5 Things Getting In The Way Of Black Women’s Sex Lives

By Ashley Townes, Ph.D., MPH Like many other aspects of our society, sexuality education in the United States often reflects majority populations—i.e., white experiences. While there’s been some research dedicated to understanding the sexual lives of Black women, much of it focuses on identifying what types of sexual behaviors they’re engaging in, messages of risk …

Exploring the common misconceptions regarding trans and non-binary identities

Eight reasons why anti-trans rants are unscientific. By Hannah Seo Last month, a series of anti-trans tweets by author J.K. Rowling incited a maelstrom of anger, pain, and indignation. Specifically, Rowling opposed the phrase “people who menstruate” in an article, commenting on the social media platform, “I’m sure there used to be a word for …

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 …

Keeping Kids Curious About Their Bodies Without Shame

It’s natural and entirely harmless for young children to explore. But it’s also important for parents to set boundaries. By Jenny Marder A mother received an awkward email from her son’s kindergarten teacher last fall. Her 6-year-old and his friends had been caught unzipping their pants and flashing each other during lunch. The behavior was …

Everything you need to know about sex parties

Everything you need to know about getting involved in the adult party scene. By Annie Hayes Sex parties are events where people are allowed to participate in sexual activity with others, often in view of the other attendees. Sometimes called ‘play’ parties, they’re a way for people to explore their sexuality and meet like-minded people …

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 …

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 …

Negotiating Safe Socializing Has a Lot in Common With Negotiating Safe Sex

By April Dembosky Ina Park has been in a monogamous marriage for more than 15 years, but she feels like she’s been having one safe sex conversation after another these days. Like, after she and some close friends spent time together without masks on, forcing her to later ask: “Are you seeing other people?” Then, …

Vibrators had a long history as medical quackery before feminists rebranded them as sex toys

By Kim Adams In the contemporary moment of sex-positive feminism, praises for the orgasmic capacity of the vibrator abound. “They’re all-encompassing, a blanket of electricity, that’ll course through your veins, producing orgasms you didn’t know you were physically capable of having,” wrote Erica Moen in her web comic “Oh Joy Sex Toy.” Vibrators today go …

More than half of men over 60 may have problems in the bedroom

By Steven Petrow Ask a roomful of men in their 60s whether they have any kind of sexual dysfunction — such as problems with erections, sex drive and overall satisfaction — and about 60 percent should raise their hand, studies suggest. They probably won’t, since the topic is fraught with stigma, shame and fear of …