Sue Johanson brings honest discussion about sex to Jesse Auditorium
by Kathleen Sprouse, posted Feb. 20, 2008
Sue Johanson speaks to a sold-out crowd in Jesse Auditorium about sex on Valentine’s Day. The 77-year-old Canadian grandmother has been a sex educator for more than 30 years and is a registered nurse. Her show, Talk Sex with Sue Johanson, first aired in 2002 on Oxygen TV. Johanson’s show featured a live, phone-in program that covered topics from A to Z. Talk Sex airs in Brazil, Israel, and in 20 European countries in five languages on Club TV as well as the United States.
Marty Klein, a licensed marriage and family counselor and sex therapist for more than 24 years, joined Johanson on stage.
The Department of Student Activities, Sexual Health Advocate Peer Education and the MU Student Health Center organized the event at Jesse Hall. The audience contained many couples, locals and groups of students.
Johanson captivated the audience as she talked about sensitive subjects, and the tone of her voice made it all seem appropriate. She wasn’t vulgar, she used scientific terms, was specific and assured the audience their experiences were normal.
The most common question is always, “Is that normal?” Johanson said.
“It was funny and informative, she was just fun,” said Chris Cusumano, a junior secondary education major.
Cusumano was excited to go to Johanson’s show but was devastated when he heard the show was sold out. He and a friend ended up paying twenty dollars for their tickets, simply hoping for a good laugh.
“It was comical because it is like talking to your grandma about sex,” said Tyler Hillis, a freshman business major.
“She doesn’t care about hurting anyone’s feelings, she’s straightforward,” said Will Hogan, a freshman psychology major.
Johanson and Klein talked about the importance of getting to know your body, being confident and talking to your partner.
“Talk to your partner about what you like, and know what you like,” Klein said.
Some topics did make the audience grow tense. But Johanson’s calm voice and her age make any topic seem appropriate. She makes jokes, not towards the people with the problem but to keep the audience relaxed. As she noticed the audience feeling uncomfortable, she directed the audience to her Web site, www.talksexwithsuejohnanson.com for further information.
Johanson and Klein discussed the effects of alcohol and sex, how it slows down reaction time and decision making. They encouraged students to discuss contraceptives and limits before drinking. Klein stressed the word “no.” It means, no.
The highly anticipated portion of the show was the questions from the audience. Cards were collected from the audience with questions for Klein and Johanson.
The audience laughed at the questions asked and listened to the informative and honest answers from Johanson and Klein.
For more information about sex or about Johanson, visit her Web site at or visit Klein’s Web site, www.sexed.org.
