Sue Johanson Quotes

Powerful Sue Johanson for Daily Growth

About Sue Johanson

Sue Johanson (July 19, 1938 – October 25, 2021) was a Canadian sex educator, television personality, and author, renowned for her candid approach to discussing sexual health and relationships. Born in Montreal, Quebec, she grew up in a loving Jewish family with strong roots in social activism, which greatly influenced her commitment to empowering people through education. Johanson earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from McGill University and later a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto. In the 1960s, she began her career as a social worker, working with troubled youth and families. Her experiences led her to recognize the need for open conversations about sexuality, which eventually shaped her life's work. In 1974, Johanson founded 'The Sex Sense Organization,' an organization dedicated to providing sex education in schools and community settings. Her groundbreaking work gained national attention, leading to a successful television career. From 1982 to 2006, she hosted the long-running Canadian television program, 'Talk Sex with Sue Johanson.' Throughout her career, Johanson authored several books on sexuality, including 'The Complete Book of Female Sexuality' and 'The Complete Book of Male Sexuality.' Her writing was characterized by its frankness, accessibility, and focus on promoting healthy, consensual, and fulfilling sexual relationships. Johanson received numerous awards for her contributions to sex education and her advocacy work, including the Order of Canada in 1999. Despite facing criticism and controversy due to her outspoken nature, she remained a powerful voice for sexual health and empowerment until her passing in October 2021. Her legacy continues to inspire open conversations about sexuality and fosters a more sex-positive society.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Sex is a natural function; it should be enjoyable."

This quote emphasizes that sexual activity, being a natural part of human life, should also be an enjoyable experience. It suggests that pleasure and satisfaction are important aspects to consider when engaging in intimate relationships, implying that sex shouldn't be considered a chore or obligation, but rather, something positive and meaningful.


"The more you know about sex, the better you can make choices about what's best for you."

This quote emphasizes the importance of education and understanding in making informed decisions regarding one's own sexual health and wellbeing. By gaining knowledge about various aspects of sexuality, such as anatomy, consent, safe practices, and personal preferences, individuals are better equipped to make decisions that align with their values, comfort levels, and desires, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and safer sexual experience.


"Good sex is like a beautiful piece of music, it has a melody and a rhythm and it's always different each time."

This quote suggests that good sexual experiences are as diverse and dynamic as music. Just as every piece of music has its unique melody and rhythm, every sexual encounter has its own distinct qualities. Additionally, just as great music can evoke emotions and create an unforgettable experience, so too can meaningful and fulfilling sexual encounters. The repetition emphasizes the idea that while there is a consistent quality to these experiences (being "good" and memorable), each instance offers something new and different due to its unique combination of melody (emotions, sensations) and rhythm (pacing, timing).


"Sexuality is an integral part of our humanity."

This quote underscores that sexuality is a fundamental aspect of being human, not just a physical or personal trait but deeply interwoven into our identity and humanity as a whole. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging, understanding, and respecting our sexuality as an integral part of our overall well-being and development. Recognizing sexuality in this holistic manner encourages open dialogue, fosters healthy relationships, and ultimately contributes to personal growth and societal harmony.


"The purpose of sexuality is not just procreation, but to enhance the quality of life."

This quote by Sue Johanson emphasizes that sexuality serves a broader purpose beyond mere reproduction in human lives. It suggests that intimacy and sensual experiences should enrich our lives and contribute positively to our overall well-being, relationships, personal growth, and emotional connections. In essence, the quote highlights the role of sexuality as a tool for self-expression, bonding, and increasing life satisfaction, rather than merely focusing on its reproductive functions.


Kids and adults have sex for many, many reasons... Put out a question box.

- Sue Johanson

Sex, Question, Reasons, Adult

Kids are all computer-savvy. Sit down and write to your parents on the computer. And just say, I have some questions and I'm scared. There's some stuff I don't know and I really need to talk to you about sex. Tear it off and put it on their pillow. They'll read it.

- Sue Johanson

Questions, Some, About, Scared

If you can't laugh about sex, you shouldn't be doing it.

- Sue Johanson

Sex, Doing, About, Laugh

We teach teens what we think they ought to know, and we never tell them what they want to know.

- Sue Johanson

Think, Teach, Never, Ought

Sex is... perfectly natural. It's something that's pleasurable. It's enjoyable and it enhances a relationship. So why don't we learn as much as we can about it and become comfortable with ourselves as sexual human beings because we are all sexual?

- Sue Johanson

About, Perfectly, Enhances, Enjoyable

As long as I'm having fun, I'm not quitting.

- Sue Johanson

Fun, Long, Having, Quitting

It's sad that the most glorious of sexual experiences can make us feel guilty, ashamed, embarrassed, and abnormal.

- Sue Johanson

Feel, Embarrassed, Ashamed, Sexual

They are uncomfortable talking about sex because they don't want people to think they know about it.

- Sue Johanson

Sex, Think, Want, Uncomfortable

Americans are a decade behind Canada when it comes to sex education and understanding their bodies.

- Sue Johanson

Education, Behind, Decade, Sex

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