A school board director in Washington state, Jenn Mason, has drawn renewed scrutiny from community members and conservative activists regarding her involvement in youth sex education programs. The controversy intensified following a recent Pride event at Bellingham High School that featured a drag performance, which subsequently circulated in online videos. Critics have linked the event to Mason's broader engagement in LGBT-related youth initiatives and her ownership of a business that offers sexual wellness products and educational workshops for young people.
"Uncringe Academy is a voluntary sex education program created in response to requests from parents." — Jenn Mason, Bellingham Public Schools Board Director
Jenn Mason, a long-serving member of the Bellingham Public Schools Board of Directors, first elected in 2017 and reelected in 2021, owns WinkWink Boutique in Bellingham. This retail business specializes in sexual wellness products, educational materials, and relationship resources. Through WinkWink, Mason also co-created "Uncringe Academy," a program designed to offer voluntary sex education workshops for young people and their families.
The recent catalyst for heightened criticism was a Pride event hosted at Bellingham High School, organized in partnership with the Whatcom Youth Pride Coalition. Video footage from the event, which quickly spread across social media platforms, showed a drag performance taking place within the school facility, adorned with Pride-themed decorations, attended by students. The video ignited strong reactions, with critics arguing that such performances are inappropriate for a school environment and for young audiences. Conversely, supporters of the event characterized it as a component of broader Pride Month activities, intended to foster inclusion and provide support for LGBT students within the school community.
The attention soon focused on Director Mason due to her established public role and her business's offerings. Uncringe Academy, described as a program providing factual, age-appropriate information in a supportive environment, addresses a range of topics. These include puberty, consent, relationships, gender identity, sexual orientation, reproductive health, and personal safety. The program is structured with separate sessions tailored for different age groups, specifically children aged 9 to 12 and teenagers aged 13 to 17. The stated goal is to help young people become comfortable discussing health and relationship topics.
Critics have questioned the appropriateness of a school board director, particularly one who owns a retail business selling sex-related products, being involved in educational programming for children. Objections have also been raised regarding the inclusion of discussions on gender identity and sexuality within the curriculum for young participants. The sentiment among some critics was encapsulated in a social media post by Andy Ngo on June 5, 2026, stating, "Jenn Mason, a school board director for Bellingham Public Schools in Washington state, is hosting all-ages children events at her WinkWink sex shop."
Mason has publicly defended Uncringe Academy, emphasizing its entirely voluntary nature. She highlights that the program was developed in response to requests from parents and that parental attendance alongside their children is encouraged. Mason stated, "Uncringe Academy is a voluntary sex education program created in response to requests from parents." She further clarified that the curriculum focuses on standard sex education subjects, such as puberty, consent, relationships, and safer sex practices, with lessons specifically designed to be developmentally appropriate for each age group. Mason also noted that these workshops are conducted outside of school settings and are distinct from the official Bellingham Public Schools curriculum. Since its inception in 2022, organizers report that nearly 400 participants have attended the program.
Supporters of Mason and Uncringe Academy contend that the workshops serve to address gaps in existing health education and offer valuable supplementary resources for families seeking information on sensitive topics not always comprehensively covered elsewhere. They view the program as a community-driven initiative that empowers young people with knowledge in a safe and structured environment. The ongoing debate reflects broader societal discussions about parental rights, the role of public education in addressing sensitive topics, and appropriate boundaries for school officials' private endeavors when they intersect with youth-focused activities. The situation continues to generate discussion within the Bellingham community and beyond, highlighting diverse perspectives on youth education and community standards.
