By Yaneli Liranzo

Teen Pep (Teen Prevention Education Programs) are for juniors and seniors who have taken the time to be trained in leadership and the many issues that face teens regarding sexuality. Probably the biggest misconception about this program is that they exist just to say no to sex. However, they really just provide the information necessary to prepare teens for the physical, social and emotional consequences of decisions made about relations.

If teens say “no” to sex, that is great. If teens say “yes,” well then Teen PEP is there to let you know, hopefully in advance, about everything that you need to know to make an informed decision, and how to deal with any consequences that come from that decision.

This club activity meets to discuss gender and sexuality issues as to how people identify themselves. How to decide which pronouns when addressing or talking to someone. It is important to make everyone feel comfortable with whom they are and so they will be comfortable to speak out.

One Teen PEP educator, Astrid Gonzaon said, “Ever since I joined Teen PEP I feel as though it has enlightened me with everything I had failed to pay attention to and neglected. It has genuinely changed my outlook and mindset n many things, and I think this class should be a requirement.”

When asked what she likes most about this program, that she thinks it should be a required course, she said, “It doesn’t tell me who I should be, what to think or what to do. I feel comfortable talking about my concerns and any questions that I have.”

It seems like most students who have had contact with the Teen PEP program like it so much that they think it, or something like it, should be a requirement. Most also believe the younger the audience the better. Although taking this class at an early age may not be productive, due to varying levels of maturity, they will be learning that gay, queer, transgender, and lesbian people, are all just people, like all of us.

Parents often tell their boys that they cannot play with dolls; and tell their girls that they cannot play with cars. But the coursework of Teen PEP teaches that tolerance begins at home, and that people do not have the right to tell their babies who they can fall in love with, or what they can and can’t dress like, just because of what they were born with physically. Everyone is entitled to be what and who they want to be.

The education provided by Teen Pep is to help high school students make healthy decisions. The goal is help provide students with formal and informal opportunities to discuss issues in an atmosphere of mutual respect and factual discussion.

That Teen PEP goal is something everyone can agree on, the treatment of others as we would wish to be treated, and creating an atmosphere of mutual respect, no matter what someone else’s situation. It is not only the goal of Teen PEP, but the goal of everyone at PHS. If you want more information just join up, or go to www.state.nj.us/health/aids/teenpep.html.