For those of us on the European side of the Atlantic, our American cousins’ attitude to sex and, in particular, sex education, does seem rather old-fashioned and, yes, prudish. Sex education here in the UK is, in some parts of the country, a little sketchy, but compared with what many American kids receive, the British offering is positively comprehensive. On a more serious note, many US states have banned (or are about to) discussion about sexual orientation and gender identity in schools, although many of those very same states don’t seem to have too much of a problem with teenagers popping into a high-street gunsmiths and emerging half an hour later with a semi-automatic rifle and a bag of ammo.
And all this is why we were thrilled to learn that our friends at Flynn Studios, in association with Herra Productions, have confirmed that the hilarious yet poignant multi-award winning documentary, A Sexplanation, will be available from 6th June in the UK & Ireland.
A Sexplanation is just your typical queer, Asian American, comedic sex education documentary about the universal search for love, connection, and family acceptance.
To right the wrongs of his all-American sex education, 36-year-old health reporter Alex Liu goes on a quest to uncover naked truths and hard facts – no matter how awkward it gets.
From neuroscience labs to church pews, A Sexplanation features provocative conversations with psychologists, sex researchers – and even a Jesuit priest. With humour and grit, Alex takes audiences on a playful, heartfelt journey from a shame-filled past to a happier, healthier, sexier future.
Like many Americans in the 90s, the adults in Alex’s life taught him that abstinence made him good. These tactics worked to suppress his sexuality – all the more because he was gay. But ultimately, years of repression disconnected him from his body, his desires, and his family.
Now in his 30s, Alex still hasn’t outgrown these hang-ups. The fear mongering from school, media, and religion continues to permeate throughout his life – in both big ways and small.
Fed up, Alex decides it’s time to turn years of fear and loathing into something positive and humorous. A Sexplanation follows his pursuit of shame-free pleasure and call for comprehensive sex education. Along the way, he’s surprised to discover it’s never too late to have “The Talk” – even with his parents.
Alex comments, “A Sexplanation follows my quest to confront my sex education – by finally getting a real one.
Growing up, sex felt shameful. My parents never brought it up. School focused on disease, pregnancy, and abstinence. By my 30s, I was surprised by how much shame I still carried. After talking with friends, I realised I wasn’t alone.
The film documents my attempt to strip away this shame, no matter how awkward it might get – even masturbating in an MRI machine (for science!).
Through honest conversations with scientists, educators, and even my parents, I try to uncover some naked truths and hard facts that will get us to a healthier, sexier future.”
A Sexplanation will be available in the UK from 6th June on iTunes, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube and Amazon Prime.
