Welcome to the rePROFilm Periodical – featuring a mission-aligned short film of the month and accompanying podcast conversation. The Periodical is generously underwritten so that our monthly curation is FREE and available for anyone to take part in.

Sign up via email or check in on the 15th of each month for the latest volume, film, conversation, and links to organizations we’re loving and things we’re learning about.

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VOLUME 9, PART 1:

The HORRIFIC State of Sex Ed

We’re celebrating Halloween at the end of the month, so it feels like the perfect time to address the “scary” topic of sex education.

Some politicians and pundits would have us believe that comprehensive sex ed is its own kind of horror show. But at rePROFilm we believe it’s about protecting children, not harming them. And we all have a role, whether we’re parents, educators, or maybe a well-meaning neighbor — like Regina, the middle-aged protagonist and ad hoc sex educator from “Heroines.” It’s our Vol. 9 short film pick, and we believe it could — and should — launch a thousand conversations about the ramifications of talking to — or not talking — talk to kids about sex.

This volume of the rePRO Periodical includes an interview with “Heroines” director Katia Badalian and includes links to stories and organizations that break down what sex ed looks like in the U.S. right now — and how educators and parents can best help all kinds of kids approach sex and relationships in a healthy way.

There’s a whole lot of noise surrounding this issue, but we owe it to the next generation to cut through the B.S. and figure it out.

Determinedly,
Team rePROFilm

VOLUME 9, PART 2:

A NEW NARRATIVE FOR SEX ED

For decades, we’ve been told scary stories about sex education. But the reality is that regressive policies like abstinence-only curricula don’t work — on the contrary, they put kids at risk. 

For our mid-month update, we checked in with Dr. Julia VanRooyen to get a doctor’s point of view on this topic. What’s clear is that it’s time for a new, evidence-based approach to sex education. 

It’s got us thinking about how we learned about sex when we were growing up. What do you wish you’d been told when you were young? Drop us a line at info@reprofilm.org or share your thoughts on social media using the hashtag #ReproTalks.

xxx,

the rePROFilm Team

Heroines
Directed by Katia Badalian (6m)

In October’s short film selection, a worldly neighbor decides to teach 10-year-old Nina a thing or two about sex. Katia Badalian’s short film poses an important question: Who’s teaching your child about sex? Ultimately, “Heroines” doubles as a six-minute argument for comprehensive sex education.

from Katia Badalian

For our mid-month Periodical Podcast, Asha Dahya chats with Julia VanRooyen, an OB/GYN and sex educator. In this informative conversation, Dr. Julia breaks down the science and policy surrounding sex education in the U.S.

“We hear again and again and again that giving kids information about sex is going to give them license to have it. That has been studied extensively, and it really is not true.  Studies have shown that abstinence-only sex education does not lower teen pregnancy or birth rates and in fact likely increases it.” — Julia VanRooyen

We’re excited to welcome Dr. Julia to the rePROFilm fam as our resident medical expert! Got a question for her? Let us know!

Sex Ed Playlist

Not to take away from the serious and scary topic of sex education (or the lack thereof in our school systems), music and humor can be antidotes to stress. We curated a playlist this month with songs that have “instructional” references to bodies and intercourse. Maybe you’ll learn a new song or new move! 😉

Consent needs to be sex education 101

In a recent survey, “only 52% of respondents reported learning about consent in any capacity in their school curriculum.” YIKES! Human anatomy is important, of course, but truly comprehensive sex ed includes healthy relationships, boundaries and consent.

( Refinery29 )

Silence about sex was hurting my Latinx community. Now I’m teaching sex ed to break that cycle.

“As a Latina sex educator, I understand the roles and expectations put upon us, so I am able to build trust with the young people I work with,” writes Angelique Molina-Mangaroo, who was inspired to go into her field in part because of her own dismal experience with sex ed.

( HuffPost )

Opinion: With abortion bans on the rise, kids need to know more about menstruation

Do you remember who taught you about periods? So many of us were in the dark about the realities of menstrual health beyond learning how to hide our periods. Writer and health educator Marni Somer makes a case for why young menstruators need education now more than ever.

( NPR )

Student activists advocating for better sex ed

From political advocacy to peer education, many teens are taking sex education into their own hands. Meet five young activists who are changing the landscape around ed sex.

( Stix )

Let’s Talk Month: Parents talking to their teens about sex

During the month of October, Planned Parenthood encourages parents to engage with their children in direct, effective communication about sex. To help, they provide resources in both English and Spanish.

( Planned Parenthood )

SIECUS

Our resident medical expert Dr. Julia recommends SIECUS as an organization that works to make sex education “accessible, equitable and inclusive” through research, education and advocacy. ICYMI last time – check out this map of the state of sex ed in every state and territory in the U.S. — only 29 states and the District of Columbia require sex education. Terrifying!

TAKE ACTION

Advocates for Youth

Advocates for Youth partners with young people and their adult allies to champion youth rights to bodily autonomy and build power to transform policies, programs and systems to secure sexual health and equity for all youth.
Advocates’ Youth Activist Network stands 75,000 strong on 1,200 campuses and in tens of thousands of communities.

TAKE ACTION

Someone You Know

rePROFilm Periodical Podcast host Asha Dahya just launched a Kickstarter campaign for her short documentary, “Someone You Know.” The film features three women who share their stories about undergoing abortions later in pregnancy. In a post-Roe U.S., films like this one are timelier and more important than ever. Learn more about “Someone You Know” and help Asha complete her film.

DONATE HERE

UNDERWRITERS

Many thanks to the additional underwriters who have joined us, allowing the rePRO team to bring you the Periodical for free each month.

Through film and conversation, rePRO advocates for reproductive health, justice, and bodily autonomy. We lift intersectional issues, using the power of storytelling as a catalyst for knowledge, intention, and action.
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