A Washington state school board director is facing renewed scrutiny after critics highlighted her involvement in youth sex education programs while a local high school hosted a drag-themed Pride event attended by students.
Jenn Mason, a member of the Bellingham Public Schools Board of Directors and owner of the WinkWink Boutique in Bellingham, has drawn criticism from some parents and conservative activists over educational programs offered through her business and her broader involvement in LGBT-related youth initiatives.
The controversy intensified after video circulated online showing a drag performance at a Pride event hosted at Bellingham High School in partnership with the Whatcom Youth Pride Coalition. The footage showed students attending the event as performers took part in activities inside a school facility decorated with Pride-themed displays.
The video quickly generated strong reactions on social media, with critics arguing that drag performances should not take place in school settings. Supporters of the event, however, described it as part of broader Pride Month activities intended to promote inclusion and support for LGBT students.
Attention soon shifted to Mason, who has served on the Bellingham school board since first being elected in 2017 and reelected in 2021.
Mason owns WinkWink Boutique, a retail business that sells sexual wellness products, educational materials, and relationship resources. Through the business, she also helped create a program known as “Uncringe Academy,” which offers voluntary sex education workshops for young people and their families.
According to program descriptions, the classes address topics including puberty, consent, relationships, gender identity, sexual orientation, reproductive health, and personal safety. Separate sessions are offered for different age groups, including children ages 9 to 12 and teenagers ages 13 to 17.
The curriculum states that the goal is to provide factual, age-appropriate information in a supportive environment while helping young people become comfortable discussing topics related to health and relationships.
Critics have questioned whether someone who owns a sex-related retail business should be involved in educational programming for children. Some have also objected to the inclusion of discussions surrounding gender identity and sexuality.
Mason has defended the program, emphasizing that participation is entirely voluntary and that parents are encouraged to attend alongside their children, per the Daily Mail.
“Uncringe Academy is a voluntary sex education program created in response to requests from parents,” Mason said in a statement. She added that the curriculum focuses on standard sex education subjects such as puberty, consent, relationships, and safer sex practices, with lessons tailored to be developmentally appropriate for each age group.
Mason further noted that the workshops are conducted outside of school settings and are not part of the Bellingham Public Schools curriculum.
According to organizers, nearly 400 participants have attended the program since its launch in 2022. Supporters say the workshops help fill gaps in health education and provide additional resources for families seeking information on topics that may not be fully covered elsewhere.
