Controversial Sex Education Program for Kids

A school board director in Washington state, who also operates a sex shop, is involved in organizing a sex education event for children as young as 9. This initiative has raised questions regarding the appropriateness of such programs and the responsibilities of elected education officials.

Jen Mason, who owns Wink Ink Boutique, describes her store as a “female-owned, inclusive, non-creepy” sex shop located in Bellingham, a city roughly 30 minutes from Seattle. The upcoming event, called Unkringe Academy, is scheduled for June 24 and targets kids aged 9 to 12.

Topics at this event will include gender and sexual identity, puberty, periods, various paths to parenthood, and definitions of sex and sexuality. The goal of the Unkringe Academy is to provide an honest and supportive environment for young people and their families to explore these subjects.

“There’s a lot to learn about the body, adolescence, sex, gender, and relationships,” says the event description. It emphasizes a framework grounded in empowerment, aiming to make young participants feel comfortable discussing these topics without judgment.

Parents are encouraged to attend alongside their children, as the event will feature a four-and-a-half hour class that aims to educate rather than instill shame. The focus here is on affirming, informative approaches to sensitive subjects.

Mason has served on the Bellingham Public Schools board since her election in November 2017, having been re-elected in 2021. She has a daughter who is enrolled in the school system, which adds another layer to her commitment to local education.

The Unkringe Academy stems from requests made by parents for more comprehensive sex education. Mason assures that the lessons are developmentally suitable for the various age groups involved.