What is ‘sex’? What is ‘gender’?

— How these terms changed and why states now want to define them By Grace Abels This year, 17 state legislatures sought to narrowly define “sex” or “gender” in state law as based solely on biological characteristics. In Utah, one became law. Although they’re sometimes used synonymously, “sex” and “gender” have different meanings to medical …

How to Close the ‘Orgasm Gap’ for Heterosexual Couples

— Researchers once faced death threats for asking women what gives them pleasure. Now they’re helping individuals and couples figure it out themselves. By Meghan McDonough [CLIP: Woman speaks on OMGYES: “This is, like, you know, my vagina, going up and down and kind of brushing up against it, kind of like a paintbrush.”] [CLIP: …

Is It Safe to Have Sex If You Have Heart Disease?

by Maggie O’Neill Key Takeaways Most people with heart disease can safely engage in sexual activity. But sex can exacerbate some specific heart conditions, and anyone with heart disease should be mindful of warning signs like shortness of breath or chest pain during sex. It’s important to speak with a healthcare provider about the benefits …

When my partner was in the hospital, I missed his ex.

— Polyamory has only made my family stronger. By Alex Alberto Alex Alberto (they/them) is a queer and polyamorous storyteller who lives in Upstate New York. The following is an adapted excerpt from their memoir “Entwined: Essays on Polyamory and Creating Home,” which is available for preorder (out February 19). “Entwined” tells the story of …

She Wrote a Best Seller on Women’s Sex Lives.

— Then Her Own Fell Apart. The sex educator Emily Nagoski’s new book on maintaining intimacy in long-term relationships began at home. By Catherine Pearson A decade ago, as the sex educator Emily Nagoski was researching and writing her first book, “Come as You Are” — a soon-to-be best seller exploring the science of women’s …

10 must-read books that reimagine sex and power in 2024

— Dive into diverse perspectives on sex, relationships, and reproductive rights with these 10 thought-provoking reads for a sex-positive year. By Annabel Rocha If one of your new year’s resolutions is to read more books, Reckon has you covered. Whether you’re looking for a way to introduce healthy sex discussions to your children, or learn …