Dirty is for Dishes: Unlearning STI Stigma and Moving Beyond Clinical Definitions of Safer Sex 

Through this course, participants will unravel the intersectional origins of stigma, why it persists, and how to address myths and scare tactics that continue to reinforce false narratives. With a pleasure-focused and inclusive lens, participants will learn practical knowledge to substantiate their safer sex tools and resources, while considering appropriate risk and accessible prevention. Lastly, participants will learn how to move beyond the clinical definitions of safer sex by supporting the diversity of folx who experience an STI by acknowledging and respecting all bodies, all identities, and all relationship structures.

Course Objectives

1. Discuss relevant and medically accurate facts and statistics about STI risk, transmission, and testing.
2. Explain the origin and psychosocial impact of sexual shame and STI stigma and its impact on overall health and wellness outcomes.
3. Explain the four basic tenants of pleasure-focused sexual health and comprehensive safer sex.
4. Demonstrate how to use healthy and affirming communication when discussing STI prevention, management, and support.

Presentation Outline

15 Min – Introduction – Introduction, Terminology, Safe Teaching Environment and Confidentiality

40 Min – Establishing Our STI Knowledge Base about STIs, Transmission Risk, and Testing

60 Min – Understanding the Origins of Sexual Shame and STI Stigma – Identifying social, cultural, intergenerational, historical, and biological influences impacting STI education, prevention, management, and wellness.

25 Min – Cultural Competence – Psychosocial origins of stigma, a cross-sectional look at stigmatized populations, stigmatized in-group behavioral trends and implications.

15 Min – Defining Sexual Health and Safer Sex

15 Min – Healthy and Affirming Communication

10 Min – Action-Steps and Ongoing Considerations