“I encourage anyone interested in this field, whether for personal growth or career goals, to consider joining this certification. The program’s rich content and supportive environment make it a great experience. ”
If you have been following my journey to learn about sexual wellness, welcome back! If this is your first time joining me, don't worry—I’ll fill you in. My name is Emily Kane, and I am a 25-year-old animator dedicated to empowering myself through education. By learning about sexual wellness, I have discovered the importance of self-love and personal power. This journey has led me to SHA and their Sexuality Educator Certification program. I have documented my progress toward achieving this certification in several articles. I learned so much in the first module and continue gaining valuable insights in the second module. In the first module, we covered the basics of anatomy and safe sex practices. In this module, we covered more cultural and religious influences on sexual practices, as well as the effects of differing drugs on sex. This module is packed with so much information I couldn't cover it all. You'll just have to get certified to cover every module subject!
In the last article, we talked about
Sexual limitations
Sex and cultures
The brain and pleasure
My Sex Educator Certification Program at Sexual Health Alliance: Module 2 Part 2
The second half of Module 2 focuses on the complex intersections of sexuality and cultural identity, particularly highlighting the experiences of people of color and the influence of religious beliefs on sexual wellness. It examines the challenges of navigating sexuality within various faiths and addresses the conflicting emotions that can arise when religious values intersect with sexual expression. Whether you want to deepen your understanding or engage with different learning formats, this module offers a rich and rewarding experience. Join us as we embark on this critical exploration together.
Sexuality for People of Color
There is no better time to explore this topic than during Black History Month! The struggles of people of color in the Americas have been incredibly challenging, to put it simply. The history of their treatment within the medical community is nothing short of horrific. I highly recommend that everyone read more about this subject to better understand the reasons behind the mistrust that some people of color may have toward medical providers. This issue is still prevalent today, with discrimination continuing to occur within medical practices. This unit was particularly beneficial for me as a white person, as I don’t often hear firsthand accounts from people of color regarding their experiences with discrimination in healthcare.
Some Things I Learned
Working with African couples and mixed-race couples in therapy
Your queer self as a person of color
Cultural differences in sexuality teachings
Sex and Religion
For millions of people, religion plays a vital role in their lives. However, their religious beliefs or upbringing can sometimes create conflicting emotions regarding their sexual wellness. This struggle is shared across various faiths. This unit addresses challenges related to arousal, shame, addiction, and the use of pornography. How can someone uphold conservative values while also enjoying a healthy and private sex life? Balancing these aspects can be difficult and may cause distress for many individuals. This issue affects not only heterosexual relationships but also queer relationships. The challenge of accepting one’s sexuality while trying to maintain traditional beliefs and practices is something that many people can relate to.
Some Things I Learned
Christianity and sexual shame
Sex education in Muslim communities
Religious conflict with pornography
Even More Bonus Content
At the end of Module 2, just like at the end of Module 1, an abundance of bonus content is available! If you feel the module content wasn’t enough, don’t worry—there is plenty more to explore in the bonus section. This unit features more video lectures, readings, and recommended books than the previous bonus unit. The topics covered in this unit vary widely, allowing us to build on previously discussed themes while introducing new issues that may not have fit into the main module. This extra content enriches your understanding and provides varied perspectives, encouraging you to further engage with the material and expand your learning experience. Whether you prefer visual, textual, or interactive learning, the bonus section has something for everyone.
Some Things I Learned
Further discussion on race and sexuality
Further exploration on treating erectile dysfunction and delayed ejaculation
Feminist views on many of the topics covered in the module
Sex Educator Certification: Reflections on Module 2
As I finish this part of my journey through the Sexuality Educator Certification at SHA, I feel grateful for the knowledge I’ve gained. Module 2 taught me much about how culture, identity, and sexuality intersect. It highlighted the unique challenges faced by people of color and those struggling with religious beliefs. Each lesson helped me learn more about the complexities of sexual wellness. I encourage anyone interested in this field, whether for personal growth or career goals, to consider joining this certification. The program’s rich content and supportive environment make it a great experience. Stay tuned for my next article, where I will explore the first half of Module 3, titled Sex and Power, and discover more interesting aspects of sex education!
If you want to get certified, take the SHA Certification Quiz to see which certification suits you. If you already know you want to join me in pursuing your Sexuality Educator Certification, apply here! If you have more questions, email shacertifications@gmail.com.