Sexual Health Day is celebrated every year on September 4. It was started in 2010 by the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) to raise awareness about sexual health and well-being.
For sexual health professionals, this day is an important reminder that sexual rights are human rights. It also highlights the need to keep focusing on rights, justice, and pleasure for everyone. Each year, organizations like WAS and the World Health Organization (WHO) use this day to call attention to the ongoing work needed to make sexual health accessible and equitable worldwide.
Why Sexual Health Day Matters
Sexual and reproductive health still isn’t fully included in the Millennium Development Goals, even though sexual health-related issues rank among the top 10 causes of death in low-income countries.
For sexual health professionals, understanding the global landscape, how sexual rights are framed, and what this means for your work is essential.
2025 Theme: Sexual Justice
The theme for 2025? Sexual Justice!
Sexual justice means all individuals have the resources and agency to make decisions related to their sexual health. It is a reminder that everyone should have access to adequate education, health services and care. Important aspects of sexual justice include:
Sexual Rights: Everyone being able to enjoy sexual health, rights, and pleasure free from fear, shame, or discrimination.
Sexual and Reproductive Rights: Bodily autonomy and reproductive choices must be promoted and protected for all.
LGBTQ+ Adolescents: Transgender, Gender-Diverse, Gay & Lesbian Youth: Rights for all identities must be affirmed and protected, including and amplifying the voices of those that are marginalized.
Access to Information: Combat misinformation with accurate, evidence-based information
Ways Professionals Can Participate
Awareness & Education:
Sexual health is an integral part of overall well-being. Being informed on the latest research and translating this to your own clients is important for sexual health professionals. The Declaration of Sexual Rights reminds us that sexuality is a central aspect of being human and that sexual rights are human rights.
To stay informed:
Explore academic sources and trusted publications in sexual health.
Attend expert-led events throughout the year hosted by SHA and other organizations.
Collaboration & Networking
Keep the celebration going! Promoting sexual health isn’t limited to the month of September.
Explore the benefits of SHA’s SEXceptional Network to build connections to help grow your career.
Join the Sexual Health Alliance in October for its 10th Anniversary of the Sexological Conference and connect and learn from global sexuality experts.
Share evidence-based resources on social media or through clinics. Not yet following SHA on your social media? Find information on a range of sexual health topics on SHA’s YouTube, Instagram, X, or Facebook.
Use WAS’s Sexual Health Day Toolkit with ready-to-use messaging, talking points, and graphics to amplify awareness.
Inclusive Practice
Creating inclusive spaces is at the heart of sexual health work. Professionals play a key role in reducing stigma, challenging misinformation, and addressing disparities.
Use Sexual Health Day as a checkpoint:
Review your practices to ensure they are inclusive, accessible, and equitable.
Adopt inclusive language and foster stigma-free communication in every interaction.
Affirm diversity by making sure every client, student, or community member feels seen, respected, and valued—regardless of identity or background.
Challenge outdated models and embrace sexual diversity as central to advancing sexual health.
Professional Development & Certification
Not yet practicing how you want?
If you’re interested in joining the global fight for sexual rights, check out SHA’s certification programs. SHA offers a range of certification programs designed to empower you with the knowledge and skills needed to make a meaningful impact in this field. These programs are renowned for their comprehensive curriculum, expert faculty, and commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community.
Conclusion
Sexual Health Day is a celebration of advancing sexual health for all individuals globally. This day reminds us that sexual health and wellbeing are the work of sexual health professionals not confined to clinics or educational spaces, it is our job to advocate it daily. Sexual health professionals can use their roles to reduce stigma, normalize sexual health and elevate marginalized voices year round.
More resources:
Written by Emma Sell-Goodhand, MPH
Emma is a doctoral student and Global One Health Fellow at North Carolina State University studying adolescent sexual health. She brings prior experience as a Technical Advisor at the World Health Organization.
Want to become an in-demand sexual health professional? Learn more about becoming certified with SHA!
