Our Sexual Health Philosophy

We believe that youth have the right to holistic sexual health information that takes into account their whole beings – their physical, mental, emotional, and relational needs. Sexual health education should integrate medically accurate and evidence-informed content, and be driven by youth voices and input.  It should be culturally sensitive and responsive to the communities it serves.  

We believe in the liberating and transformative power of sexual health education. Youth are empowered and can make better decisions for themselves when they understand their agency and bodily autonomy and have the tools to communicate their wants and needs.

We believe in inclusive education that uplifts all students. This is possible only when the needs and experiences of marginalized youth are centered, considered, and listened to at every point in the educational process. This means cultivating safe, non-judgemental spaces where their identities feel validated and all students are seen and affirmed for who they are. Material presented should support universal values while providing space for youth to make their own decisions about non-universal values.

We believe that policy, communities, schools, and service providers should affirm youths' identities, desires, curiosities, and experiences.

Our Sexual Health Philosophy, just like all of our work, is constantly adapting and evolving to best reflect our approach to serving the youth of Virginia and those who work with them.