The surprising reason why mammals engage in same-sex mating

— A new paper suggests same-sex activity may help mammals’ social relationships By Maggie Penman Same-sex sexual activity pervades the animal kingdom — it’s been observed in at least 1,500 animal species, from crickets to seagulls to penguins — but it’s still not well understood. A new paper suggests one explanation: Same-sex sexual activity may …

Study on evolution of same-sex animal behaviors underscores stigmas in research

By Swati Thapa A new study tracing the evolution of same-sex sexual behavior in mammals, using phylogenetic analyses, suggests these behaviors may have evolved in part to strengthen social bonding and relationships. Same-sex sexual behavior was observed in 261 species, which constitutes 4% of all mammal species; the research adds to a growing list of …

PrEP

— The small blue pill helping end HIV transmission By James W Kelly Access to a preventative drug has led to a fall in the number of gay and bisexual men diagnosed with HIV, a leading sexual health clinic has said. Health Security Agency (HSA) figures for London show the number of first diagnoses had …

The second step is learning

— Distinguishing gender identity and sexual orientation Sexual orientation and gender identity are hot topics that bring much controversy and misinformation with them, especially when it comes to youth. Dr. Cosio, Prince George physician, explains the difference. By Christine Dalgleish Sexual orientation and gender identity are hot topics that bring much controversy and misinformation with …

Taking Antibiotic After Sex Could Slash Your Risk for an STI.

— Here’s What to Know By Ernie Mundell If you’re sexually active, taking the antibiotic doxycycline within 72 hours of sex might help prevent an STI Syphilis cases are surging in the United States, making ‘Doxy on Demand’ a welcome weapon against the disease Taking doxycycline shouldn’t be a substitute for condom use, experts say …

Pup Play

— Kink communities can help people build connections and improve their body image By Phillip Joy  and Kinda Wassef In recent years, the world of kink lifestyles and subcultures has gained increasing attention. Kink is a general term that includes various expressions of unconventional or non-traditional sexual desires. This encompasses a wide array of practices, …

I’m falling in love with my hook-up buddy and have no idea what to do about it

— And have no idea what to do about it By George Tzintis I met a guy on Grindr, and we started hooking up regularly. The intimacy of both our sex and our conversations afterward may be making me fall for him. I also wonder whether I’m just projecting my desire for a relationship onto …

Heterosexuality is often considered the “default” but that banner belongs to sexual fluidity

— There’s a difference between sexual orientation, sexual identity, and sexual behavior. By Kelley Nele “Something that the LGBT community always says is that your sexuality and identity can change at any time, but when it’s the other way around from gay to straight they get angry and say that it can’t.” The former quote …