C‘is a book that talks about sexual education and is aimed at readers who are at least 14 years old. The title is provocative This book is not about sex (Probe), the authors are Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan. Then there is an activist – Anna Bonetti – who sees it in Coop e bookstores throw one petition to have it withdrawn from the points of sale because – according to him – it would spread obscene content among children.
It is accused of “damaging the psychological, spiritual and physical health of children” – despite being aimed at an audience of male and female readers aged 14 and over – and of explicitly promote “unsuitable” topics such as “masturbation, pornography and transgenderism”.
If an inclusive sexual education book for children is scary
Except that the target is different from the one Bonetti assumes is threatened. The content considered obscene is sexual education itself, understood as education for difference and inclusion of all, Meaning what all-encompassing. And it is precisely to reiterate that there is nothing obscene about this that the book was written. And if there is nothing obscene, we need to talk about sexual education, to help kids understand concepts such as identity, gender, consent, aftercare and much more. Sexual education is currently taught poorly in schools, while training young people on these issues is more crucial than ever. So the book – which is comic-based, therefore simple and accessible – could be a resource to fill, at least in part, a gap. The volume continues to be on sale in bookstores while Coop has withdrawn it from its shelves.
The freedom to make your own sexual choices. And to say no
The case is an opportunity to reflect on what we mean by sexual education. «The book addresses various themes through informal conversations between the young characters. It is based on the idea that having the tools to make free choices is a right.” She explains it Greta TosoniItalian editor of the text, who is a “sex coach and queer sexual educator”founder of the association Virgin & Martyr.
«That is, we are not just talking about the risks of infections or unwanted pregnancies», he explains. «The book gently and informally illustrates what makes us human and sexual beings, unique and constantly changing. The simple and welcoming language makes you feel including every person.”
Who are the authors of the scandal book
The authors, Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan are a couple, married for over 13 years, famous for the acclaimed and irreverent sex education comic web series Oh Joy Sex Toy. Their book is not an essay against family and tradition but a story that invites us to understand who we are. Several times he invites you to take the time to evaluate with your conscience if, how, when, why and what you want to do: there is no better way to live this aspect of yourself, we read, the important thing is that it makes us and those around us feel good. Is this what’s scary?
«The activist promoting the petition is already known for his anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-right to choice positions, also known as “pro-life”, and actions in contrast, for example, to the Zan DDL. The ways in which she accuses or judges what does not fit into the traditional idea of sexual identity and family suggest that she has little knowledge of these issues. And that fear and misinformation are the basis of her activism”, adds Greta.
Sexual and emotional education in schools: why is it so difficult?
While politicians discuss the introduction of sexual and emotional education in schools, one wonders whether the issue is also ideological. «Sexuality is not just a private and personal matter. He also lives by socio-cultural and environmental influences and conditioning and requires awareness and discussion so that it can be lived to the fullest» continues Greta, who just last week was invited to do an hour of sexual education in a high school in Settimo Torinese.
«Right now many people are realizing how useful and necessary sex education is today. More and more students, but also teachers and principals, are becoming interested in the topic and are mobilizing to access information and support in this regard. Often those who hinder are families, afraid of not having a say in the sexual behavior of their sons and daughters. The institutions could change things from above, this would be the great news. But it is difficult because many people, within these institutions, fear or prefer to keep things ‘as they have always been'”, she concludes.
In the end, the complicated life of this book leads us to a certainty: the problem is collective. And it must always call us into question, not just in the aftermath of yet another reported case of bullying or violence.
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