Not Just Education—Accurate
and Inclusive Education Is the Key
By Vickie, Achiever, Peer Educator,
Youth Activist, and Young Woman of Color
I am 18, an "out" lesbian, and a person
of color. I don't live with my mother or father. Going
by statistics alone, I probably should have never made
it this far in life. Being
young is difficult at times and being a lesbian of color
is even more difficult. However, the most difficult thing
that I face each
day is a lack of accurate information, especially when
it comes to sexual health and overall well-being.
The media, family, friends, teachers, religious authorities … who
do we turn to when we have questions? Many of these sources
of information contradict
each other, and it's hard to judge the best informant. It hurts me to know
that because of politics or cultural barriers, young people may never receive
information that will provide them with tools to save their lives. It's horrifying
that the HIV/AIDS death rates for women
of color could be much lower if these women were educated and empowered
to protect themselves.
Another overlooked group are those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender, pansexual, queer/questioning (LGBTPQ). This group lacks sexual
heath information, protection against sexual harassment, and overall resources.
Ignorance and violence toward those who are identified as LGBTPQ will never
cease without education. I believe that education is the answer to many problems
in life. This is the reason why I have chosen to be a youth activist.
I have been given many opportunities to share my life experiences with others.
Currently, I am a trained sexual violence peer educator and a Gay-Straight
Alliance peer educator. I also work with the Minnesota Department of Health
(MDH) as a Youth Council member. The Youth Council works with the Minnesota
Community Planning Group to develop a comprehensive plan for HIV/STI prevention
in the state of Minnesota.
Through my work with MDH, I became involved with Advocates
for Youth and the organization's newly developed program, Young Women of
Color (YWOC) Leadership Council. YWOC is a collaboration of eight diverse young
women, from all over the United States, who come together with one unified
purpose—to educate. I also serve as an online peer educator for Youth
Resource, a website for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning
youth.
I envision a world where everyone has unlimited access to accurate resources.
Until this is reality, I will continue to rock the boat of misinformation.
VIEW
STORIES FROM MORE YOUTH ACTIVISTS >>
ARE YOU A YOUTH ACTIVIST? CLICK HERE TO SHARE YOUR STORY >>
 Send this page to a friend >>
|
