Education: Let's Talk

Each year, October is designated as Let's Talk month. The focus is to make parents aware of the importance of talking with their young people about sexuality. We encourage parents to start the conversation about sexuality early and keep it going throughout childhood and adolescence. Young people often seek out information from friends, who may have inaccurate information, when they don’t have the opportunity to talk comfortably with parents or other caring adults.

In 2010, PPIN partnered with Asante Children's Theatre (ACT) during their production of Who's Yo Daddy?, a play written and directed by the incredible Deborah Asante and some of the alumni of the theatre – Terrance Asante-Doyle, Jocque Carey and Phillip Hughes. The play focuses on the character, Bobby, and his reaction when he learns he is about to become a father. It includes issues of healthy/unhealthy relationships, teen pregnancy and parenting, and parent/child communication. PPIN peer educators led an activity and discussion around these difficult issues before one of the performances at Madame Walker Theater. Because of the success of the play and the interest in these topics, ACT agreed to adapt the play into short webisodes for PPIN to post for youth and their parents/guardians to watch together to help begin or continue their dialogue around these issues that can, at times, be tricky to talk about.

In order to remain true to the vision of the writer/director, and to remain true to the authenticity of the discussions we hope these videos spur, there is language in these webisodes that some may find shocking or offensive.Our intention is not to shock or offend, but rather to paint a realistic picture of the messages that youth may receive about sex, sexuality, gender/gender roles, and relationships in our culture.We believe the video content is most appropriate for youth aged 13 and over. In order for you and your young person to benefit the most, we would also suggest that both parent and youth watch the video and use it as an opportunity to discuss the issues presented.

We will be releasing webisodes periodically, so make sure to check back so you can view the whole story. Don't forget to download the guided questions that go along with each webisode!

Webside 1: The Schoolyard – guided discussion questions

Webside 2: Seduction – guided discussion questions

Webside 3: Say What? – guided discussion questions

Webside 4: No Love – guided discussion questions

Webside 5: Is It True? – guided discussion questions

Webside 6: Can a Woman? – guided discussion questions

Webside 7: You Wanna Know? – guided discussion questions

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