Erased in School, Educated Online:
LGBTQQ Men and the Sex Ed Gap
The first in a new research series on sex education, this report uncovers how LGBTQQ men are forced to seek answers online when schools erase them from the conversation.
The Sex Ed Gap Leaves LGBTQQ Students Behind
Only 22 of 50 states include LGBTQQ topics in their sex ed curriculum.
Key Findings
Learning Online
Young LGBTQQ men educated in school often seek additional education online. They use trusted resources to fill gaps and counteract stigma from school-based programs.
Finding Trusted Sources
LGBTQQ men were more likely than cisgender straight men to turn to reputable sexual health and medical websites. To the community, online resources are more inclusive, sex positive, and informative.
Support Gaps at Home & Community
Cisgender straight men who received no other forms of sex education are more likely to learn about sex from parents and community members, who often reinforce traditional gender and family values. Educating adults on LGBTQQ topics may empower them to better support and guide LGBTQQ youth.
Recommendations
Actionable steps for students, educators, parents, and communities.
For Students
Provide Access to Resources
If you are looking to implement this education at your school, partner with nonprofits or online platforms to offer reliable, affirming materials.
For Schools & Educators
Audit Your Curriculum
Ensure sex education is inclusive of LGBTQQ students and medically accurate.
Expand Your Teaching
Since LGBTQQ men use online resources to bridge the gap in their education, teach media literacy and online safety techniques.
For Parents & Community Leaders
Get Educated
Learn about LGBTQQ topics to better support youth at home and in community settings.
Open Conversations
Partner with your community members to create learning opportunities outside the classroom for young people to ask questions and discuss sexuality without stigma.
For Policymakers & Administrators
Invest in Comprehensive Programming
Fund sex education that represents all students and reinforces prevention.
Protect Comprehensive Education
Ensure laws and policies support medically accurate, historically contextualized curricula.
Our Commitment
No student should be left out. It’s On Us provides the tools, training, and guidance students need to supplement their sex education. Through research like “Erased in School, Educated Online,” we gain insights in order to design resources and trainings that meet students where they are.
Fund Research That Drives Change
Research helps us understand what students need to stay safe and healthy. Your support turns these insights into actionable trainings, tools, and campus programs.