Despite the controversy over sexual health education in Texas, there are plenty of resources available for college students to become well-informed on the issues the subject covers.
Limited education in early life and withdrawing from these conversations can lead to big issues such as contracting sexually transmitted diseases and unexpected pregnancy, according to Aaron Salinas, a family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner at UT Health RGV Student Health.
“Sexual health is extremely important,” Salinas said. “… Research is showing that youngsters are experimenting with sex at a very young age. … So, it’s important that, you know, that they be educated on having safer sex practices.”
The Rider asked whether there is a stigma regarding sex education, to which Salinas replied that there is, and it is considered a big taboo especially in the Hispanic and Latino culture.
“That is a big problem, you know,” Salinas said. “So, a lot of kiddos are having to learn as they go. What I mean by that is they’re having to learn with experiences.”
He said common STDs that are seen during clinical practices are preventable.
Cindy Ximena Ruiz Zamudio, event coordinator for the Intersectional Feminist Student Organization at UTRGV, said sexual health education is also important because it teaches teens and young adults about consent.
Zamudio said there is a stigma related to sex education, giving the example of period pains, especially for minorities.
“We know for a fact that, like, people feel that periods are just, like, a woman’s problem and it shouldn’t be talked [about], and it is not true,” she said. “We understand the extent of how much of a help it would be if, like, for example, men or children understand what a period is.”
Zamudio said The Period Project, which the organization sponsors at the university, distributes period products due to the lack of dispensers and because the organization believes feminine hygiene products, like pads and tampons, should be free of charge.
Intersectional Feminist Student Organization buys feminine hygiene products and also accepts donations.
Kennia Gonzalez, an interdisciplinary studies junior, also said there is a stigma.
“A lot of people associate it with, ‘If you teach the youth about sex, they’re going to want to do it,’ when in reality, they’re already engaging,” Gonzalez said. “… And it’s best to give them the resources.”
She said that education and reeducating guardians is important so they can know as well.
The Rider asked about the current sexual health education laws in Texas.
In their responses, the interviewees mentioned the state’s “opt-in” policy.
Texas House Bill 1525, enacted in 2021, requires the written consent of a student’s parent prior to their children receiving sex education, according to SIECUS.org, formerly known as the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States.
Salinas said state law requires teachings on sexual health and topics that fall under that umbrella, which include healthy relationships. He also said there is still a gap since schools that do not receive public funding may not be required to offer sex education.
Salinas said getting involved in community outreach can help people become educated outside of campus.
“I think that’s really the answer. That these folks get out there and let people know that these are the services that are provided,” he said. “… And you don’t have to be embarrassed or ashamed if we experience these problems.”
Gonzalez said learning about one’s own sexual health is important and validating to oneself.
“It’s not something embarrassing, and, within the sexual health education, it’s important to teach consent as well and about different sexualities.”
On-campus resources include UT Health RGV Student Health Services, the Counseling Center, Talk About It campus conversations, and the Office for Advocacy and Violence Prevention.
