Stories are written by people who don’t necessarily work or study in fields related to sexology. They convey emotions, perceptions, and subjective perspectives. Opinions voiced in the stories are those of their authors, and in no way represent the position of Les 3 sex*.

Ce témoignage est aussi disponible en français [➦].

Translated by Gabrielle Baillargeon-Michaud.

The freshly graduated sexologist takes their painfully slow first steps, on this land devoid of job opportunities in their unique field: human sexuality. Here, they are the outsider! With caution, they tread where few have ventured to submit their resumes: the rural areas.

Vast spaces, almost pristine air, affordable rents, no competition—what’s not to like? Coming from a sparsely populated area (hereafter referred to as a backwater in the woods), I can only marvel, like a laughing seal, at the splendour of certain Quebec regions. However, on a practical note, black flies and deer are poor employers and even worse clients. I jest, but it’s a fact that population size significantly impacts the availability, or lack thereof, of certain professional services. Yet, the needs are as significant as in more densely populated areas; they’re just more spread out.

Houston, we have a problem! 

Indeed, rural areas are beautiful, but the bitter reality is that with certain degrees, such as that of a sexologist (both Master’s and Bachelor’s), it is challenging, if not very challenging, to find employment there.

Therefore, graduates in sexology, their eyes alight with the fervour of a true explorer, quickly face the harsh reality of scant job openings and a lack of openness in both educational and health sectors. It’s well known that money is scarce and is judiciously invested elsewhere, such as in administrative roles or in subsidizing more “practical” endeavours than sex education, sexological services in schools, or preventative measures. Yeah… that was sarcasm. Should I remind you of the Bombardier scandal, the sham boards of inquiry, or simply the fact that our roads are designed to degrade faster than they can be repaired?

The private sector is no better, indeed, with its near-monopoly on the fields of psychology and medicine as it pertains to treating sexual dysfunctions and couple issues. It’s challenging for sexologists to establish themselves while disrupting the existing customer habits related to these problems.

In a market where prescribing Viagra is seen as the quick, affordable fix, it becomes laborious to shift mindsets and sell the concept of therapy. Furthermore, even when this idea begins to take hold in the public consciousness, psychologists and psychotherapists are the ones who are favoured.

Fortunately for sexologists, the ability to become certified as psychotherapists offers a lifeline, allowing the more enterprising individuals in the field to secure a reasonably good income.

Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and some must either go back to school or find a new career. In the worst-case scenarios, often driven by financial need, some end up resigning themselves to quitting altogether. I have sadly witnessed university graduates in sexology resorting to working in fast-food drive-throughs or factories to pay off their student loans. But yes, the countryside is beautiful!

I’d also like to speak about an educational matter. 

You might enjoy the vast empty spaces that rural areas have to offer, but when it comes to sex education, there is a significant void. Having personally conducted a workshop on the subject in a high school, I can tell you it almost echoes, so sparse is the coverage.

Openly discussing sexuality is marginal, even taboo, in many settings, and particularly in schools.

Our dedicated school nurse colleagues pour their hearts and souls into educating students about STI prevention. But, truth be told, we are still far from adequately meeting educational needs, armed only with a limp banana and an expired condom. Some more progressive schools and school boards remain open and take the initiative to organize dedicated days for educating kids, while many others remain closed off.

Caution! If you have a bullshit detector, be aware there is a slight risk of explosion due to overload when you read the following statements: 

“Why educate them (the youth) about sexuality? We certainly shouldn’t be giving them ideas.” 

Or worse: 

“Our youth is not experiencing sexuality, so why discuss it with them?” 

These are actual statements I have heard from some school administrators. Hey, I did warn you about explosion risks!

Solutions… are there any? 

Drawing from my experience and numerous contacts in the field, I find there is hope for rural areas. First, education and awareness must be prioritized to prepare the younger generation to discuss various topics concerning human sexuality. Although some educational institution doors are closed, not all of them are shut.

Step by step, just like Neil Armstrong walking on the Moon, community and educational initiatives gain momentum, and over several generations, sexology will become part of Quebec’s educational landscape.

Simultaneously, I believe it is essential to enhance the image of sexologists among the general population by ensuring their positive and professional presence in Quebec’s mainstream media. The more the necessity for sexologists is demonstrated in educational and therapeutic contexts, the more opportunities will arise for them. Consequently, the advancement of sexology, both in rural areas and beyond, can be achieved gradually and steadily.

Moreover, expanding the variety of university training programs would significantly impact professional environments. The more a profession becomes widespread, diverse, rich, and comprehensive, the more various sectors will be inclined to create positions to utilize these professionals. As universities train their students across disciplines, including applied sexology courses for various settings, future professionals will better understand this social necessity. To make this point more digestible, consider the following example:

Future engineers, although their field of study is far removed from sexology (and the humanities in general), would significantly benefit from receiving, at the heart of their university journey, training in sexology applied to the realities of their profession, hence the concept of interdisciplinarity.

From the beginning of their careers, many will take on leadership or supervisory roles. These young professionals will often act as leaders or role models in a sector still dominated by men. Having worked in such an environment for over ten years, I can attest that this sector desperately needs healthy and positive role models. I still cringe at the tasteless jokes, offensive comments, inappropriate behaviours, and discrimination that persist despite society’s best efforts.

Therefore, engineers and other professionals, properly trained and sensitized to sexological issues (women’s rights, homophobia, transidentity, sexual violence, harassment, etc.), will be more likely to promote these values in their workplaces. The same goes for teachers, notaries, lawyers, chemists, etc. Professionals play a major role in either improving or maintaining workplace conditions.

Moreover, training in sexology would help demystify the sexologist profession among the more traditional sciences. It is therefore possible that these future decision-makers will finally recognize the true value of our specialists in sexuality, both in psycho-sexological treatment and general education.

Consider this: Is it normal that there is only one university in North America offering advanced training in sexology? Issues like sexual violence, hypersexualization, homophobia, transphobia, and the increasing spread of STIs are not confined to the Island of Montreal, are they?

The needs are evident; one must be blind not to see them. But everything starts with training and education. Awareness is the first step to a better understanding of these topics.

It’s clear that outside major centres like Montreal and Quebec, the sexology profession has a lot to accomplish in terms of education and image. Stereotypes are stubborn, and sexologists are too often relegated to the role of “experts of sexual positions or dildos.” Nonetheless, with courage, a good dose of perseverance, and a dash of madness, it is entirely possible to break through the taboos and misconceptions to allow the science of applied sexology to expand beyond urban borders.

I sincerely believe you need to be slightly mad to pursue advanced studies in sexology and hope to work outside major centres. I would know because this is my case. I am among those pioneers who seek to establish themselves and make their mark.

There is much to do and discover! The conquest of the regions undoubtedly represents a small step for the sexologist, but a giant leap for sexology.