Madam, - In response to the letter from Cathal Ó Broin (May 29th), I am not a "self-confessed sex guru" - a term applied to me in a headline in your edition of May 22nd. I am a peer educator.
But I thank Mr Ó Broin for his letter as it highlighted the painful consequences of casual sex. ASC peer educators do not promote casual sex, nor claim to know everything about sex. My training as a peer educator has taught me how to communicate with my peers about issues that are otherwise avoided like the plague.
I agree that "sex is not a pastime". Our aim is to prevent of STIs and crisis teenage pregnancies, through education. Sex can have serious consequences, which is why the Government is doing a very good job in supporting us in what we do. We all have a lot to learn about sex, but we should be confident we know how to practise safe sex. Anyone who becomes sexually active, whether they are married or not, should know how to be safe.
A peer educator's job is to be there to support our peers and not only on sexual issues. Drugs, violence, racism are other common problems in the everyday life of a teenager. We deal with reality, without imposing our morals on our peers, which is why I believe peer educators can be an important resource for young people in their communities. - Yours, etc.,
TARA LAMBE, Peer Education Project, Alliance Sexual Health Centre, Peters Street, Cork.