Gender Justice
"Gender justice isn't just about cisgender, heterosexual women and girls. Gender Justice is a movement to end patriarchy, transphobia, and homophobia and to create a world free from misogyny."
Gender Stereotypes
What are Gender Stereotypes?
Negative views or conceptions about a certain gender
Examples of Gender Stereotypes
Women and men can only have certain jobs. For example women can only be nurses or teachers. While only men can be the construction workers or lawyers.
Men and women have to look a certain way. Men have to be muscular and tall while women have to be skinny and graceful.
Women should only perform domestic work/belong in the house. Men shouldn’t do any housework; the only things they can do are lawn mowing or grilling.
Women have to be submissive and are emotional or fragile.
How Do Gender Stereotypes Harm People?
Gender stereotypes enforce the idea that there are only two genders when in reality, there are so many more gender identities that exist.
Women
Hide acts of sexual harassment or violence that has happened to them
Less likely to share their thoughts or opinions
Feel limited to certain jobs or actions
Don’t feel happy in their body or how they look
Men
Normalizes violence against women adding to rape culture
More difficulty getting help
Afraid to show their emotions or true thoughts
Not okay with being weak or vulnerable
Both
Lowers self-esteem
Less likely to accept who oneself is
Endangers one’s physical and mental health
Gender stereotypes also reinforce the gender binary and make people feel the need to push gender stereotypes onto people who are gender fluid or non-binary.
Toxic Masculinity
Cultural ways and beliefs associated with men, normally they are negatively directed and restricts how men are supposed to be
Ex: homophobia, misogyny, being violent
Internalized Misogyny
Innate belief that women are less than or have little value
Ex: shaming women who have been sexually assaulted, catcalling, judging women who aren’t skinny
How to Combat Gender Stereotypes?
Educate yourself, so you can identify gender stereotypes and know how to fight against them
Buy gender neutral toys for kids and don't encourage anyone to use a certain item because of their gender
Don't associate certain colors, responsibilities, traits, or actions with a certain identity of a person
Speak up against stereotypes you see! It might be scary at first, but we need to uproot this problem at the core by first addressing the issue and spreading the message that certain genders DO NOT need to conform to certain ideas
Empowerment
What is Empowerment?
Empowerment is giving someone or a group the power and/or ability to do something
Ex: giving positive encouragement, educating others to create change or make a difference, allow others’ voices to be heard
Why is Empowerment Important?
Helps marginalized and minority communities
Creates confidence within individuals and enables them to be successful in their life
Gives a comforting space to people and allows for people to be open
Let's Talk About Body Positivity
Being positive about the body you have! Mostly refers to female bodies and encourages women to not play into society’s stereotypes
REMEMBER
It’s OKAY to not have an hourglass body
Your weight DOESN’T define you
Acne IS normal
How to Deal with Negativity
Be Patient
Give yourself the right amount of time to think about something before responding rashly or continuing to be negative to someone and reflect on why your own thoughts are negative and combat them with positive thinking instead
Remember that Your Thinking is Only Temporary
Usually your own negative thoughts are a result of something that just needs time to be processed, so don’t limit yourself to a negative mindset
SMILE
It really does work! By smiling, you’re showing yourself that you have control over your actions and thoughts
Your daily reminder to DRINK WATER AND SMILE! Keep doing you, you’re doing great!
Reproductive Justice
"The right to choose abortion is essential to ensuring a person can decide for themself if, when and with whom to start or grow a family. We’ll never stop fighting to protect and expand this fundamental human right."
Roe V. Wade
In January 1973, the US Supreme Court ruled that abortion was a constitutional right under the 14th amendment in response to a Texas law banning abortion.
Before Roe v. Wade, illegal abortions contributed to roughly one sixth of pregnancy related deaths. After the Supreme Court's rule, abortion became a safe medical practice with a 99% safety record.
Today, there are many efforts being made to overturn Roe V. Wade. Although these efforts have been rejected, state legislatures have enacted restrictions on abortions, making it nearly impossible to get an abortion in certain states.
Deciding To Get an Abortion
People have abortions for many different reasons. At the end of the day, it is completely up to you on whether or not you should get an abortion.
If you are thinking about getting an abortion, here are the clinics near you: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/abortion-access?
Types of Contraceptives
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control
Birth Control Implant
The birth control implant is a tiny rod that is implanted into the upper arm. It releases progestin, which is a hormone that prevents pregnancy. It can be used up to five years with being 99% effective; however, it does not protect against STDs. It should be used with a condom.
IUD
An intrauterine device is a small piece of plastic that is inserted into the uterus. There are two types of IUDs: hormonal, which releases progestin (a hormone that prevents pregnancy), and copper in which the coppers blocks sperm from the uterus. Intrauterine devices have 99% efficacy rate and lasts for 3-12 years. In addition, it can be used as an emergency contraception as long as it is inserted within 120 hours of unprotected sex. It should be used with a condom.
Birth Control Shot
A birth control shot is a shot that contains the hormone progestin. It prevents ovulation and makes the cervical mucus thicker which prevents sperm from traveling to an egg. You can get a birth control shot anytime. In order for maximum efficacy at 99%, a birth control shot needs to be replaced every 12 weeks. If it is not replaced every 12 weeks, it will be 94% effective. As the shot does not prevent STDs, it should be used with a condom.
Vaginal Ring
The birth control ring is a ring that is inserted into the vagina and releases the hormones estrogen and progestin. The hormones are absorbed in the body, and it stops ovulation and makes the cervical mucus thicker. A vaginal ring can be inserted at anytime and should be inserted every 3-6 weeks. Ideally, it is 99% effective; however, it typically is 91% effective with common mistakes. It should be used with a condom to prevent STDs.
Birth Control Patch
A birth control patch is a patch that is attached onto the body and releases the hormone estrogen and progestin to stop ovulation and thicken the cervical mucus. A patch should be replaced weekly to be the most effective, but typically it is 91% effective with regular mistakes. As it does not protect against STDs, it should be used with a condom.
Birth Control Pill
The birth control pill is a pill taken daily by releasing the hormone progestin which stops ovulation and thickens the mucus in the cervix. These effects make it harder for sperm to reach the egg. The pill needs to be taken daily for it to work best; however, some people miss taking their pills, and it is 91% effective. Birth control does not prevent against STDs and should be used with a condom.
Condom
A condom is a thin pouch made of latex, plastic, or lambskin that is stretched over the penis. It physically stops sperm from traveling to the egg by collecting semen. Condoms protect against STDs and it is best used with birth control as they are 85% effective.
Internal Condom
An internal is a plastic pouch inserted into the vagina to stop sperm from reaching the egg. Internal condoms protect against STDs, but it should be used with other birth control methods as it is 95% effective.
Diaphragm
The diaphragm is a silicone cup placed inside the vagina that covers the cervix. It is a physical barrier on the cervix, and it should be used with a spermicide to work the best. They are 88% effective and need to be used every time you have vaginal sex. It does not protect against STDs and should be used with a condom.
Birth Control Sponge
A birth control sponge is a soft, squishy piece of plastic that is inserted far up the vagina before sex. It acts as a physical barrier in front of the cervix, blocking sperm from entering the uterus. The sponge should be inserted every time before sex. It is 88% effective, but it is 76% effective for people who have given birth. It does not protect against STDs and should be used with a condom.
Cervical Cap
A cervical cap is a silicone cup placed inside the vagina that covers the cervix. It is a physical barrier on the cervix, and it should be used with a spermicide to work the best. They are 86% effective, but are 71% effective for people who have given birth. It needs to be used every time you have vaginal sex. It does not protect against STDs and should be used with a condom.
Spermicide
A spermicide is a chemical that is applied into the vagina before sex that stops sperm from reaching the egg. Around 28 in 100 people get pregnant while using a spermicide, and it should be used with other birth control methods to prevent pregnancy. It does not prevent against STDs and should be used with a condom.
Fertility Awareness
Fertility Awareness is tracking your ovulation. During ovulation, you are most fertile. Some people use fertility awareness as a sign to avoid sex or use certain birth control. In order to see when you are ovulating, you can check your temperature, amount of vaginal discharge, or your menstrual cycle on a calendar. Fertility awareness is 76-88% effective in personal use. For maximum efficacy, it should be used with other birth control methods
Withdrawal (Pull Out Method)
Withdrawal is when the penis pulls out of the vagina before ejaculation in order for the sperm to not reach the egg. As 1 in 5 people get pregnant using the pull out method, it is generally not advised.
Breastfeeding as Birth Control
Exclusively breastfeeding causes the body to stop ovulating, preventing pregnancy. Exclusively breastfeeding can be 98% effective for up to 6 months after birth. STDs are not preventable, and brestfeeding should be used with a condom.
Outercourse and Abstinence
Abstinence is when you have no penetrative sex and is 100% effective.
Sterilization (Tubal Ligation)
Tubal ligation is a surgical procedure in which the fallopian tube are blocked off to prevent the egg from moving through the tubes for fertilization. Sterilization is 99% effective. It is in an irreversible procedure.
Vasectomy
A vasectomy is a surgery where the tubes that sperm travels through are cut or blocked off. It is an irreversible procedure that is 100% effective.
Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images
Nick Ut/Associated Press
Current Legislation on Birth Control
In October of 2019, the the Trump administration allowed for employers to not cover the cost of birth control under insurance plans. Under Obamacare, contraceptives were guaranteed coverage under insurance. Currently, state governments are pushing against Trump's ruling to provide accessible contraceptives.
For more information on current legislation on birth control in your state, visit https://www.guttmacher.org/united-states/contraception/state-policies-contraception.
Sex Education
Sex education in the United States has been a debate for quite a while. What is sex education? Thanks to Wikipedia, there's a pretty good definition,
"Sex education is the instruction of issues relating to human sexuality, including emotional relations and responsibilities, human sexual anatomy, sexual activity, sexual reproduction, age of consent, reproductive health, reproductive rights, safe sex, birth control and sexual abstinence." -wiki
Sex education is so controversial partially because of the many myths and stigmas surrounding the class. Certain religions, particularly Christianity, have a negative outlook on it, without knowing the full picture. Here are so myths and realities to help fill in those blanks:
MyThS aNd ReAlItIeS
Myth: Sex education encourages your children to be sexually active.
Reality: Sex education informs youth about healthy sexual health decision making. The purpose is not to encourage, but to educate. It does not teach students how to have sexual intercourse, or how to sneak around your parents to do so. Research from the World Health Organization shows that sex education actually delays sexual intercourse initiation.
Myth: Sex education compromises the values of beliefs of the home the student grew up in.
Reality: This one is a fact, but according to United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO,) a large majority of polls that were taken actually show that parents support comprehensive sexual education. Furthermore, thanks to planned parenthood, I've got a lot more numbers to share that are in support of sex education.
Myth: Sexual education only talks about sex.
Reality: Sex education (depending on the classroom) covers numerous subjects. Sexual health and how to take care of yourself, sexuality and identity, and stigmas and biases surrounding sex.
Myth: Sexual education is not appropriate to be taught towards younger kids.
Reality: Sex education encourages kids to respect boundaries and make sure others respect their boundaries. That could be regarding whether or not it's okay for someone to touch the in certain places, or talking about respecting other people's personal space. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC,) 1 in 10 sixth graders in Texas have already had sex. However, most people don't get sex ed classes until they're in High School. Which means they know nothing about healthy sex practices or contraception, and consent.
96% of parents support having sex education taught in high schools.
Over 150 organizations are members of the National Coalition that supports comprehensive sexuality education.
States make sexual education mandatory.
1/5 of middle schools teach all 16 topics recommended by the CDC as important topics for sex education.
States mandate education regarding HIV.
Sources
Gender Stereotype Examples -https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/gender-identity/sex-gender-identity/what-are-gender-roles-and-stereotypesGender Stereotype Definition -https://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Women/WRGS/Pages/GenderStereotypes.aspxHow Gender Stereotypes Harm - https://flo.health/menstrual-cycle/teens/your-first/gender-stereotypes https://www.joinonelove.org/learn/gender-stereotypes-impact-behavior/How to Combat Gender Stereotypes - https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/03/beat-gender-stereotypes-learn-speak-up-and-react/
Body Positvity Tips - https://centerfordiscovery.com/blog/10-tips-body-positivity/ https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/learn/general-information/ten-steps Dealing with Negativity - https://mindfulambition.net/dealing-with-negativity/ Empowerment Tips - https://www.lifeoptimizer.org/2010/03/10/empower-people/