How can we talk about the taboo and the illegal :

It’s a real privilege for me to have the chance to give a talk, ‘How can we talk about the taboo and the illegal’,  at this year’s IndigNation.
http://indignationsg.wordpress.com/

 

Some topics are more challenging than others to talk about in the classroom setting. Topics like,

1. Homosexuality  – How do you de-stigmatise homosexuality, get homosexual students to practise safe sex, when you have the 377A law?

 2. Under-aged sex – How do you get under-aged teens to practise safe sex, or seek medical treatment early, when their beloved partners might be jailed?

 3. STI/HIV destigmatisation – How do you impress upon teens the severity of these illnesses without scare-mongering, and yet de-stigmatise these conditions at the same time?

 4. Condom usage – How do you get teens to practise safe sex without over-stating the effectiveness of condoms, and without “preaching promiscuity”?

 5. Trust and abuse — How do you get teens in a monogamous relationship to consistently use condoms, when love and trust are essential for a healthy relationship?

 

It’s a short 20min talk on this subject of Taboo and Illegal topics, followed by what I hope will be a lively discussion with the audience  =)

( Disclaimer: I am giving this talk in my own personal capacity, and will NOT represent the views of any organization / faith. )

  

 

 

23 August Sunday

Triple bill: Kings and condoms 7 pm @ 72-13 (72-13 Md Sultan Road)

Michael Jackson and The Man In The Mirror: In the wake of Micheal Jackson’s passing, Otto Fong reflects on what he – a gay Asian who studied in America – learnt from African Americans before, during and after Jackson’s reign as the King of Pop.

The same ties that bind: A 20-minute video exploration of the various elements that determine a gay person’s acceptance within the family: family love, prejudice, religion, etc.

How can we talk about the taboo and the illegal: Mathia Lee in her talk discusses the challenges she faced as a Comprehensive Sexuality Education instructor, in bringing into the classroom topics like 1. Homosexuality  2. Underaged sex  3. STI/HIV destigmatisation  4. Condom usage  5. Trust and abuse.

In sum, this forum looks the process of acknowledging a gay person in our midst, and dealing with issues of self-acceptance, family acceptance and education.