Why uncomfortable conversations matter

In light of SEXtember, I want to talk about navigating the shock of open sex education in Australia, and why embracing these conversations is vital for our wellbeing.

Arriving in Australia as an international student or growing up in a household with conservative immigrant parents can make the transition to understanding sex education and health a challenging experience. For many of us, hearing peers discuss topics like consent, contraception, and sexual health openly can be overwhelming, especially if these conversations were rarely or never had in our previous environments.

In my own experience, I knew very little about sex until my first year of university. My high school friends never really brought up these topics, so when I entered university and noticed people talking more freely about sex, I often felt confused and out of place. The casualness, the slang, and the openness were all new to me. I had to do a lot of research just to keep up with what was being discussed. It was uncomfortable at first, but you get used to it.

This discomfort, however, highlights why these conversations are so important. When sex education is surrounded by stigma or silence, it can leave us feeling isolated and uninformed, which can have significant implications for our health and well-being. Comprehensive sex education, whether in school or through open conversations with peers, is essential for fostering a healthy understanding of sexuality and relationships.

The importance of having these "uncomfortable" talks cannot be overstated. They help dismantle the stigma that often surrounds sex and sexual health, making it easier for us to seek support when we need it. Without these conversations, misinformation can spread, leading to unhealthy relationships and risky behaviours.

But here’s the key point: these talks don’t have to be uncomfortable. The more we normalise discussing topics like consent, contraception, and sexual health, the easier it becomes to have these conversations without embarrassment or shame. Our university provides resources and workshops to help us navigate these topics, and finding a supportive community where we can ask questions without judgement can make a big difference.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, feeling out of your depth when it comes to sex education, just know that it’s okay to ask questions, seek out information, and educate yourself at your own pace. The key is to embrace the learning process and recognise that these discussions, no matter how uncomfortable they might seem at first, are crucial for our overall well-being.

For more information on the topics listed below visit: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/student/wellbeing/whats-on/sextember#sexual-health 

• Sexual health
• Sexually transmitted disease (STI) checks
• Pre-/Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP and PEP) for the prevention of HIV
• Safe sex
• Consent and healthy relationships
• Pleasure and safety
• Sexual orientation and gender identity
• Reproductive health
• The influence of culture on the attitudes and behaviours related to sexual health