Advice for Young People: Authenticity and Safety

What is really happening in K–12 sex education across the United States right now? In this episode, we unpack the good, the bad, and the truly troubling — and imagine what sex ed could look like if it were inclusive, medically accurate, intersectional, and pleasure-positive.

We’re joined by Gina Lepore (she/her), an ASSECT-Certified Sexuality Educator with over 30 years of experience spanning healthcare, research, curriculum development, and education. Gina holds a master’s degree in Sexuality Education from Widener University and has taught comprehensive sex ed to middle and high school students, trained future sexuality educators and medical students, conducted research, and even spent time educating about (and selling!) pleasure products at her favorite adult store, Pure Pleasure Shop — because real-world learning matters.

Together, we explore why sex education often feels inaccessible or incomplete, and what’s needed to bridge the gap between academic research and online, community-based sexuality education. Gina shares insights from her work as an adjunct lecturer at Cabrillo College and California State University, Chico, reflecting on what she’s learned from teaching hundreds of students — their questions, their gaps, and their hunger for honest, affirming information.

We also dive into current research in the field, including buzz around an Emerging Adults Pleasure Survey, and discuss why pleasure belongs in conversations about sexual health. Gina breaks down what sexual empowerment and sexual agency truly mean, how pleasure education can play a role in reducing sexual violence and trauma, and why embodied, holistic approaches to sexuality are essential.

In addition to her work in sex education, Gina is a Certified Personal Trainer and Health Coach, integrating fitness and embodied wellbeing into her practice through Focus Integrated Fitness and Joyride Sexual Empowerment Coaching. She brings a grounded, compassionate, and deeply human lens to sexuality — shaped not only by her professional work, but also by her lived experience as a proud mama of two young men.

✨ Stick around to the end to learn how to connect with Gina, explore her work, and dive deeper into pleasure-positive, empowering sexuality education.

To learn more go to:

IG: joyride_empowerment

IG: EAPS_2023

For direct access to the survey: https://tinyurl.com/yc36n7pc

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