It's awkward and very necessary!  In today's episode, we're diving into the powerful theme of sexual education and its far-reaching impact on both individuals and society. Stick around as we break down some key moments and insights shared by our incredible guest, Michelle Slaybaugh, Director of Social Impact and Strategic Communications for SIECUS, the nation’s leading nonprofit dedicated to sex ed for social change. Michelle is a sexologist, educator, and activist for comprehensive sex education, reproductive justice, and sexual health equity for all people. She had a pivotal role at the Harlem Children’s Zone and has shared her expertise on ViceNews, BET’s Black Coffee, RevoltTV, and many more.  Her goal is to reach the masses and engage in real, raw, and unapologetic conversations about sexuality. If you want to know more about the sex education that your kids are getting in school and how to talk to your kids about sex, tune in now!  Here are a few topics:  🌟 **Self-Acceptance and Societal Transformation** At the core of the discussion is the idea that embracing our imperfections and traumas can lead to profound personal growth. Slaybaugh suggests that by accepting ourselves, we inadvertently empower others, especially the next generation. It's a ripple effect of positivity that can shape the way we approach life.   🚀 **Proactive Steps Towards Self-Empowerment** Slaybaugh advocates for proactive steps, including embracing pleasure and having informed conversations with our children. They emphasize the value of effort over perfection, highlighting that trying is a crucial aspect of personal growth.   🌳 **Confronting Shame and Cultivating Personal Growth** Shame thrives in silence, and this episode stresses the importance of confronting and processing our own shame. By doing so, we can prevent the spread of "seeds of trauma.” This journey of personal growth, acceptance, and empowerment can positively impact how we approach sensitive topics with the next generation.   🌈 **Sexual Empowerment** Switching gears, as a sexologist, Slaybaugh sheds light on the significance of self-pleasure and masturbation while addressing the orgasm gap. She highlights how sexual education practices contribute to building confidence, fostering sexual self-awareness, and challengings societal norms.   🍑 **Educating Young People about Sexuality** The episode stresses the importance of educating young people about their bodies, appropriate touch, and boundaries from an early age. It advocates for open dialogues between parents and children, creating a foundation for understanding healthy friendships and relationships.   🌟 **Ages and Stages: Navigating Development** We delve into the evolving nature of friendships and relationships at different developmental stages. Emphasizing the need for age-appropriate education, parents and educators play a vital role in guiding children through these complexities.   🌳 **Parental Involvement and Support**  Lastly, the episode encourages parents to be actively involved in their children's lives. This involvement includes "date nights" to strengthen the parent-child bond and foster open communication about relationships, regardless of the child's sexual orientation. In summary, today's episode was packed with valuable insights on self-acceptance, sexual empowerment, and healthy relationships. We hope you found these highlights intriguing and stay tuned for more engaging discussions. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more content like this! 🌟   Timestamps: [00:02:28] Sex education advocacy. [00:07:22] Medically accurate sex education. [00:12:00] Lobbying for sex education. [00:16:27] Understanding femicide impacts. [00:18:16] Safe sex education. [00:24:17] Sexual health preparation tips [00:26:33] Sensitivity training. [00:29:54] Developmentally appropriate education. [00:36:55] Sex Ed Futurists. [00:3