Comprehensive sexual health education and intersex (in)visibility: an ethnographic exploration inside a California high school classroom

Although marked by discourses of progressivism and revolutionary change with regard to the protection of civil rights for LGBTQIA+ people and equitable educational policies, California’s institutionalised discriminatory ideologies against intersex people influence public school sexual health education. Focusing on one high school health classroom, both in-person and after moving online, this study provides a look at curriculum and instruction during one comprehensive sexual health unit. Analysis of materials and student interviews illustrates a lack of representation and perceived pathologisation of intersex bodies, people and lived experiences. Now more than ever, schools have a critical responsibility to rethink inclusive sexual health education and actively engage in the education and advocacy to end intersex marginalisation and erasure.