查看文章

We conducted this research to counter a dominant narrative in the literature concerning Aboriginal young people and their sexual health that positions them as necessarily risky and in need of help. While Aboriginal young people are disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted infections (STI), the existing research literature on their sexual health has been dominated by problem-oriented studies reporting on risky sexual practices, poor STI prevention, teenage pregnancy and lack of access to health services. These studies can provide important insights into young people’s sexual practices; however, they also reinforce deficit views of Aboriginal young people as risky and needing intervention.

In this research we documented Aboriginal young people’s values and practices about sex and relationships, what they did to build positive relationships and advance their sexual wellbeing, and how these values and practices are supported by families, communities and culture. In doing so, the project sought to promote positive narratives about Aboriginal young people’s sexual health and offer recommendations for policy and practice that focus not on deficit and problems, but on Aboriginal young people’s strengths and resourcefulness.