Beyond Norms, Toward Queer Intimacy: How Queer Youth Navigate Normative Sexuality Education in the Netherlands

Despite the Netherlands’ reputation for tolerance and progressive governmental efforts, scholars have noted Dutch sexuality education does not fit the needs of queer youth. This may contribute to disengagement from sexuality education, ultimately increasing disparities in sexual health literacy and increasing the risk of unhealthy relationships and sexually transmitted infections among queer individuals. This study explores how normative notions of intimacy are reinforced through school-based sexuality education, how this is experienced by queer youth, and how queer youth actively develop understandings of intimacy through alternative knowledge sources. Drawing on both existing literature and empirical data, this study reveals that school-based sexuality education continues to center heteronormative ideals while marginalizing queer experiences and identities. Queer youth respond to these gaps by turning to alternative knowledge sources, such as online platforms and peer networks, to...Show moreDespite the Netherlands’ reputation for tolerance and progressive governmental efforts, scholars have noted Dutch sexuality education does not fit the needs of queer youth. This may contribute to disengagement from sexuality education, ultimately increasing disparities in sexual health literacy and increasing the risk of unhealthy relationships and sexually transmitted infections among queer individuals. This study explores how normative notions of intimacy are reinforced through school-based sexuality education, how this is experienced by queer youth, and how queer youth actively develop understandings of intimacy through alternative knowledge sources. Drawing on both existing literature and empirical data, this study reveals that school-based sexuality education continues to center heteronormative ideals while marginalizing queer experiences and identities. Queer youth respond to these gaps by turning to alternative knowledge sources, such as online platforms and peer networks, to explore and construct their own understandings of intimacy. These spaces provide practical information, affirming narratives and representational frameworks that support the reimagination and negotiation of intimacy. The accounts presented in this thesis, portray intimacy as a diverse, dynamic and culturally mediated concept. Highlighting the limitations of Dutch sexuality education, it is argued that a queer-affirming and inclusive approach to sexuality education must decenter heterosexuality and validate diverse experiences by meaningfully integrating lived-realities into the curriculum.Show less

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Beyond Norms, Toward Queer Intimacy: How Queer Youth Navigate Normative Sexuality Education in the Netherlands