for educators, parents, politicians, and public health advocates to adopt and advocate for gender-inclusive education nationwide.

All young people deserve accurate, nonjudgmental information about their bodies, sex, and relationships, so  they can freely explore and express who they are as they grow into adulthood. Planned Parenthood is proud to support gender-inclusive puberty and sex education," said Dr. Sara C. Flowers, vice president of Education at Planned Parenthood Federation of America. "We know young people, schools, and communities reap  benefits when each and every student sees their own identity, experience, and family reflected in lessons and language. As sex educators, advocates, and health care providers, we are committed to inclusive practices that position young people for success by giving them tools for a healthy and more equitable future.

Lack of thorough sex education puts LGBTQ youth at risk. Transgender, non-binary and gender-expansive students deserve to feel seen, safe, and supported at school. When students  see themselves and their classmates reflected in the curriculum, they are better able to make decisions for their health, relationships, bodies, and futures. It is vital, life-affirming and, sometimes life-saving, to have LGBTQ-inclusive sex education covering gender-diverse information for all students. As research shows, these principles help LGBTQ youth get the support and information they need to live their healthiest lives.

Planned Parenthood is proud to be part of such a monumental step towards ensuring that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) people are represented in sex education. Inclusive, diverse representation is crucial to positive personal development for all young people, regardless of their identity.” said Dr. Flowers.

Planned Parenthood is the nation’s largest provider and advocate of sex education, serving 1.2 million people with educational programs. Through health centers, online resources, and programs in schools and communities we are a trusted source of reliable health information —  regardless of one’s gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, location, or nationality. In our 600 health centers, Planned Parenthood serves 2.4 million patients annually. We will continue to provide all patients with the health care and education they need— with care, compassion, and free from judgement.

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood affiliates serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.