Assembly [Auditorium - After Classes]
There had been handwavy flyers around campus about the assembly today. As students entered, Sweets stood on the stage and tugged at his collar. He was a little nervous about the whole public speaking thing.
Once everyone was seated, he stepped up to the podium and waited for people to quiet down.
"Good afternoon. For those of you I haven't met, I'm Dr. Lance Sweets and I'm the guidance counselor here at Fandom High. As guidance counselor, I'm here as a resource for all of you for pretty much anything you need assistance with. I can provide regular therapy, career counseling and mediation services. Today, however, I'm here to talk to you about teenage sexuality. Now, I know that there are several classes dedicated to sexual education, so I'm just going to hit on a few of the main points and then open the floor for a question and answer session."
Sweets might regret that last part, given some of the students in Fandom.
"The most important thing I can tell you is that sex is a natural, healthy behavior. Many religions teach that sex before marriage is sinful or that sex is only for procreation. That mindset leads many people to think that having sexual desires is bad or wrong and they feel guilty for having them. Your bodies are nothing to be ashamed of and having sexual desires is perfectly normal."
He paused for a moment to let that sink in.
"One safe way to explore those feelings is through masturbation. In fact, learning what kind of touches make you feel good can only improve your shared sexual experiences. Plus there is no chance of catching sexually transmitted diseases and no chance of pregnancy with masturbation. Embarking on a sexual relationship with a partner is something you should consider seriously because of those risks. A good rule of thumb to figuring out if you're ready for a sexual relationship is whether or not you can discuss sex with your potential partner. In a mature, responsible sexual relationship, you and your partner should discuss your sexual histories. And if your partner is of the opposite sex, you should have a conversation about birth control methods."
No one had told Sweets about the yearly post-prom kid invasions, or he would have mentioned that.
"Of course, if you decide to have a sexual relationship with someone of the same sex, pregnancy isn't a concern. There is still a possiblity of passing along STDs though. A lot of teens may find themselves experiencing confusion about their sexuality. Many people are raised in heteronormative societies and feel there is a stigma attached to bisexuality or homosexuality. Finding yourself attracted to someone of your sex is perfectly normal and there is nothing wrong with exploring those feelings as long as you are open and honest with your partner. Communication is the key to any sexual relationship."
Except the ones that were the result of lots of alcohol, but he wasn't talking about that.
"There's also nothing wrong with abstaining from sex. Some people sign pledges or wear purity rings to indicate their intention to not have sexual intercourse before marriage. Some schools have celibacy clubs where like-minded teens can support each other in those decisions and provide positive peer influence to counteract any negative peer pressure someone may experience for their choice."
He wasn't going to mention the school of thought of 'anything but'.
"There are a number of pamphlets on tables near the doors for you to pick up on your way out. They provide more information about purity rings along with various birth control methods, information about STDs, and information about coming to terms with your sexuality. There is also a selection of free condoms you can take and the clinic always has a supply of condoms available. Now I'll open the floor for questions."
Once everyone was seated, he stepped up to the podium and waited for people to quiet down.
"Good afternoon. For those of you I haven't met, I'm Dr. Lance Sweets and I'm the guidance counselor here at Fandom High. As guidance counselor, I'm here as a resource for all of you for pretty much anything you need assistance with. I can provide regular therapy, career counseling and mediation services. Today, however, I'm here to talk to you about teenage sexuality. Now, I know that there are several classes dedicated to sexual education, so I'm just going to hit on a few of the main points and then open the floor for a question and answer session."
Sweets might regret that last part, given some of the students in Fandom.
"The most important thing I can tell you is that sex is a natural, healthy behavior. Many religions teach that sex before marriage is sinful or that sex is only for procreation. That mindset leads many people to think that having sexual desires is bad or wrong and they feel guilty for having them. Your bodies are nothing to be ashamed of and having sexual desires is perfectly normal."
He paused for a moment to let that sink in.
"One safe way to explore those feelings is through masturbation. In fact, learning what kind of touches make you feel good can only improve your shared sexual experiences. Plus there is no chance of catching sexually transmitted diseases and no chance of pregnancy with masturbation. Embarking on a sexual relationship with a partner is something you should consider seriously because of those risks. A good rule of thumb to figuring out if you're ready for a sexual relationship is whether or not you can discuss sex with your potential partner. In a mature, responsible sexual relationship, you and your partner should discuss your sexual histories. And if your partner is of the opposite sex, you should have a conversation about birth control methods."
No one had told Sweets about the yearly post-prom kid invasions, or he would have mentioned that.
"Of course, if you decide to have a sexual relationship with someone of the same sex, pregnancy isn't a concern. There is still a possiblity of passing along STDs though. A lot of teens may find themselves experiencing confusion about their sexuality. Many people are raised in heteronormative societies and feel there is a stigma attached to bisexuality or homosexuality. Finding yourself attracted to someone of your sex is perfectly normal and there is nothing wrong with exploring those feelings as long as you are open and honest with your partner. Communication is the key to any sexual relationship."
Except the ones that were the result of lots of alcohol, but he wasn't talking about that.
"There's also nothing wrong with abstaining from sex. Some people sign pledges or wear purity rings to indicate their intention to not have sexual intercourse before marriage. Some schools have celibacy clubs where like-minded teens can support each other in those decisions and provide positive peer influence to counteract any negative peer pressure someone may experience for their choice."
He wasn't going to mention the school of thought of 'anything but'.
"There are a number of pamphlets on tables near the doors for you to pick up on your way out. They provide more information about purity rings along with various birth control methods, information about STDs, and information about coming to terms with your sexuality. There is also a selection of free condoms you can take and the clinic always has a supply of condoms available. Now I'll open the floor for questions."