Adult Sex Education Workshops

Adult sex education workshops are short, in-person or online sessions that cover topics such as anatomy, communication, sexual health, desire, pleasure and consent. In Canada they are offered by community health organizations, independent educators and adult retailers, and they fill a gap left by school curricula, which are focused on young people.

The content of a workshop depends on its audience and its provider. Some sessions are general, while others address narrower interests.

Where workshops are offered

Providers include public health units, university and college health services, community centres, non-profit sexual health agencies and independent sexuality educators. Some retail shops that specialize in adult products have hosted classes in on-site spaces for many years, and some event organizers add classes to the program of conferences and festivals.

Format varies from a single evening lecture to a multi-week course. Since the growth of video conferencing, many educators also run sessions online, which widens access for people in rural and remote parts of the country.

Common topics

Subjects that appear regularly include anatomy and sexual response, communication between partners, consent, sexually transmitted infection prevention and testing, contraception, aging and sexuality, and sexuality after illness or injury. Specialty sessions may focus on kink, non-monogamy, queer and trans health or specific techniques.

Educators generally use plain language, group discussion and diagrams. Explicit demonstration is uncommon, and sessions typically rely on models, slides or clothed examples.

Standards and oversight

Sexual health education in Canada is not governed by a single national curriculum. Provinces and territories direct school programs, and public health agencies publish guidance on sexual health topics. The Canadian Guidelines for Sexual Health Education, issued by the Public Health Agency of Canada, are a reference document used by many professionals. Independent adult educators are not licensed as a group, although some hold certifications from professional bodies in sexology, counselling or health education.

Why adults attend

Reasons commonly cited by organizers include curiosity, a wish to fill gaps in earlier schooling, changes in life stage or health, and an interest in communication skills. Many workshops are designed to be welcoming to beginners, and attendees often remain anonymous or use a first name only.