Thursday 13-02-2025 - 11:38

SHAG (Sexual Health and Guidance) week is back!

Sex education can often feel like a taboo topic, yet it’s one of the most important areas for us as students to understand. As your student union President, I believe that having clear, accurate, and accessible information about sex and relationships is essential for empowering all students to make informed decisions about their bodies, health, and futures so that is exactly why I am launching my next campaign centred around sex.

This A-Z guide covers everything you need to know about sex education—from consent to contraception, and everything in between.

A - Anatomy Understanding your body and how it works is fundamental to understanding sex. Anatomy involves learning about the different parts of the body and how they function. Knowing the basics helps in understanding how sex works, what might feel good, and what isn’t safe.

B - Boundaries Everyone has personal boundaries, and it’s essential to respect the boundaries of others. Boundaries define what is comfortable for you, emotionally and physically, and what you are willing to accept in your relationships. Communication is key here.

C - Consent Consent goes without saying. It means asking for and receiving clear, enthusiastic, and ongoing permission to engage in any sexual activity. Consent must be given freely without pressure, and anyone has the right to withdraw consent at any time.

D - Diversity Sexuality is diverse. Whether it’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or preferences in intimate relationships. It’s important to respect and embrace these differences, understanding that there is no one “normal” way to be.

E - Education Sex education is vital for understanding the complex issues around sex, relationships, and personal health. Accurate information helps prevent misinformation and stigma. Educate yourself and others, keep the conversation going.

F - Fun Sex should be fun and enjoyable for everyone involved. Understanding what’s fun for you and your partner can help make your sex life better.

G - Gender Gender is a spectrum, and everyone has the right to identify in the way that feels most authentic to them. Sex education should respect and affirm gender diversity, including non-binary and transgender experiences.

H - Health Sexual health is a critical part of overall well-being. It’s essential to get regular check-ups, be aware of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and know how to protect yourself through condoms and regular testings.

I - Intimacy Intimacy isn’t just about physical sex—it’s also about emotional connection and trust. Healthy intimacy involves mutual respect, clear communication, and a deep understanding of each other’s feelings and needs.

J - Jealousy In relationships, feelings of jealousy can arise, but it’s important to manage them healthily. Open communication with partners about boundaries, desires, and insecurities can help reduce jealousy and prevent misunderstandings.

K - Kinks Everyone has different sexual preferences, and it's okay to explore your desires as long as it’s consensual and respectful of others. Understanding and discussing kinks within relationships should be done in a safe, open, and honest environment.

L - Love Love can be an emotional experience. It’s important to understand that love should always be built on mutual respect, trust, and understanding. Relationships based on love are rooted in care for one another’s well-being.

M - Masturbation Masturbation is a natural and healthy way to explore your own body and sexual desires. It’s a personal choice, and there’s no right or wrong way to engage in it. It’s also important to practice hygiene and ensure that you’re using safe methods.

N - Negotiation In relationships, negotiating needs, desires, and boundaries is important for healthy sexual experiences. This involves clear communication, respect for each other’s limits, and a willingness to find mutually satisfying solutions.

O - Orgasm Understanding sexual pleasure and orgasm is part of a healthy sexual life. However, it’s important to recognise that not everyone experiences orgasm in the same way, every time, or ever! Pleasure should never be the only focus—connection, communication, and consent are key.

P - Protection Protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unwanted pregnancies is crucial. Condoms are one of the most accessible forms of protection, and other methods of contraception like the pill are also effective. Make sure to use protection every time - book an appointment with your GP to see the options available to you.

Q - Questions It’s okay to ask questions! Whether they are about sexual health, consent, or your feelings. Open dialogue is an essential part of your sexual education journey.

R - Relationships Healthy relationships are based on trust, equality, and communication, and they should never involve abuse or coercion.

S - STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) STIs are infections that can be transmitted through sexual contact. It’s important to get tested regularly, especially if you’re sexually active. Using protection and having honest discussions with your partner can help prevent the spread of STIs.

T - Trust Trust is a critical component of any healthy sexual relationship. Whether it’s trust in communicating desires or in practicing safe sex, both partners must feel confident that they can share their thoughts and feelings openly without fear of judgment.

U - Unwanted Touching Unwanted touching, or sexual harassment, is unacceptable. No one should ever feel pressured into physical contact they don't consent to. Everyone deserves the right to set their own boundaries and have them respected.

V - Vulnerability Being vulnerable in relationships can be empowering but also requires safety and trust. Opening up to a partner emotionally and sexually should feel like a choice, not an obligation.

W - Well-being Sexual well-being is about more than just physical health—it’s also about feeling emotionally secure, respected, and informed. Take care of your mental and emotional health just as much as you would your physical health.

X – X-rated Sex for some people is an uncomfortable topic, so we must respect and understand that for some people it’s not open for discussion.

Y - You Matter Your body, choices, and voice matter. You have the right to decide what feels right for you, and no one should pressure you into anything you’re not comfortable with. Self-respect is essential in all aspects of sex and relationships.

Z - Zero Tolerance for Abuse Sexual violence, harassment, and abuse are never acceptable. Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued in their relationships. CSU supports a zero-tolerance policy for abuse in any form, and we encourage students to report any incidents they experience or witness.

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Hopefully this quick rundown gives you an idea on what you should be thinking about when it comes to sex. By understanding the complexities of sex, relationships, and personal health, you can make empowered decisions.

If you have questions or need support, we are always here to help. Always remember that your health, safety, and well-being are top priorities.

Thank you, Lily x