The project Beyond Taboos was implemented as a continuation and further development of a previous Erasmus+ youth exchange organised in 2023 on the same topic. Due to the strong impact of that exchange and the detailed feedback received from participants and partner organisations, it became evident that there was a clear need to further address sexual education, deepen the learning process and improve the methodological approach, while involving new participants and partner organisations. During the research phase, we realised that sexuality is still widely perceived as an uncomfortable topic, which often results in silence, misinformation and the perpetuation of stereotypes. Research has proven that there is a strong link between poor or insufficient sexuality education and higher rates of teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and the reinforcement of harmful gender stereotypes. Despite its relevance, sexual education remains inconsistently addressed across Europe, both in quality and frequency. This particularly affects young people in their 20s and 30s, as well as those from vulnerable backgrounds, including minorities, refugees, Roma communities and young people living in disadvantaged urban and rural areas. The main objective of the project was to provide participants with accurate, inclusive and age-appropriate information on sexuality and sexual and reproductive health, while dispelling myths and taboos related to this topic. A central aim was to create a safe, respectful and non-judgmental environment in which participants could freely express their opinions, engage in open discussions and exchange experiences. Through non-formal education methods and intercultural peer learning, participants gained a deeper and broader perspective that is often difficult to access through formal education systems. The project aimed to strengthen participants’ personal, social and civic competences by fostering critical thinking, communication skills, self-reflection, open-mindedness and respect for oneself and others. Participants were encouraged to develop healthy and positive attitudes, such as self-esteem, responsibility, tolerance and affective responsibility, and to improve their ability to address sexuality-related issues in their personal lives, communities and youth work practice. An important focus of the project was the exploration of how sexuality is shaped and perceived in different cultural, social and religious contexts. Participants compared how these topics are addressed in their societies, examined gender roles and expectations, reflected on the consequences of discrimination based on stereotypes and explored how sexuality is portrayed in media, including the construction of beauty standards. Particular attention was given to the LGBTQ+ spectrum, aiming to broaden understanding of sexual and gender diversity and to address challenges related to discrimination and exclusion. The project also sought to promote solidarity, tolerance and mutual understanding in line with European citizenship priorities. By working in multicultural teams, participants improved their teamwork and cooperation skills in an intercultural context. Networking and cooperation were prioritised, enabling participants and partner organisations to explore future collaborations, create working groups and initiate joint initiatives. This strengthened the international dimension of the participating organisations and promoted cooperation and mobility in the youth field. The specific objectives of the project were: - To develop and promote solidarity and tolerance in accordance with the priorities of European citizenship; - To foster mutual understanding between young people from different countries. - To improve the ways in which participants can deal with issues related to sexuality; - To develop healthy and positive attitudes (self-esteem, tolerance, responsibility); - To acquire a critical awareness of the media and to understand how perspectives are formed; - To broaden the horizon on sexuality; - To encourage young people to address the issue of sex in society and be a healthy role model; - To promote cooperation in the youth field; - Inclusion and empowerment of young people; - To broaden the understanding of the LGTBQ+ spectrum and the challenges they face in society; - To improve teamwork skills in an intercultural context. Overall, Beyond Taboos addressed concrete needs identified among young people, such as the lack of comprehensive sex education, limited knowledge about consent and affective responsibility, insufficient understanding of one’s own and others’ sexuality and a lack of information about responsible, healthy and safe sexual practices. Through discussions, interactive games, workshops, role-plays, creative activities and reflection spaces, the project successfully worked towards its objectives and created a meaningful learning experience for all participants.