Sexuality is a normal aspect of growing up, and interest in sexuality springs from normal life processes which are part of every human’s development. Interest in sexuality cannot be avoided, nor can it be confined or sublimated by withholding information from young people.
Dr. Marion Powell believed that all young people should have access to sexual and reproductive health information that was non-judgmental, age-appropriate, and accurate. But, for young people growing up in the 1970s, access to this information was a challenge.
With no internet and limited sex education in schools, it was difficult for young people to find answers. What if they did not feel comfortable asking their parents or family doctor questions about sex? Where would they get the information that they needed?
In 1973, a newspaper advice column for young people called “Youth Clinic” was launched. Dr. Powell was a co-contributor.
“Youth Clinic” was published twice a week in the family section of the Toronto Star newspaper. It also appeared in thirty-four other newspapers across the country. Young Canadians wrote in letters anonymously. They asked for personal advice on a variety of topics that were relevant to teenagers. Dr. Powell, along with two other contributors, provided responses that were printed in the newspaper. She answered questions about sex, birth control, dating, body image, and sexuality.
These letters are revealing, intimate, joyful, sad, and in some cases, heartbreaking. They provide a window into the past. They show us a time when access to sexual and reproductive health information was out of reach for so many young Canadians.
