• The ability to use a positive approach when discussing sexual topics, while fostering an attitude of openness and acceptance to various forms of sexual expression.

• Recognizing that there are many factors that shape an individual’s sexual morals, values and beliefs; and that there is a strong impact of religion, culture, media and the law on sexuality.

• Understanding the basics of anatomy, physiology, psychosocial factors, lifespan and sexual health issues, and how they all relate to your personal sexual wellness.

• Realizing the impact of disability and illness on sexual identity and functioning; and how specific sexual dysfunctions develop.

• Understanding the impact of physical and mental disability and illness on sexual function, response and behaviours.

• There is an increased rate of sexually transmitted infections, sexual violence, and unplanned pregnancies.

• Some common sexual dysfunctions may be due directly to medical conditions or associated psychological impact of illness.

• Some people have sexual health needs that are inadequately addressed or unaddressed by health-care professionals and partners.

• Good health includes good sexual health, in other words, you can’t have one without the other.

• Effective sexual health education is age-appropriate and responsive to an individual’s race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, physical & cognitive abilities and religious background, and reflects different social situations and learning environments.

• Sexual health education should be presented by confident, well-trained, knowledgeable and nonjudgmental individuals.

(Public Health Agency of Canada, 2008)

Best-practice service providers in sexual health education provide:

• A deep understanding of current sexual health issues

• A clear perspective of human sexuality

• An ability to recognize the diversity of human sexuality and its expression