You talked, we listened!

Thank you to all the youth who responded to our SHEPP Youth Survey. Your ideas are guiding the work SHEPP does, and we are using your answers to create our workshops. You told us what you want and need and we are working to offer you that.

We had 64 people answer our survey, and here is what you told us.

Communication is key! You want to learn about healthy relationships, how to talk to your partner about sex, set boundaries and get what you want. You also want to talk about stuff that is not always talked about in sex ed - like different types of relationships (e.g., gay, lesbian, bisexual, polyamorous or multiple partners, etc.), how to practice BDSM safely, and sexual pleasure.

Sex can be hot and safe and you want to know more about what might feel good to do with a partner and with yourself. This is included both the physical and emotional aspects of relationships.

You wanted us to challenge some of the myths that we hear about sexuality, and you wanted this discussion to include info on different sexual realities – disabilities and sexuality and how values, culture and history affect your and other people’s sexualities.

New and changing technologies play a role in sexuality and relationships. You wanted to learn more about the relationship stuff (good and bad) that happens on the Internet (i.e., Facebook, MySpace, Bebo, Twitter, MSN) and how to have fun and be safe online.

Sometimes in workshops about sex groups are divide by age, gender etc. You had different opinions about what might work best and this is something that SHEPP can approach for each workshop. You told us the most important thing was for you to feel comfortable, so we will meet each group where they are at to make that possible.

You told us that you want to be informed and empowered to make decisions about sex and sexuality, and we want to work with you toward that goal. If you have any other ideas or feedback for us, please contact us at shepptoronto@gmail.com.

Thank you!