The Queer Reads book club at Books & Shenanigans recently read “All Boys Aren’t Blue”, by George M. Johnson. In this memoir, two themes we learned about were the consequences of social biases and inadequate sexual education.  This prompted us to learn more about sexual education programs in our community, and this led us to Island Sexual Health.

The Island Sexual Health Community Health Center (ISH) has been operating since 1969 and envisions accessible comprehensive sexual and primary health care, where systemic barriers to care and education are dismantled.

The sexual education programs at ISH are intended to promote positive sexuality and choices, to prevent negative outcomes such as unintentional pregnancies, exposure to sexually transmitted infections and sexual exploitation and to create inclusive spaces where all feel seen and valued. In 2024/25, this program reached 19,022 participants at 687 workshops.

In 2026, ISH suspended workshops due to loss of funding. ISH continues to run other parts of the community education program including a Youth Sexual Health Q&A text line (250-812-9374), a Youth Lived Experience as Ambassadors of Development program, and ongoing support for local educators through resources and workshops for school and community-based queer youth groups.

When the Queer Reads book club found out that ISH was in need of funds to continue aspects of the sexual education program, we decided to help. The plan for a Used Book Drive was launched!