KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 9 — Projek Ilmu Seks is an independent effort by a group of youths to spread sex education in Malay through a series of videos on YouTube.
Since it started just four months ago, the group already has 3,000 followers on Twitter and racked up thousands of views for their light-hearted but fact-laden show that has so far focused on steps towards safe sex, including consent, birth control and sexually-transmitted diseases.
Malay Mail interviewed the group recently, and asked them what they think Malaysian youths should know about sexuality and sex.
In their own words:
Shayne Wyatt*, 24, medical graduate
Have a friend to talk about sex with, that’s the most important for me.
Whenever I want to hook up with anybody, I’ll just send my location to my friends. I’d say like ‘If I don’t contact you in the morning, get help.’.
They can also be your emotional support if you get in trouble, they can help.
Mischa Selamat*, activist
You don’t have to freak out if one day you wake up and you realise you’re not of the gender you thought you were, or the sexuality you thought you were.
Just accept it, calm down, relax. If you need someone to talk to, there are people like us who are willing and able to listen, and able to guide you to make your own decision on how to go about it.
It’s not something you should be ashamed of. It’s something for you to discover.
Mussy Del C*, 22, student
People should stand up. Politicians are trying to decide what’s right and what’s wrong, but it’s a good time for the youth to step up and reclaim what is right and wrong.
If you cannot even stand up, at least be a good listener and try to support in the background. It’s very important to build a network of support to help everyone.
Sex is taboo, but it shouldn’t be.
Herinza, 23, magazine editor
I want everyone to know they have choices and they have someone to support them. They should know where to go, and have the right to access sexual and reproductive healthcare.
For me, I wish for women and young girls to be more confident about themselves and be aware of how they practise consent and to say ‘no’.
Most young girls and women, they think they have no power against their partner and have trouble saying no whether in a relationship or sexual context.
It’s okay if you don’t want to.
*Note: Pseudonyms used by Ilmu Seks members
