Education through comedy

MONTROSE — Colorado ranks as the 22nd highest state for teen pregnancy in the U.S., although rates have gone down 3 percent since 2006, according to the Guttmacher Institute. 

The Western Slope region in particular is among the highest in the state over the past few years, according to Teen-Aid.

In an effort to continue the decline, Montrose High School brought in a comedian to raise student awareness.

Keith Deltano is more than a comedian; he’s an educator. The former military police officer, math and social studies teacher and private counselor spoke to Montrose High freshman and sophomore students to inform them about the dangers of sex and the advantages of abstinence.

Students attended only with parental consent.

A former award-winning teacher, Deltano said he began using comedy to educate young people on sex in the early 1990s. In 1993, when Deltano was still teaching sixth-grade math and social studies, he learned one of his students was pregnant. He said that and the lack of true education on condoms and sex inspired him to do something.

“I don’t mind people teaching kids that condoms reduce the rate of getting pregnant or catching a disease,” Deltano said. “I have a problem with them not telling kids about condoms’ failure rate. They reduce the risk; they don’t eliminate it. There’s a difference.”

He discovered he could use comedy to connect with his audience.

“Comedy is the vehicle I use,” Deltano said. “I talk about everything parents tell their kid. I just use comedy and stats.”

Deltano said that his act wasn’t going to stop every young student from having sex. However, he said he hoped students who have already engaged in sex of any kind would walk away knowing the importance of being tested for an STD.

He also said he hoped students wouldn’t feel pressure to have sex, citing “bogus” theories such as “you are a man once you have sex,” “If I only had sex once or twice I can’t have a disease,” “sex equals love” and “oral sex isn’t sex.” He said kids are constantly reminded of it because it sells and said that no one should feel like a “freak” because they haven’t or don’t want to have sex.

Deltano doesn’t pay attention to what other comedians are doing. He performs anywhere where people are willing to listen — from churches, to civic centers and schools. But you won’t catch him in a comedy club.

“Anyone who is dirty can be funny,” said Deltano of some other comedians. “Look at MLK, or the guys who hit the beaches in Germany. I do this because I have a cause and I believe in it.”

To reach Deltano, or watch clips of his shows, visit his Web site, www.virginityrocks.com.