Impact Stories
Transgender students are a part of lots of classrooms; you might not know they’re there, and we 100% affirm that right to privacy. But sometimes those students come out to their More Than Sex-Ed teachers, and that level of trust is heart-melting. Once, a high school boy stayed after class to ask us privately about some odd pains he’s been feeling in his uterus, and whether that might be an effect of his hormone therapy. Another student recently thanked us, choking back tears, for explaining to the rest of their classmates what “transgender” means. Sometimes students change their pronouns midway through the program, and our teachers will gladly adjust and help other participants get on board. Everyone deserves information, affirmation, and support; we are here for accurate and inclusive sex education for ALL.
Testimonials from Students:
“This class has made me feel so much more comfortable with learning about sex and sex safety and has given me so much wonderful information on how to deal with unhealthy encounters, STIs, and unplanned pregnancy. It has also taught me about the wonderful and magical things that come with healthy romantic relationship and safe sex. Each teacher is so super sweet and caring and the environment is so warm and welcoming. I couldn’t have asked for a better sex ed class.” --Middle Schooler
“I can’t even put into words how much this class helped and educated me! I never really had access to this kind of stuff so thank you for that!”
This class has been REALLY informative and fun. Thank you!!!
I’m so very grateful for all of this knowledge I’ve soaked up . . . more than I sometimes learn at school, and that everyday, this is once a week . . . so you people are the best sex-ed teachers!
“I learned how important it is to be able to talk to your partner about all this”
“I like that we learned through playing games.”
“I have learned a lot from you and I appreciate that you are here to teach us things that our parents or other people (maybe) are afraid to talk to us about. This stuff is very important even though it can be awkward. Thank you!”
“I learned today that I need birth control ASAP & I must talk to my partner about pregnancy.”
“Thank you for being great teachers. You both are very respectful and always answer questions. Thanks!”
“I really enjoy this class thank you for teaching this. Quite a few of us identify as bi or lesbian or gay.”
“I love this class! Thank you!”
Featured on
God is Grey Podcast: https://anchor.fm/Godisgrey/episodes/Embracing-the-New-Sex-Ed---Emmalinda-MacLean-eagoaj/a-adstnf
AirTalk Interview: https://www.scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2019/09/17/64898/3-million-us-women-s-first-sexual-experience-was-i/
The Doctors Interview: https://www.thedoctorstv.com/videos/at-what-age-should-you-talk-to-kids-about-sex-education
Girl Talk Interview: https://www.girltalkhq.com/these-women-are-teaching-a-ground-breaking-sexuality-curriculum-in-schools-churches/
Stepping Forward LA Collaboration: https://www.jewishla.org/program/changemaker-challenge/changemaker-challenge-previous-winners/
Shareable images and content:
Press Images for Upcoming Programs:
General Images, Posters, Flyers, and Handouts
Gender Roles, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, Biological Sex, Romantic and Sexual Orientations, and Sexual Behavior are all aspects of Human Sexuality and all exist on multiple spectrums.
image based on work by Hank Green for Vlogbrothers; Christina Gonzalez, Vanessa Prell, Jack Rivas & Jarrod Schwartz for Just Communities Central Coast, & ChrisAngelMurphy.com
More Than Sex-ed consent information for young adults
Consent Education
Resources For Teens:
four aspects of digital communication have upped the impact of social media on our intimate relationships. © MoreThanSex-Ed, based on: Boyd, D. (2015). Its complicated: The social lives of networked teens. Yale University Press.
Sexuality and Social Media:
Four aspects of digital communication have upped the impact of social media on our intimate relationships.
Our picture book on the topic of Consent for Early Learners through age 8.
"What does it mean to live in a body? It’s pretty amazing, and it’s also pretty complicated."
Everybody, Every Body! by Emmalinda MacLean, Illustrated by Audrey Herbertson,
Published by MoTSeE, an Imprint of More Than Sex-Ed
ISBN: 9780578461465
Everybody, Every Body! is a colorful picture book that explores what it means to live in a body, and celebrates—in a child-friendly way—the range of wonderful feelings and experiences our bodies can give us. It also gently nudges adult readers to support their child’s developing sense of bodily autonomy, consent, and the right to personal space.
We know that sometimes grandparents, godparents, or other loving adults in a child’s life may feel rebuffed or rejected when a hug or kiss is refused. The suggestion that children have the right to make these choices stands in contrast to some cultural messages about respect for elders and intimate family ties. Our hope is that this book can help educate elders, as well as children, by showing that respect for a child’s boundaries is an act of love that empowers them with a healthy dose of self-confidence.
There are many other books for children that address inappropriate sexual touch, identify private parts that are off limits, and define sexually predatory behavior. Everybody, Every Body! is not that kind of didactic book. Everybody, Every Body! is different in that it is joyous, gentle, and sweet in affirming every person’s right to decide about their own body.
Video Version:
Emmalinda MacLean reads her book, Everybody, Every Body! aloud as we look at the illustrations by Audrey Herbertson. Our book celebrates the bodies we live in and the wonderful feelings they can give us. It explores the importance of respecting other people's bodies, and introduces the concept of consent in a child-appropriate way, encouraging both children and adults to ask before touching, and to respect the boundaries of others.
