Position Statements

AASECT issues position statements in response to contentious topics, cultural conflicts, and emerging issues that may affect access to comprehensive sexuality education and sexuality healthcare.

These statements clarify AASECT’s standards and articulate perspectives that align with our Mission & Vision of Sexual Health, supporting the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of all individuals seeking sexuality education or sexual healthcare. They offer clear, research-informed guidance that helps the public and professionals understand AASECT’s values and approach to supporting sexual health and sexual rights.

Sexuality Education

Affirms the need for comprehensive, inclusive sexuality education and supports expanding access to evidence-based curricula.

Read it - Sexuality Education

Touch and the AASECT Certified Professional

Provides ethical guidance on the use of touch in professional practice, emphasizing boundaries, dignity, and client safety.

Read it - Touch and the AASECT Certified Therapist

Reparative Therapy

Opposes reparative or conversion therapy and affirms LGBTQ+ individuals’ right to safe, affirming, evidence-based care.

Read it - Reparative Therapy

Consent and Sexual Violence

Centers consent as essential to healthy sexuality and condemns all forms of sexual violence, coercion, and intimidation.

Read it - Consent and Sexual Violence

Sexual Expression Including Orientation and Identity

Recognizes diverse sexual orientations, identities, and expressions and opposes pathologizing labels such as “normal” or “abnormal.”

Read it - Orientation and Identity

Dignity and Rights of Transgender and Gender-Expansive Individuals

Supports the full dignity, rights, and self-determination of transgender and gender-expansive people and opposes discrimination in all forms.

Read it - Gender Expansive Dignity & Rights

Dignity and Rights of Asexual Individuals

Affirms asexuality as a valid identity and opposes pathologizing beliefs or practices.

Read it - Asexual Dignity & Rights

Abortion

Supports individuals’ freedom to make informed reproductive decisions and access safe reproductive healthcare.

Read it - Abortion

Sex Addiction

Clarifies AASECT’s perspective on “sex addiction” terminology and promotes non-pathologizing, evidence-based approaches to sexual concerns.

Read it - Sex addiction

Black Lives Matter: A Commitment from the AASECT Board of Directors

Acknowledges systemic racism’s impact on sexual health and commits to equity, inclusion, and antiracism within AASECT and beyond.

Read it - Black Lives Matter

Sexual Rights in Times of Warfare

AASECT affirms the protection of bodily autonomy, sexual rights, and access to aid during armed conflict, highlighting the profound impact of violence on sexual health.

Read it - Sexual Rights in Times of War