UPDATE: SEX in ATX

I've settled into my hotel and made a trip up to campus to make sure everything is set for tomorrow.  In less than twenty four hours, I've been amazed at how much sexuality-related stuff has crossed my path.

First, soon after landing, I checked my email and had received a message and an attachment regarding a new report released from the Texas Freedom Network called Just Say Don't Know: A Report on Sexuality Education in Texas Public Schools.  Not surprisingly, the findings show how abstinence-only education programs are failing students and families in Texas.  And that most of the information students are receiving is distorted or completely wrong. This report was released yesterday and I can't wait to discuss at the training in the days to come - what amazing timing! It's almost like we planned it.

Second,on my way to the University of Texas campus this morning where I was meeting my former adviser and mentor, I was searching for something on the radio to listen to during the drive when I heard someone talking about the "warning signs" that parents whould watch out for if they are concerned that their child may be "considering a homosexual lifestyle."  There's too much to go into, but my two favorite things were A) parents should be concerned about boys who are too effminate or girls who are too macho or engage in "butch posturing" but that this should not be confused with being athletic (for the girls, obviously) and B) that it's normal for young boys to "idolize" older boys and for young girls to have crushes on other girls.  Why can't boys have crushes, too.

After my first meeting, I headed over to meet the CCSL leader, Cati, to make sure we're ready to go tomorrow.  On my way, I first passed the huge, graphic anti-choice display with giant photos of aborted fetuses.  These are not intended to actually create any kind of intelligent discussion about choice but to agitate and inflame.  I was happy to see the "freedom of speech boards" that had been set up in close proximity that were covered in pro-choice, pro-woman, and truly pro-familiy messages from students, faculty, and staff. 

Next, I headed over to the West Mall, which is the free speech and student gathering area on campus (fyi, they make the aborted fetuses folks stay in another part of campus because they are so disruptive).  There were numerous student organizations and I was pleased to hear a woman inviting folks to attend a performance of the Vagina Monologues as a fundraiser to fight sexual violence against women in Texas.  I then passed a group of protesters who were demonstrating against sex trafficking and enslaved prostitution in the middle east.  Whew!  So much sex in 24 hours.  I'm exhausted and the training hasn't even started. 

I'm off to pick up Heather Corinna from Scarleteen.com at the airport.  More to come...

For live updates from Austin, follow southernliz on twitter.