Conversations around sexuality, diversity and racism can be uncomfortable, but Natalya Mason tackles them every day, both as Education and Outreach Coordinator at Saskatoon Sexual Health and as a diversity, equity and inclusion facilitator in the community.

Sexuality is a complex human experience; it impacts so many parts of our lives and our social systems, including justice, health and education,” Natalya says. “I think a lot of social problems could be solved by providing adequate sexual health education, because it’s about teaching more than safe sex—it’s about healthy relationships, communication, respect and equity. When those things aren’t there, young people often find themselves in a place where they are harming others or being harmed.”

Natalya has always been interested in people. She has degrees in psychology and social work and completed a masters in Women’s, Gender and Sexualities Studies at the University of Saskatchewan in 2021. For her thesis, she built on her work at Saskatoon Sexual Health by focusing on social and emotional barriers to condom use for adolescent girls.

Based on her experience in classrooms over the past seven years, Natalya believes there is both interest in, and support for, sex education. “I think it’s a misconception that there’s a ton of push back on sex education. Even in a conservative province like Saskatchewan, parents and teachers support quality sexual health education because they know the ramifications of a lack of education can last for years.”

Natalya hopes to see a provincial prioritization of comprehensive sexuality education and the inclusion of accountability measures, similar to those used to monitor aptitude in other subjects. And while she continues to advocate for change, Natalya also continues to enjoy working with young people. Last summer, she co-founded an online anti-racism camp for kids ages 8 to 12. “It was brilliant seeing the kids’ capacity to comprehend issues and ideas adults often struggle with,” she says.

At the end of the day, I hope to see people pay more attention to their neighbours, friends and relatives. We live in a world of abundance,” Natalya says. “Everyone should have the opportunity to be healthy and happy, regardless of who they are or where they come from.”