My name is Jackie. Currently, I volunteer for a local clinic in a syringe exchange program and in their dental clinic. I also help the Safezone program at my school, which is a community of GBLTQ and allies that foster an atmosphere of respect for those of any gender or sexual orientation on campus.

I started my activism in high school volunteering for the Lifelong AIDS Alliance. I wanted to help an organization that increased awareness on how people can protect themselves from HIV and other STIs. As I continue my own individual education, I realize that one of the main barriers keeping young people from communicating with their intimate partners is the huge stigma that society has placed on talking about sexuality.

I would like to encourage young people to learn to speak honestly about sexuality. While it is indeed a private matter, it is still important to communicate questions, concerns, answers, and compliments with an intimate partner. Sexuality is a normal part of being human and it is important to recognize it as such. Most importantly, I would like people (of any age) to be safe and feel respected in any choice they decide to make regarding their sexuality.

It is important for young people to advocate for sexual health and rights because the decisions made, due to advocacy or lack thereof, affect each of us individually. Individuals may have varying opinions on contraceptives, abortion, gender roles, pre-marital sex, sexual assault and other sexual health topics, but we are all affected by the policies made regarding these topics. Another important thing is that we won’t be the “young people” forever; sooner than we think, our generation will be guiding the shape of the nation.

So, let’s talk about sexuality and reproductive health now, as young people! Let’s make it normal for people to get STI screenings, to talk about what types of contraceptives to use, talk about consent, talk about different comfort levels with different sexual activities, and talk about policies regarding sexuality and reproductive health. Let’s get it out there that we want to talk about sex!