Fundamental Concepts and Critical Developments in Sex Education

“This book is the ultimate guide for sex educators! It dismantles the old, siloed approaches to education, offering instead a liberatory framework rooted in authenticity, collective care, and inclusivity. What sets this book apart is its focus on both the educator and learner, promoting an educational environment where both parties engage collaboratively in a process of healing, mutual understanding and valued shared learning.”

Dr. Lexx Brown-James, PhD, LMFT, CSE, CSES, Pioneer Sex Educator, The Couples Clinician, President, The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors & Therapists (AASECT) (2024-2026)

“A must-read for any sex educator looking to decolonize their practice and shake things up! This book is a gift of collective, tried-and-true wisdom and practical guidance from heavy hitters in the field of sex education.”

Melissa Pintor Carnagey, LBSW, CEO & Founder of Sex Positive Families

"This is a must-read text for the next generation of sex educators and seasoned professionals alike. Award-winning educators and editors, Reece Malone, Tracie Gilbert, Justine Ang Fonte, and Catherine Dukes have assembled the top minds from across the field to share their deep intersectional knowledge and experience. The result is a compilation of outstanding pedagogical approaches that reflect broad and nuanced best practices for effective and meaningful sex education. This invaluable resource is rich with wisdom, theory, practical application, and thought-provoking insights, equipping educators of all levels with a comprehensive toolkit for fostering impactful and inclusive sex education.”

Jessica O’Reilly, MSc, PhD, Sexologist, Relationship Expert, Founder of HapperCouples.com

“Healthy sexuality cannot be developed in an unhealthy system. This resource expertly examines every facet of the sexuality education system: educator, learner, content, context, and historical/cultural milieu through the lenses of equity and justice. This leads to sexuality education in which both educator and learner can be their most authentic selves and create experiences and relationships rooted in authenticity, joy, and freedom.”

Al Vernacchio, MSEd, author of For Goodness Sex: A Sex-Positive Guide to Raising Healthy, Empowered Teens

“What’s fascinating about this compendium is that it is an extraordinary assembly of thought leaders, educators, and influencers in the field of sexuality education. Each chapter offers insight and nuance into the complexities of sexuality pedagogy and gives professionals needed tools to facilitate transformational learning and healing. Cover to cover—this is a must read for all sexuality professionals.”

James C. Wadley, PhD, Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Black Sexuality and Relationships

“As our young people increasingly call upon all of us to recognize their beautiful, brave, and diverse lived realities, it is incredibly important for sex educators to have the language, tools, and approaches that allow us to teach to the breadth of human sexual and reproductive experience from a place of love, affirmation, and understanding. This new resource will be invaluable for sex educators committed to doing so.”

Christine Soyong Harley, President & CEO, The Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS): Sex Ed for Social Change

“Fundamental Concepts and Critical Developments in Sex Education is an embodiment of what I’ve always known the field of sex education has the potential to become. Authors address the complexity, breadth, and depth of our field without limit or apology. The tone of this book is direct, respectful, self-aware, and clear in the ways that it prioritizes dignity and joy, and articulates boundaries and expectations -- it’s no coincidence that those are also the hallmarks of influential, dynamic, effective sex educators."

Sara C. Flowers, DrPH, Vice President of Education & Training, Planned Parenthood Federation of America

"Provocative and insightful, this significant work offers valuable, intersectional strategies that challenge health educators—both within organizations and self-employed—to reflect on their role in creating brave spaces for sexual education. With its depth and practical insights, this book is an essential resource for anyone committed to being their best self in this complex field."

David L. Bell, MD, MPH, Professor of Pediatrics and Population & Family Health at CUMC

"Truly groundbreaking. Comprehensive, accessible and deeply needed! This book isn't just about sexuality education, it's about creating a more just and compassionate world. A must-read for educators who share this vision."

Francisco Ramirez, MPH, co-founder, OkaySo