While books like Where Did I Come From? present sex and gender in binary and heterornomative ways, sex education books have expanded to include diverse sexualities and genders - with a greater focus on race, disability, culture, and religion. Paul Venzo's research shows there are now more than a thousand sex education books for young people in English alone. Non-fiction picture books from the 1970s like Peter Mayle's Where Did I Come From? (1973) and What's Happening to Me? (1975) began the trend of introducing young people to sex in direct and detailed ways. Sex education books for young people aren't new. With my colleague, Dr Paul Venzo, we have been examining the rise of (and demand for) books that provide an inclusive, safe and engaging way to discuss the essential topic of sex for young people. I am a researcher on texts for young people that deal with issues around sex, sexuality and gender. The book describes itself as a "frank, age-appropriate introductory guide to sex and sexuality for teens of all genders inclusive, reassuring and all about keeping sex fun, real, and shame-free". Many are saying they wish they had access to this kind of book growing up. The other side is celebrating Welcome to Sex for providing comprehensive and inclusive sex education.
Others are accusing the authors of " grooming" children - a term that is increasingly misused. They are also critical of the inclusion of what they term " gender ideology".
Critics have taken particular issue with small sections of the book that address inclusive sexual practices beyond penetrative sex, including "fingering", "oral sex", "scissoring", and "anal sex". One side argues the book is a graphic sex guide that's "teaching sex" to young children.
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