The word "TEKS" written in block letters, with the first two letters styled in the colors and design of the Texas state flag and the last two letters mirrored horizontally in similar design.

It’s time TEKS talks sex

By Janice Anderson

People often complain that schools are not teaching essential life skills such as how to file your axes. But how to have healthy sex is so much more important. You can hire someone to do your taxes for you, after all.

When it comes to sex education in Texas, the focus is on avoidance of the whole kaboodle. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) outline the information and skills they believe are necessary to become healthy adults. The essential skill taught, however, is to not participate while they are minors and not yet married. Students are taught sex refusal skills, how to avoid drugs, violence, gangs, weapons, and other harmful situations. Drinking and driving and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/sexually transmitted disease (STD) transmission are given time within the curriculum, but students are told that the only way to avoid HIV with 100 percent accuracy is to remain abstinent. They offer no information on alternative methods.

The lack of a comprehensive sex education leads to higher numbers of people living with STDs. Students are not taught what to do when they do become adults, get married and start to engage in sexual situations.

The health TEKS say that students should first seek guidance in the area of health from their parents. As parents and family, we need to educate ourselves so that we can pass along this important information to our children. Our Texas schools are not doing it for us.

Join us at the next PFLAG general meeting, November 10, as we discuss the changing future of sex education in Texas, and its impact on public health.

Doors open at 1:45 p.m. We meet in Room 113/114 at The Montrose Center, 401 Branard Street. The general meeting runs from 2 p.m. ’til 3 p.m. followed by small groups meeting until 4:20 p.m. We have a small group for people who want support for issues of sexuality (LGB) and one for gender identity (TQI+). During small groups, folks can share their stories, share worries and receive support from other parents, family members or allies who are on the same journey.

PFLAG Houston has four other small groups which meet during the month to share support throughout the metro area:

Third Thursday of each month at Bering United Methodist Church. 1140 Harold Street, Houston, Texas at 7 p.m. Use entrance beside back parking lot.

Fourth Sunday of each month at Bay Area Unitarian Universalist Church, Fellowship Hall. 17503 El Camino Real Drive, Clear Lake, Texas at 2 p.m.

Fourth Tuesday of each month at First Christian Church, 22101 Morton Ranch Road, Katy, Texas at 7 p.m. Enter through front doors.

Last Sunday of the month at First United Methodist Church, 2314 N. Grand Boulevard, Pearland, Texas at 2 ’til 3:30 p.m. Use the Jasmine Strett entrance, room B211 in the Bethel Building.

PFLAG Houston is committed to supporting families and educating the public about LGBT issues, and invites all to consider the group’s numerous volunteer opportunities. PFLAG Houston is also passionate about advocacy to ensure equal human rights and end discrimination. PFLAG Houston invites all family members, parents and/or youth who are having problems with coming out issues, and welcomes everyone, regardless of religious affiliation, ethnicity or political persuasion. The group is proud of its rich history and the continued contributions of members, and invites all to learn more about the organization and join in efforts to create a more diverse, accepting society. Find a home in PFLAG.

For information about support, upcoming events and meetings, as well as up-to-date news relevant to PFLAG Houston’s family and friends, visit PFLAGHouston.org, email janice_anderson@yahoo.com, or call the PFLAG Helpline at 713-467-3524.

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