The broadcaster and nurse gained notoriety for her candid and lighthearted approach to sex education.
Sue Johanson, the most well-known sex educator in Canada, died on Thursday at the age of 93, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
Johanson died at a long-term care facility outside of Toronto, according to CBC, while she was surrounded by her family.
The registered nurse dedicated her career to promoting safe sex practices and de-stigmatizing sex, and her straightforward, non-judgmental manner helped her establish herself as an authoritative figure in Canada and other nations.
She rose to fame in 1984 as the host of the Canadian call-in radio program Sunday Night Sex Show, which later migrated to television and gave birth to the well-known American version of Talk Sex With Sue Johanson in 2002.
After many years of nursing practice, Johanson founded the Don Mills Birth Control Clinic in 1970. She worked as the clinic’s coordinator for 16 years. While touring Canadian schools, she spoke to thousands of teenagers and young people and published three books on sexuality.
She gained notoriety for her unrestricted approach to discussions of sex, pleasure, and sexuality as well as her quick wit and professional authority. Despite the angry phone calls and letters she received from opponents, Johanson was unafraid to talk about anything, including contentious topics like sex toys and masturbation.
She was honored with the prestigious Order of Canada in 2000 for her work advancing sex education. The recognition is the second-highest honor a civilian can receive in the country.
Her openness and “listening without judgment” were commended in the announcement of her award. ”.
Johanson had a “positive impact on millions of people around the world,” according to Lisa Rideout, the Canadian filmmaker behind the 2022 movie Sex with Sue. ”.
To relate to Sue, according to Rideout, required knowing, meeting, hearing from, or observing her. “Sue was a national treasure of Canada, and for many years to come, her legacy will continue to bring about positive change.
We adore you, Sue.
”.
One of Johanson’s three children, Jane Johanson, spoke with CBC News Network on Thursday and lauded her mother and her influence.
Johanson said, “My mother was wonderful. Her voice would be instantly recognizable by anyone, anywhere, at any time. She never ignored anyone. She treated everyone in the same manner. She never showed any prejudice or snobbishness in response to any question that was put to her. ”.
“I think Sue was a second mother or grandmother to everyone, in a way. ”.
