Sexual Identity
The Art of Getting Bi
Being bisexual entails a very specific struggle that isn’t talked about enough: being believed.
Sexuality: WTF Is It, Anyway?
The term "sexuality" can be used a lot like the word "sex." They're both terms we say and hear a lot, but which often aren't clearly defined. We take for granted everyone knows what sexuality means, a heck of an assumption to make with something that covers so many important things and can feel as murky as Lake Erie. So: what's it all about?
Driver's Ed for the Sexual Superhighway: Navigating Consent
As it is on the road, being attentive to and giving clear signs and signals is a big deal between the sheets. If consenting feels complicated or confusing, here's a guide to clear it up.
What's Sex?
It's obviously important if you're here for information that you know what we mean when we talk about sex, so we thought we'd make it clear.
With Pleasure: A View of Whole Sexual Anatomy for Every Body
Usually sexual anatomy is taught through the lens of reproduction, so it’s only about penises and vaginas, testes and uteri. Seen through the lens of of pleasure, sexual anatomy looks different.
Gender Confusion: Being Unsure Doesn't Have to Be a Bummer
Gender identity can be complicated, and often people who are questioning aren't comfortable in that space - but it's a totally valid place to be.
Undoing Sexual Shame
Feeling ashamed about sex or sexuality? Here are some steps to help you get started on turning that around so you can learn to love, not revile, your sexual self.
Jealousy: Making Friends With a Green-Eyed Monster
How to tame those scary, growly feelings and use them for good.
Unlearning Unlovability
I hid my fears and insecurities by desexualizing myself. Now I'm on the path of uncovering ways to unlearn ugliness as an identity.
Don't Want to Have Sex?
Then don't! Here's a feast of support and help for those who want to say no, not now, or not-like-this to sex or sexual relationships.
Casual...Cool? Making Choices About Casual Sex
What is it? Why would -- or wouldn't -- you want it? What makes it more likely to be a blast or a bummer?
Intimacy: The Whys, Hows, How-Nots, and So-Nots
Healthy intimacy is about intentionally sharing private or vulnerable parts of our hearts, minds, bodies or lives with each other. Why would we do that, how can we do that, and what is and isn't healthy with intimacy?
First, But Not Last: On Finding, Navigating, and Losing First Loves
In the throes of first love? Did your first love just break up with you, or are you terrified they will? This is your article. Whatever your circumstances with your first love, let's process some of this stuff together.
The Sex Goddess Blues: Building Sexual Confidence, Busting Perfectionism
Many women and girls feel insecure about sex, especially when it's new. How can we build some sexual confidence?
Wild and Untamed Things: Why a Cult Classic Still Resonates After All These Years
Scarleteen volunteer Sam reflects on the significance of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and how it relates to sexuality, identity, and her middle school experience.
Five Things I Learned Dating a Girl
Dating this wonderful person pushed me to think about some things in new and challenging ways. Here are some of my favorite lessons that I learned when I dated a woman.
Figuring Out How to be a Lesbian Safer Sexpert
When I started having sex with girls, there was no one cheering, especially not encouraging me to have safer sex. But over the last few years, I’ve finally begun to feel confident with safer sex, and it’s improved my sex life a million percent. I wish I’d gotten comfortable with it sooner.
The Rainbow Connection: Orientation for Everyone
Everyone has a sexual orientation and a sexual identity. Here are some basics and not-so-basics about what orientation is, some of the ways we can talk about it, how to figure yours out, and finding support.
Sp[ace] Exploration: What Sexual People Can Learn from Asexual Communities
Asexuality saved my sex life. No, seriously -- I mean that. I will declare it from the middle of a courtroom, with one hand on Our Bodies, Ourselves. Asexuality, as much as sex-positive feminism and far more than any amount of "hon, you just need to get laid already," helped me to access a confident, positive, and excited relationship with my sexual self.
Sorting Maybe from Can't-Be: Reality Checking Partnered Sex Wants & Ideals
Is what you want from sex with a partner realistic, or is it impossible, unlikely or out-to-lunch? Take a trip with us to go visit our pal reality.
Hi, my name is Polyqueergenderqueer
Be yourself, even if that means that there isn’t a label for you. Explain to anyone who matters who you are. You’re not your labels.
Yes, No, Maybe So: A Sexual Inventory Stocklist
What do or might you want to do, not want to do or aren't sure about when it comes to sex with a partner? Take stock with this awesomely in-depth list.
Q is for Questioning
What's it mean to be questioning, why would you or someone else identify that way, how do you deal in the process and how might you answer the question?
On Identifying Identities
Teenagerhood should be a time of dreams and expansion. We should be allowed to open our inner selves up and absorb as much light and life as we possibly can. We should be, but other people are often too often invested in what they think we should be to let us be what we are.
To Slide or to Slice? Finding a Positive Sexual Metaphor
In American society we often grow up with baseball as THE metaphor to describe sex. Let’s deconstruct the baseball model, uncover its many flaws, and take a look at an alternative which is a whole lot better, even if it might make you a little hungry.