AIDS, Sexuality and African American Adolescent Females

Abstract

Many African American adolescent females do not have sufficient information to break the cycle of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, in a society where we are bombarded from dusk to dawn with sexually explicit images. Knowledge alone does not change behavior, but it does provide the basis for decisions that promote sexual health. Adolescents are too often driven by curiosity and pressure to perform sexually. The ability to make the right decisions about sex is a skill that develops slowly throughout life. However, teens are impulsive and possess an attitude of invincibility. Youth cannot rely on the community to educate them about the dangers of unprotected sex. The African American community has never welcomed the topic of sexuality into our homes. Presently, the age old tradition of telling youth what they should and should not do without giving them the specific information about sex or sexual behavior continues. Prevention must be strongly emphasized. Schools must play role in the war against irresponsible sexual behavior and AIDS. This paper will describe an innovative group project designed to educate African American female teens about sexuality in an urban school setting. The topic of sex generated confusing and powerful feelings that were expressed in the group. Group members learned how to protect themselves, nurture themselves and value themselves. The goal of the group was to impart knowledge, change risky behaviors, validate their existence and listen to their stories.