I hope the Sexual Education Advisory Committee’s efforts are productive. Our young people deserve accurate, complete information.

However, roadblocks exist, and opportunities for self-embarrassment are ever-present.

Sex determination begins simply enough, guided by the rules of the XY determination system: Females typically have two X chromosomes, and males typically have an X and a Y.

Though we no longer rely on the moods of the Gods — Eros, Cupid, or Aphrodite — for diversity in human propagation, X and Y chromosomes’ genes carrying different messages and hormone interventions ensure diversity in human sex determination.

Consider Klinefelter syndrome, which has two Xs and one Y. This condition occurs in one to two per thousand births. In our school system, which has approximately 3,600 students, there are likely three to six students with Klinefelter.

Then, there is the Hupospadias condition and the XXXY and XXXXY syndromes, plus 34 other identified intersex conditions involving chromosome abnormalities.

The range of births with ambiguous genitals, some of which produce both male and female gametes, is in the range of 0.02 to 0.05 % of all live births. Other conditions involve the development of atypical chromosomes, gonads, or hormones. Some people may be assigned and raised as girls or boys but identify with another gender later in life. The prevalence of all such conditions is uncertain but is reported to be as high as 1.7% of live births. Approximately 60 students in our school system may, to some degree, be affected.

Sex-reversed men with two XX chromosomes carry genes that were translocated. A translocation is a genetic event in which a piece of a chromosome, usually containing genes related to sex development, attaches to another chromosome, potentially altering the individual’s sex.

Evidence indicates that the prenatal environment, specifically the organizational effects of hormones on the fetal brain, determines which of the three primary sexual orientation categories — bisexuality, heterosexuality, or homosexuality — predominates.

According to the 2021 census, there are 1.2 million same-sex couple households in the United States. A Gallup poll in 2017 found that 4.5% of adults in this country identify as LGBT.

If that percentage holds among our student population, there are approximately 160 students in our schools who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Transgender.

Then there are those sexual variations among us “normal” folks. Mother Nature included sexual diversity in the totality of the human condition.

Despite the reality of diversity, some seek to prohibit its consideration — a form of misinformation. Additional problems pop up when sex education interacts with politics and religion, as it did at the June 19, 2024, meeting of the county planning committee. The commissioners were concerned that certain sex education materials were inappropriately available in the library’s collection.

Joe Garber, president of the library board, appeared to explain: “There are a lot of areas to navigate through this. Alpena has about 29,000 people. We are trying to develop a policy that meets the needs of as many people as we can. ”

To which one commissioner responded:

“In my opinion, (the contested material) is completely unacceptable even in the adult section. Our Christian values have gone into the toilet — I understand that there are many liberals in the woke society we have, and that is not acceptable to me.”

A response that prompts two observations:

As indicated above, sex education provides opportunities for self-embarrassment.

Consensual sex is not evil. It’s not even dirty — it’s perfectly normal.

After indicating agreement with the first commissioner, a second commissioner took a specific exception to the book “It’s Perfectly Normal.”

Admitting he hadn’t actually read the book — relying only on information provided to him — he claimed “It’s Perfectly Normal” advocated Internet searches for fantasies and kinks.

I’ve read every page of that book. I found no such reference.

This is a quote from “It’s Perfectly Normal” concerning the Internet:

“Here are some things you need to think about when you go on the Internet. There can be a lot of inappropriate, weird, confusing, uncomfortable, creepy, scary, or even dangerous websites. —That’s why it’s very important to check with a trusted adult —” (Chapter 24, p 97)

Hardly an endorsement for a pornography search.

“It’s Perfectly Normal” is a wonderful book. Intelligently and appropriately written and illustrated, it provides comprehensive and accurate information covering the broad spectrum of sex education.

Its extensive coverage of sexually transmitted diseases and their prevention standing alone is worth its price.

Over the past 25 years, “It’s Perfectly Normal” has sold over 1.5 million copies through numerous editions. It’s been translated into multiple languages, and experts laud it. I wish it had been available to my generation.

The book is aimed at young people undergoing puberty, roughly between 11 and 15. This period of rapid growth and change engenders multiple questions with few obvious answers. Adolescents work through a cloud of emotions and misinformation, trying to understand where their uniqueness fits into the world around them.

Over my 24 years as a juvenile court judge, I witnessed the travails of many of these journeys, and the two years I taught 11 and 12-year-olds enhanced my respect for this age group’s intellectual capacities.

Given capable instruction, many people of that age can learn advanced math fundamentals. Their minds are like sponges.

Sex education? It, too, is best accomplished with capable instruction — “It’s Perfectly Normal” is an excellent study guide. But many young people lack the luxury of such assistance.

Subsequent to the above-noted planning committee meeting, the full board of commissioners met and voted to dismiss the entire library board, thereby extending their embarrassment to the entire community.

In 1970, there were over 9,000 students enrolled in Alpena Public Schools; in 1995, the number dropped into the 6,000 range; in 2007, to 4,500; now the number is about 3,600.

Where did all those young people go?

Off into a world of diversity and challenge.

Before our children leave us — even if they stay — we owe them complete and accurate information concerning a matter fundamental in their existence.

Doug Pugh’s “Vignettes” runs monthly. He can be reached at pughda@gmail.com.