Getting to the Good Stuff: Adopting a Pleasure Framework for Sexuality Education

Sexuality professionals have consistently identified the need to incorporate the topics of pleasure and desire into sexuality education programs; however, that has yet to be realized in most settings. Sexuality education has traditionally been rooted in preventing disease and pregnancy rather than promoting healthy sexual development. There is a significant theoretical basis for teaching sexuality education in a way that acknowledges and affirms sexual pleasure. This article describes a Pleasure Framework for Sexuality Education as an original, practical approach to enhance sexuality education programs; concrete steps for implementing the framework; and suggestions to address potential challenges.