Netflix's Sex Education, with its informative yet sensitive and fun approach, became the ultimate module of education on sex that we desperately needed!
I still remember vividly when sex educator, Jean sat down with a girl, explaining that attraction and sexuality are a spectrum, an intrinsic part of who we are. It was in that moment that the girl realized her asexuality didn’t make her broken—just different. This was the first time I saw asexuality, a rather misunderstood aspect of sexuality, not just acknowledged but truly understood on screen.
And who could forget Aimee’s heart-wrenching storyline? Her experience of being groped and sexually assaulted was portrayed with such raw honesty that it resonated deeply with many women. It brought together a diverse group of girls to reflect on how such experiences leave indelible marks—not just on the body but on the soul. These powerful moments are just a few of the many reasons why Sex Education, which might have initially seemed like a typical teen drama filled with raging hormones, evolved into something profoundly impactful.
Over four seasons, with eight episodes each, Moordale High School of Sex Education accomplished something remarkable—it talked about sex without reducing it to mere action thrown in front of our faces for some momentary pleasure. Instead, the show approached each topic with sensitivity and honesty, whether it was masturbation, fetishes, orgasms, or the complexities of LGBTQIA+ identities.
It shattered myths and misconceptions, like the misguided belief that size matters or that two consenting adults in love will automatically be great in bed. The show wasn’t afraid to tackle subjects that are often ignored or whispered about, like the importance of open conversations around sex and the actual value of sex education beyond just learning about how to put a condom on a banana.
But Sex Education wasn’t just about young adults exploring their curiosity, often misconstrued as horniness—it also delved into the struggles faced by adults in the bedroom, whether due to trauma, loneliness, or outdated beliefs. Amidst the hilarity, the show managed to handle topics like abortion, groping, and PTSD from sexual harassment with grace and sensitivity. It stood out because it took familiar teen drama tropes and infused them with a refreshing, diverse, sex-positive perspective, making it the ultimate go-to for representation.
It also broke stereotypes and reached new heights with its inclusive casting and unique storylines, addressing issues like bullying, trans identities, the shame attached with women enjoying sex, and even sex reassignment surgeries. It normalized the conversations surrounding sex for teenagers, the LGBTQIA+ community and others in a way we had never had before.
Despite how common a topic sex is considered to be, it’s often treated as a taboo subject, one that’s either spoken about in hushed tones or not at all. This attitude has led to a lack of understanding and, consequently, a host of problems. In schools, the reproduction chapter was often either awkwardly glossed over by teachers or skipped entirely. That’s why a show like Sex Education felt like a breath of fresh air—it answered so many of our unasked questions and broadened our understanding of sex as something that’s not just physical but deeply connected to our minds and self-worth. It taught us the importance of loving ourselves and our bodies. The show dismantled the shame surrounding sex and brought previously shushed topics into the spotlight.
I hope that the legacy of Sex Education continues to influence how we think about sex, sexual orientation, gender identities, sexual harassment, and assault. I hope it inspires more open-mindedness in real-life sex education so that future generations won’t have to rely on a fictional show to understand themselves and navigate their own experiences.
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