Learn from Sexual Health Education Expert Dr. Tanya M. Bass: Reflections and Insights
By Tanya M. Bass, PhD, CHES, CSE & Jessica Neupane, MPH | September 24, 2024
September marks Sexual Health Awareness Month, in which the 2024 theme is “Positive Relationships.” This is an opportunity to shine a light on how to positively impact our community by raising awareness, reducing stigmas, and improving access to essential sexual health resources.
As public health practitioners, learning from experts is a steadfast method in upholding this theme. In the second edition of our interview series with Dr. Tanya Bass, we explore her journey, her proudest moments, and learnings working in the sexual education and reproductive health field.
Dr. Bass’s Journey in Public Health
Jessica (JN): Dr. Bass, thank you for joining me again to talk more about your experience working in sexual and reproductive health. We love learning more about you! Was there a particular moment or experience that inspired you to pursue this field?
Tanya (TB): “I came to North Carolina Central University as a nursing major; I wanted to care for people and do something health related. One of my instructors invited a disease intervention specialist in HIV/AIDs and syphilis as a guest speaker, and she inspired me to change my major and work for the local public health department. During my time there, I worked with people living with HIV/AIDs and got into curriculum writing for a peer education program. That’s when interest really piqued, and I dedicated myself to this kind of work.”
The Evolution of the Sexual Health Landscape
JN: You’ve been doing this work for decades! Can you speak a little to how you think the sexual health field has evolved since you started your career?”
TB: Historically, sex education has been prevention-focused, but there's now a growing appreciation for diverse perspectives and the importance of addressing sexuality across the lifespan. Conversations are expanding to ensure developmentally appropriate education that is inclusive for all ages, across the lifespan, not just middle and high schoolers. There's also a newfound respect for educators from non-traditional academic paths; there are phenomenal leaders in this profession, regardless of their credentials. While I worked hard for my doctorate, it’s clear that impactful sexuality educators come from all backgrounds, and I’m glad they’re being recognized.”
Applying Values to Sex Education Work
JN: “I think it’s clear that you carry those values with you in the work you’re doing now. Tell us a little bit about your current work!”
TB: “I teach human sexuality at North Carolina Central University, my alma mater, and serve as the clinical instructor for our senior public health education students. I work on initiatives to create more diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in sex education as a consultant, and I am most proud to be the founder of the North Carolina Sexual Health Conference (NCSexCon).
I also recently published my book, Representation in Sex Education: Cultivating Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, in collaboration with Bill Taverner at the Center for Sex Education, so I’ve been celebrating that. It’s a resource for educators to help them center diversity in their lesson plans and raises awareness about the need to represent diverse backgrounds in sex education.”
JN: “Congratulations! That’s absolutely essential for our field. Why did you feel like it was important to create NCSexCon?”
TB: “You know, there’s a huge range of work in public health, but I noticed the field can often feel siloed, with conferences dedicated to specific issues like HIV, teen pregnancy prevention, or intimate partner violence. I saw a need for a space that addresses all of these topics together and how they intersect. When I started attending national public health conferences, I realized the privilege and sacrifice involved, and I wanted people in my state to be afforded the same opportunities.”
JN: “Do you think there’s a disparity around the types of conference proposals that get accepted?”
TB: “Yes, there’s a significant disparity, especially for those with marginalized identities or from smaller, less funded, less recognized organizations. It can be challenging for their work to be recognized, particularly in conservative spaces where I am. I’m incredibly proud that NCSexCon provides a platform for these professionals to showcase their impactful work, ensuring that everyone, regardless of resources, or identity, is uplifted and valued.”
Advice for Aspiring Educators
JN: “You’re an inspiration to many of us. What advice do you have for new educators just starting out?”
TB: “Learn your community and be committed to always learning and improving. My doctorate dissertation was on disposition and humility, so this is important to me. Some people may not want to attend a workshop on a topic they teach all the time, like consent. Well, what if they go into a workshop with their existing knowledge knowing that they could try or learn something different? I think having a level of humility and a desire to continue learning will take you far.”
JN: “Such a great reminder for us all. Thank you so much for your insight and time with me today!”
More Information
Want to learn more from Dr. Bass? Check out the first edition in our interview series discussing the importance of appropriateness reviews for sexuality education curricula.
Her book Representation in Sex Education: Cultivating Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, can be found at the Center for Sex Education store and retails for $29.
Tanya M. Bass, PhD, CHES, CSE is the lead instructor for Human Sexuality at North Carolina Central University, a Historically Black College/University in Durham, North Carolina. She is the founder of NCSexCon, an annual conference dedicated to connecting agencies and individuals to share information, efforts, and best practices across the sexual health lifespan, with an emphasis on supporting marginalized communities.
Jessica M. Neupane, MPH is a Marketing and Communications Coordinator at ETR, focusing on sexual health, HIV, and youth engagement projects. She has over five years of experience facilitating sexual health education programs for young people in community-based settings. She additionally has a background in program management, human-centered design, social media strategy, and abortion rights advocacy.
