Starting a sensible discussion on sexuality

Sex and relationships can be tricky at the best of times, especially if you are a young Quaker. Following a request from young Quakers, Quaker Life established a Working Group on Young People and Relationships and Sexuality, which is developing new materials for working with young people on the issues of sex, sexuality and relationships.

The group aims to encourage meetings, link groups and young people’s events to engage in this topic with young people and help them to develop meaningful and happy relationships. They also hope that this topic will provide a means for young people to think about their spirituality and help them connect to Quakers through a topic that is important to them.

Young people at the Quaker Youth Forum originally raised the issue and highlight their concerns and identities, and explore the topic of relationships, sex and sexuality. A group from Quaker Life Children and Young People’s Committee subsequently took on the concern and organised a weekend workshop with young people in October 2006. Activities included looking at representations and expectations of masculinity and femininity, exploring friendships and relationships, and discussing fidelity and commitment.

The weekend was a great success with one young person saying “It was like a breath of fresh air being able to discuss complicated issues in a safe Quakerly environment.”

Materials from this workshop were used to write a youth edition of the resource Journeys in the Spirit on Relationships, Sex and Sexuality (see Youth Work Edition 3) in February 2008. The group are currently developing the materials further.

These include resources for parents and carers on talking to children and young people about sex and relationships.

The group recognises that this is a challenging issue and that those involved in work with young people may need more support to feel confident enough to use the resources to tackle this topic.

Contact:
bevelies@quaker.org.uk
020 7663 1013