A conversation with Michele Burnette…

How did this project begin?
Rick was approached by his local publisher's representative, and asked if he would be interested in writing a human sexuality text. Then, Rick contacted me about writing the book as co-authors.

How did you come to the decision to write this book?
I had taught this course for many years and had always wanted to write my own text in the area. It was just coincidental that Rick asked me--I don't think he knew I had already considered it myself!

How did you both come together, work together on the project?
Rick and I had overlapped in graduate school by one year--his first and my last year. We had the same major professor, Henry Adams, and shared similar interests, including different areas in sexuality. We had maintained contact over the years, and at a conference we discussed writing the book. We work very well together, even though we rarely have face-to-face contact!

Tell us about the title.
It is impossible to teach college kids about sexuality without talking about health, both psychological and physical. We wanted to emphasize the importance of "healthy sexuality" and making smart decisions around sexual matters.

How and why did you choose the themes that structure the text?
The health issue is our primary focus, both psychological and physical. Gender and culture are two other important themes because you really cannot talk about sex without looking at the cultural context, which shapes our sexual beliefs and behaviors, nor can you ignore ones' gender. For better or worse, we live in a "gendered" society that defines what behaviors and attitudes are deemed appropriate for each sex. It is hard to talk about many topics in sexuality without having to address these expectations. I think gender roles are changing and becoming less well defined, and that makes the discussions around gender even more interesting.

What did you enjoy most about writing this text?
Rick and I both love the topic, and love to write. I (Michele) almost went into journalism instead of psychology. I have now come full circle. I am finally fulfilling my dream of being a writer, and I actually know something interesting to write about!!

What do you hope students will get out of the book?
I hope that students will take away more than "just the facts." I hope the book will give them information, perhaps some skills, and the confidence they need to make healthy decisions about sexuality in their lives.

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