Sex counseling is not providing a list of acceptable and unacceptable behavior in accordance with parents’ and teachers’ standards.
“Youth Clinic” was a popular newspaper advice column among young Canadians. It ran in the Toronto Star from 1973 to 1981. It was also considered controversial.
Many parents and older readers didn’t like the frank discussions that were taking place. Some worried that it would promote sexual activity. Others were uncomfortable about some of its subject matter. This was especially true of those seeking advice on issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity.
Youth Clinic co-contributor Reverend Dr. Graham Cotter believed that much of this criticism was due to “lacking in the compassion and love that young people need most”.
In the 1970s, young people who identified as Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or part of sexual and gender diverse communities (2SLGBTQ+) needed a safe space to ask questions. Dr. Powell believed that everyone deserved answers that were accurate and without judgment.
These letters reveal how challenging it was to seek out sexual health information for 2SLGBTQ+ youth. Her work with “Youth Clinic” earned her the trust and respect of a generation of young Canadians across the country.
Dr. Marion Powell is the sort of warm, motherly person you feel you could sit down and really rap with, tell your innermost feelings and problems to, and expect in return understanding and sound advice, rather than harsh judgments.
