The most well-known sex educator in Canada, Sue Johanson, passed away on Thursday at the age of 93, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation said.
According to CBC, Johanson passed away surrounded by her family at a long-term care facility outside of Toronto.
The registered nurse committed her professional life to advocate safe sex practices and de-stigmatizing sex, and her direct, non-judgmental style made her a well-respected authority in Canada and other countries.
She first gained notoriety in 1984 as the host of the Canadian call-in radio show Sunday Night Sex Show, which eventually transitioned to television and gave rise to the popular American version Talk Sex With Sue Johanson in 2002.
Johanson started the Don Mills Birth Control Clinic in 1970 after many years of nursing practice, serving as the clinic coordinator for 16 of those years. She has published three books about sexuality and spoke to thousands of teenagers and young people while touring Canadian schools.
Her unrestricted approach to talks of sex, pleasure, and sexuality, as well as her quick wit and professional authority, contributed to her popularity. Johanson was unafraid to discuss everything, even controversial subjects like sex toys and masturbation, despite the irate phone calls and letters she received from opponents.
She received the esteemed Order of Canada in 2000 in recognition of her efforts to promote sex education. The accolade is the second-highest honor a civilian can get in the nation.
She was recognized in the announcement of her award for her openness and “listening without judgment.”
Lisa Rideout, the Canadian director of the 2022 film Sex with Sue, said in a statement on Thursday that Johanson had a “positive impact on millions of people around the world.” The educator was memorialized in the film.
“To connect with Sue was to know, meet, listen to, or watch her,” said Rideout. “Sue was a national treasure of Canada, but her legacy will continue to effect good change for many years to come. Sue, you are loved.
Jane Johanson, one of Johanson’s three children, spoke with CBC News Network on Thursday and praised her mother and her influence.
Johanson stated, “My mum was wonderful. People would be able to identify her voice from anywhere at any time. She never disregarded anyone. She gave everyone the exact same treatment. She never displayed any bias or condescension toward any question that was posed to her.
“I believe that everyone felt as though Sue was a second mother or grandmother to them.”
