In Episode 8 of Season 2, Fawn O’Breitzman, founder of The Sexploratorium, shares how she turned a career in academia into a mission to revolutionize sex education. With over 25 years of experience teaching sex and gender studies, she discusses the deep-rooted gaps in sex ed, the cultural forces shaping them, and why shame-free, fact-based education is so essential.
A stage 4 lymphoma diagnosis became the catalyst for a bold decision—cashing out her retirement to create an educational sex museum unlike anything else in the world. The Sexploratorium, located in Denver, challenges taboos, normalizes discussions around sexuality and gender, and provides a safe space for learning.
Fawn dives into the state of sex education in the U.S., the barriers to comprehensive learning, and the generational misconceptions that persist. She also explores the censorship of sexuality, the erasure of sex workers from history, and the unexpected ways the museum has become a resource for the LGBTQ+ community, the sober community, and those seeking honest conversations about sex.
This episode is an eye-opening look at how history, culture, and policy impact what we learn about our own bodies—and why it’s time for change. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or simply curious, Fawn’s insights will challenge assumptions and inspire a new way of thinking about sex education.
Guest Information:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sexploratoriumdenver
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sexploratoriumdenver/
Web: https://www.sexploratoriumdenver.com/museum
References:
Museum of Sex (New York City) – https://www.museumofsex.com/
NEMO Science Museum (Amsterdam) – https://www.nemosciencemuseum.nl/
Freakonomics (Book by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner) – https://freakonomics.com/books/#freakonomics
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Credits and Acknowledgements:
Hosted, Produced, and Edited by Heather Pridemore. https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-pridemore-mba/
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