7 myths about queer sex you should stop believing now

By Canela López While sex in general has been misrepresented in popular media and porn, LGBTQ sex, in particular, tends to be exaggerated.  Less than 6% of teens reported that they received sex education with any mention of LGBTQ-related topics, making it easy to believe some of the most popular myths.  Here are 7 things you …

How Parents Can Talk With Their Teens About Sex and Consent

By Shafia Zaloom Exploring sexuality with others can be scary, confusing, and thrilling, and digital devices make every interaction more consequential. Consent must be given in person, during sexual activity, and whenever a new form of sexual activity is initiated. Many young people communicate and establish relationships through technology. This may provide a false sense …

How to Talk to Your Partner About Getting Tested With Minimal Weirdness

It’s possible! (And smart.) By Kasandra Brabaw You’re pressed against the wall of a new date’s apartment as they kiss your neck and reach to undo your pants. Every atom in your body is ready for more, but then your brain kicks in: Shit. We haven’t talked about STIs yet. Or perhaps it happens when …

How mental health issues are preventing couples from having sex

By Eleanor Segall Unconsummated relationships, where couples don’t have sex due to difficulties, trauma or sexual dysfunction are not often spoken about. Usually, the couple feel embarrassed to discuss their sexual difficulties – but they are not alone. According to an AXA PPP survey, a third of Brits are fearful of getting naked, largely due …

Here’s How Consent and BDSM Role-Play Actually Work

By Alexa Tsoulis-Reay In an article published in The New Yorker, four women detailed the extreme psychological and physical violence they say they experienced at the hands of former New York attorney general Eric Schneiderman. In response, Schneiderman resigned, but he also made a disturbing statement linking these women’s allegations with sexual role play. His …

Finding power through play: How BDSM can fuel confidence

By Emerald Bensadoun [M]arianne LeBreton is suspended in mid-air, tied in an upside-down futumomo, legs bound together. The ropes cascade in intricate patterns, beginning at her ankles and working their way all the way around her wrists. The ropes arch her body backward. Her breathing steadies. Serenity washes through her. The slight discomfort of certain …

Should we teach teens about BDSM in sex ed?

By Leigh Cuen Could talking to students about BDSM culture help combat rape on college campuses? Psychology researcher Kathryn Klement thinks so. Klement is the co-author of a newly published study out of Northern Illinois University, which showed that BDSM practitioners are less likely to believe victim-blaming myths or sexist stereotypes than the general population. That’s why she believes …