October is National Sexuality Education and Family Communication Month!

Talk about it.

Parents want their teens to make responsible choices about sex, and to develop good relationships. However, teens are getting sexual messages from many unreliable sources. By the time they reach adolescence, young people have watched thousands of hours of television, and dozens of movies. They have listened to hundreds of song lyrics, and seen countless ads in magazines, newspapers, and on the Internet. The content of many of these media messages is sexual -- and a lot of it is unrealistic or unhealthy. With so many messages about sexuality bombarding young people, parents want to be sure teenagers can sort out the facts from the fantasy. A good way to do this is to have an ongoing conversation about their lives, their opinions, and their relationships. Whether or not you're thinking or talking about it, parents are the primary source for their children's information about sexuality. That's why it's important to be clear about what you want to teach your children.

Sharing your values about sexuality can help your child feel connected to you, to your family, and your community. Studies show that family connectedness plays a prominent role in preventing too-early pregnancy. Young people who feel close to their families are more likely to postpone intercourse, and when they finally have sex, they have fewer sexual partners, and use contraception more effectively. In fact, a recent poll found that 67 percent of teens who had talked openly with a parent about sex would speak to a parent first if they were considering beginning a sexual relationship. It may be hard to talk about values without having your teen "tune out," so avoid making the conversation a lecture – communication should go both ways. Remember that it is important to communicate your expectations to your kids. Share your values, and let your teens know why you have them, and give them the accurate information they need to stay healthy. Be the source of accurate information and reliable support for your teens, and keep an open ear when they need it.

Make the subject as normal as oral hygiene. You're not embarrassed to tell your kids to brush their teeth. Tell them about their reproductive health in the same way. It may be easier for you to communicate a message of health to your teen, so start with something that will ease your anxiety or discomfort, and go from there. When you talk about sexuality with your kids, and they share their views with you, really listen to them. If they feel valued by you, they will learn to value themselves. If they value themselves, they are less likely to participate in risky behavior. Instill a sense of pride in their becoming responsible young men and women. Encourage them to take pride in their growing capabilities and to take steps to protect and nurture themselves. Don't worry about being an expert.There are lots of printed materials and programs to give you information. Talk about what's important to you, including the health and well-being of your teen, and keep in mind that what you are hoping to do is build a stronger, more connected relationship with your child. For help and information, contact Planned Parenthood or go to www.ppfa.org to find a center near you.

June is LGBTQ Pride Month!

According to Wikipedia, “Gay pride or LGBT pride refers to a world wide movement and philosophy asserting that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals should be proud of their sexual orientation and gender identity. Gay pride advocates work for equal "rights and benefits" for LGBT people. The movement has three main premises: that people should be proud of their sexual orientation and gender identity, that sexual diversity is a gift, and that sexual orientation and gender identity are inherent and cannot be intentionally altered. Marches celebrating Pride (pride parades) are celebrated worldwide. Symbols of LGBT pride include the rainbow flag, the Greek lambda symbol, and the pink as well as black triangles reclaimed from their past use.”

LGBT History Month originated in the United States and was first celebrated in 1994. It was founded by Missouri high-school history teacher Rodney Wilson. On June 2, 2000, President Bill Clinton declared June "Gay & Lesbian Pride Month". The month was chosen to remember a riot in 1969 at the Stonewall Inn in Manhattan that is thought to be the beginning of the gay liberation movement in the United States. This month is meant to recognize the impact Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender individuals have had on the world. We join millions worldwide to celebrate this special time with pride parades, picnics, parties, memorials, and educational activities.

Join us at Kalamzoo Pridefest 2008. The theme this year: Live, Love, & Respect. The vision of this event is to bring EVERYONE from the Kalamazoo community and surrounding areas together to celebrate diversity. We encourage everyone to join us in this celebration, as this will be a family event.

Arcadia Creek Festival Site
145 E WaterKalamazoo, Michigan 49007

New on Blogspot!

Welcome to the launch of Planned Parenthood of South Central Michigan's Center for Leadership and Sexuality Education's new blogspot! Whew... What a mouthful... Call us the CLSE for short...or simply put- we're your "Sexperts in Residence" and here to help!

Got questions? We'll get you answers!

The CLSE is made up of certified sexual heath educators, trainers, and peer educators with over 60 years of experience among them. With several nationally award-winning programs, resources, and certifications, we are your trusted provider for responsible, medically-accurate real sex ed. We're here for teens, parents, faith communities, LGBTQA friends, teachers, helping professionals, medical providers, youth workers, case workers, you name it, we've got resources for you.

Together, we can help ensure the availability of and access to comprehensive and confidential sexual health care and education services which protect the privacy, rights, questions, and choice of each individual in our community regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, creed, orientation, gender identity, ability and more.

The CLSE has long been at the forefront of cyber- education as well! Friend us on myspace, facebook, and check out our links on the www.ppscm.org website as well.

Now...starting May 1, 2008, we invite all of you to join us at our new blog at http://www.sexedmichigan.blogspot.com/ for your weekly sex ed updates, news you can use, questions of the week, and tips on the everyday "how-to's" (such as how to have the big talk, properly use a contraceptive method, and more).

And we want to hear from YOU! Please leave us your questions, thoughts, and ideas in our comments sections and take our monthly surveys and polls to let us know how we can better serve YOU!

First up- May is National Teen Pregnancy Prevetion Month. Did you know one million teens still become pregnant every year in the U.S. and that prom time is "when most pregnancies among teens" occur? Prom time is upon us...so...

please comment us this week about how Planned Parenthood can help teens and adults prevent unintended pregnancies in our communities!

Thanks for logging on and checkin in! Stay tuned for next month's PRIDE month questions and updates!