LGBTQI+ populations face unique challenges during pandemic

Global conversations about the impact of the pandemic on gender equality have left out sexual and gender minorities. COVID-19 is a threat multiplier. By Yvonne Su, Yuriko Cowper-Smith, Tyler Valiquette As global leaders begin to recognize the inequalities that are being exposed as a result of COVID-19, it is important to consider who is included …

How to Find a Sex-Positive Therapist

Some therapists advertising kink- and polyamory-friendly treatment might not be all they seem. Here’s what to look for if you’re seeking mental healthcare that doesn’t see “sexual deviance” as deviance. by Penda N’Diaye Layla, a 30ish queer sub who enjoys domination by her partners—her name has been changed for her privacy—has been in therapy for …

How Using Safe Words Helped Me Reclaim My Sexuality After Trauma

Determining safe words with your partner can create a healthy, loving space. By By Ashley Oken There are sexual experiences that can strip you of believing you have bodily autonomy, feeling safe in your own body, especially during sexual encounters. These leave you feeling powerless over your own sexuality. It could be through sexual violence, …

The ‘Keep It Real Online’ campaign wants parents to talk to kids about porn — but where to start?

By Tracy Clelland The hugely successful “Keep It Real Online” video aimed at getting parents to talk to their children about pornography has gone viral and been praised around the world. But my 16-year-old son asked an interesting question when he looked at the campaign website: Why does it say talk “to” your child? Shouldn’t …

Cybersex, erotic tech and virtual intimacy are on the rise during COVID-19

By Simon Dubé , Dave Anctil & Maria Santaguida The coronavirus pandemic is affecting sexuality and relationships. The confinement and social distancing measures protecting us are unintentionally exacerbating intimacy-related difficulties and limiting people’s access to partners. For some, COVID-19 is synonymous with loneliness and relationship stress. Many people end up choosing between intimacy and security. …

How and when to have sex for the first time after giving birth

By Julia Naftulin Doctors suggest waiting four to six weeks after giving birth to have sex again, but new parents shouldn’t feel pressured if they aren’t ready. When they are, it helps to ease back into the experience with self-pleasure and oral sex. Going on dates or spending quality time with your partner before sex …

Sex in quarantine?

Expert advises BDSM during coronavirus pandemic Grab your 6-foot paddle and throw on your gas mask By Ana Valens As some U.S. states ramp up their (premature) reopening process, quarantine horniness is reaching a climax. But sex-havers have a question for the sexperts: How can you fuck as safely as possible during the coronavirus pandemic? …

How prison and police discrimination affect Black sexual minority men’s health

by Rutgers University Incarceration and police discrimination may contribute to HIV, depression and anxiety among Black gay, bisexual and other sexual minority men, according to a Rutgers led study. The study, funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and published in the journal Social Science & Medicine, examined associations between incarceration, police and law …