LOS ANGELES — Clinical therapist, educator and author Damon Holzum will train educational organization Everyone Deserves Sex Ed (EDSE) attendees with a discussion of sexual orientation and identity.
“Educating and empowering people is my passion, whether it’s through writing, workshops, or one-on-one sessions, and I had so much fun working with EDSE and watching attendees expand their understanding of sexual identity,” Holzum said. “Sexual orientation and attraction can be complicated subjects to explore because of how deeply individual it is, and EDSE offers an opportunity to break down the concepts into digestible portions. I look forward to helping Fall EDSE attendees develop their vocabulary and expand their understanding of sexuality as something individual and unique to each person.”
EDSE founder and lead educator Anne Hodder-Shipp says she asked Holzum to return to teach the portion of the certification because of his years of experience, interactive teaching style and strong grasp of the subject matter. A California State-certified HIV counselor and a regular speaker at the Pleasure Chest, the Stockroom, and the Village at the Los Angeles LGBT Center, Holzum utilizes his public platforms to educate, normalize and celebrate sexuality.
“Damon is a beloved speaker and teacher, especially at sex-positive events across the country, and he has been a valuable part of EDSE and our sex educator certification,” Hodder-Shipp said. “Damon is known for his high-energy, interactive and compelling teaching style and he dedicates much of his work to embracing and normalizing sexual behaviors and identities that are often misunderstood — and even stigmatized — by service professionals. EDSE attendees will leave this training with a stronger, more accurate understanding of the word ‘normal.’”
The next EDSE certification will take place Nov. 9-10 and 16-17 in Los Angeles. Individual certification is $2,095, and payment plans are available to those in need.
To apply, fill out the form. An EDSE representative will review and be in contact within 48 hours of submission.
“During my time as a sex educator, and a sex blogger before that, there was one thing I noticed most people had in common: a lack of confidence in, and even a little fear about, talking about sex,” Hodder-Shipp said. “This insecurity has a dramatic trickle-down effect. It leaves professionals feeling unprepared for workplace dynamics, parents terrified of having ‘the talk,’ and service providers caught off-guard during sensitive conversations with their clients. My goal with EDSE is give people access to the professional and educational support so many of us have lacked throughout our personal and professional lives.”
