The Bent Banana

Sex education done differently.

Empowerment begins with knowledge

When people are equipped with truth and choice, they reclaim the autonomy to honour their bodies and their lives.

Why?

Becoming a sex educator is about more than sharing facts or talking sex – it’s about empowering people with the knowledge they need to make confident, informed decisions about their bodies, relationships, and lives.

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Is she qualified to speak on this?

The rise of social media and instant access to information has certainly brought benefits. Just take a look at the trending “I was this many years old when I found out” moments to see how life hacks, tips, and tricks are now more accessible than ever. Thanks to the internet, knowledge is at our fingertips. However, with this convenience comes a growing concern: misinformation. Suddenly, everyone seems to be an expert, offering advice on what you need to know. But how do we, as consumers, know who we can trust behind the screen?


With a background in nursing and a master’s degree in sexual and reproductive health, my expertise goes beyond simply answering your questions. I focus on explaining why things happen the way they do. I specialize in breaking down complex medical concepts into clear, understandable information. When it comes to making decisions about sexual health, relationships, or life, it’s crucial to understand the reasons behind what’s happening and why certain treatments or options are recommended. This knowledge empowers you to make the best choice for your unique situation.

Don’t tell me what to do

Advocacy should be at the heart of every health professional’s role. When it comes to sexual and relationship education, this means helping individuals navigate the process of gathering information, applying it to their own lives, and offering them a range of options to choose from—without telling them what to do. While healthcare and medicine focus on best practices, these solutions may not always be the right fit for every individual. Even when they are, it’s essential to provide a clear understanding of the risks, benefits, and potential outcomes.

True advocacy empowers individuals to make the best choice for themselves, not based on what you think or want them to do. For many people I work with, seeing a healthcare professional is not their first choice. While I always recommend they seek professional advice, it’s my responsibility to provide all the information they need to make an informed decision, given their unique situation. I can’t force them to seek help, but they deserve respect and the time to fully understand their options.

I began writing as a way to share some of the most common questions I get asked, along with some of the unique ones too. Many people hold back from asking about their sexual health out of fear of judgment or stigma, or they feel like they’re the only ones going through it.

Parents, in particular, are often navigating tricky conversations about puberty, sexuality, consent, and relationships with their children, unsure of how to approach these sensitive topics. One thing I’ve observed is that we all view sexual topics through our own “sexuality lens,” shaped by our personal experiences and environments. Everyone’s lens is different—including your child’s, which is still developing.

A big part of what I do is helping parents step outside their own lens, so they can approach these important discussions with their children in a more open and understanding way.