Sue Johanson
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Sue Johanson (1930-2023) was a Canadian sex educator, public speaker, and media personality renowned for her candid and humorous approach to sex education. Born in Toronto, Ontario, Johanson initially pursued a career in nursing, graduating from St. Boniface Hospital School of Nursing in Winnipeg. She furthered her education in family planning and sexual health, gaining certifications in these fields.
In 1970, Johanson opened a birth control clinic at a Toronto high school, which provided students with access to contraception and sexual health information. This clinic was one of the first of its kind in Canada and became a model for similar initiatives. Her work in the clinic laid the foundation for her future career in sex education.
Johanson gained national fame with her radio show Sunday Night Sex Show, which debuted in 1984 and later transitioned to television in 1996. The show, which aired on the Women's Television Network (WTN) and later on Oxygen in the United States as Talk Sex with Sue Johanson, featured Johanson answering callers' questions about sex, relationships, and sexual health. Her straightforward, non-judgmental, and often humorous style endeared her to audiences and made her a trusted source of sexual health information.
Johanson's legacy includes her impact on multiple generations of viewers and listeners who benefitted from her expertise and her role in advancing public understanding of sexual health and education.
Flared Base
A funny story about Sue Johanson highlights her quick wit and ability to handle even the most unexpected questions with grace and humor. During a live broadcast of Talk Sex with Sue Johanson, a caller nervously asked about the safety and effectiveness of using household items as sex toys. With her trademark humor, Johanson responded, "Well, I always say, if it doesn't have a flared base, don't put it in that place!" The studio audience and viewers at home burst into laughter. She then proceeded to give a more detailed and serious explanation about the importance of using safe, purpose-made sex toys, emphasizing hygiene and safety. Johanson's ability to turn an awkward question into an educational moment while keeping the tone light and humorous exemplified her unique approach to sex education.