Episode 11: From the Sex Ed Files

This week I am joined by Mariah C. Mariah is a Sexual Health Educator for a nonprofit in Silicon Valley, California. She primarily works with young folks in middle and high school covering topics ranging from anatomy, gender identity, challenging stereotypes, STI’s, consent, communication skills and more. She provides an anonymous question box for students to share their voice, explore their curiosity and access inclusive information about sexual health. She is the creator of the instagram account Sex Ed Files where she shares these anonymous questions, along with resources and information from other sexuality professionals and activists. Outside of work, she finds pleasure in taking warm showers, having deep conversations with people, exploring her sexuality, live jazz either on stage or in the audience, and keeping her many houseplants alive and healthy.

In this episode we talk about how having bodily autonomy protects young people, navigating sexual trauma, creating safe spaces for learning about sex, shame & fear based sex ed, growing up in a deeply religious household, the importance of trauma informed sex ed, and more.

You can follow along with Mariah’s work on Instagram @SexEdFiles.