This is a space where non-Black allies (including non-Black people of color) can discuss amongst each other ways that we can support and show up for the Black community during this time. Feel free to share article, book, or movie recommendations, resources on anti-racism, or stories about recognizin...

Hi thewrit3r, I feel the same way (as much as I can, anyway, while being a non-Black person of color). If I feel outraged and heartbroken and exhausted, I can only imagine what it must feel like to have your own humanity debated across the news and social media. That your life matters should not be ...

Hi there ShadowSong, I'm so sorry to hear that your therapist wasn't all that helpful. Really, it's pretty irresponsible for her to turn it back on you and say that she can't help you. How have you been getting along in the past few days? Have you been able to journal at all, and if so, has it been ...

Hi there owlbab, and welcome to Scarleteen! I can't say for sure what's going on, because I'm not a doctor, but in all likelihood what you're experiencing is normal. Did your boyfriend wash his hands beforehand, or use a glove? If not, that could be an explanation - introducing something else into t...

It's not dumb - it's a pretty common fear or insecurity among people with vaginas and vulvas. There's a long history of advertising and popular media shaming or making jokes about bodies and fluids and their natural look/taste/smell, especially around vulvas and vaginas. In fact, there's a whole lin...

Hi sky, There really isn't anything that has a guarantee to make sexual fluids or genitals smell or taste a certain way. There are some things that might have an effect on smell/taste, like regular bathing, wearing breathable clothing/underwear, limiting things like red meat/dairy/whatever, but they...

Hi there Everglow, I think you're doing all the right things in terms of drinking liquids and hot beverages - sometimes cough drops or sore throat lozenges can help too. I think time and rest will be the most helpful. I hope it feels better soon. :/ I'm glad that you were able to recognize that it w...

Hi Mapleoak, Everyone has a different response to sexual arousal, climax, and/or orgasm. It's actually pretty common for people to experience muscle spasms or shaking in their pelvic muscles, abdominal muscles, or even legs and arms, because the body is experiencing a whole lot of sensory stimulatio...

We will not answer ANY questions about pregnancy fear or anxiety in our direct services from users who are not pregnant or who are not or have not otherwise been directly involved with an actual pregnancy. Please do not post this kind of question. If you are seeing this text, and your thread is loc...

Hi sky, I apologize if you've already shared this before, but I wanted to ask - have you taken different types of birth control pills? I ask because there are quite a few varieties out there, and if you've only tried one or two types, it's possible that there might be other ones out there that work ...

Hi Letmebe, There are a few options if you're still looking to get that care, either in or outside of Texas. Fund Abortion Texas is a pretty great resource, that helps fund or arrange transportation to/from clinics, as well as provide folks to accompany you for support. Their website has some good i...

I love this question too! Mine would include many rainbow things like hankerchiefs and pins and stickers (and Skittles, because why not), as well as zines and books about queer activism and movements. And new resources/LBGTQ+ orgs every month. Also, that photo book that you mentioned sounds amazing,...

Hi 0PT1M1ST1C, I'm so glad to hear that you've been able to connect with others, even if it's more virtual than you'd like. I can understand why it might be hard to reach out or be vulnerable when you've been hurt before - your heart and mind are just trying to protect themselves. Does the idea of t...

Hi there BrianneTollinson, I get what you mean! It's totally normal to have fantasies and sex dreams about the opposite sex, even if you're only attracted to people of the same sex in real life. Our fantasies and dreams aren't necessarily a good representation of our sexual orientation because they'...

Hmm, based on what you're saying, it sounds like self-confidence may be playing a big factor him being able to stay present and attentive during sex. Our brains are the most important organ that we use when it comes to sex and pleasure, because they regulate the chemicals and processes that allow ou...

Hi ConfusedGirl, I'm glad that you're feeling better after sharing what's going on for you. In terms of your plan, how do you think that your boyfriend would respond if you were to tell him to go away? Is there a possibility of him becoming violent, or sticking around and not letting you leave your ...

Hi IAmScared, I'm not sure what your second question refers to, but I believe what Jacob meant when they said that it "builds a map" is that it makes a list of all the times that a given word or phrase (like "masturbation") shows up on posts, pages, and websites, and connects the...

Hi there Tiecobb16, and welcome to Scarleteen! I'm sorry to hear that you've been experiencing this! I can see why not getting what you want over and over might make you feel a little bit frustrated or unfulfilled. I do want to congratulate you on taking the steps that you have! Talking with him abo...

This is an awesome idea, hotdogfriendo! One of my partner's favorite pieces of fiction is Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller, which is a reimagining (and a better one, in my opinion) of the story of the ancient Greek soldiers Achilles and Patroclus. If you're going the graphic novels route, Queer: ...

Hi there haikyufan123, and welcome to Scarleteen! A period is the result of a monthly cycle in which the body normally prepares to ovulate, ovulates, and then sheds the uterine lining if pregnancy does not occur. Periods often happen on a regular cycle (26-32 days, depending on the person), but they...

Hi Raffles, It sounds like those few friends might be opportunities for a blossoming relationship! I think that a "hey how are things going" text could work two different levels right now, like a) A general how are you, and b) A how are you doing in the age of COVID-19. Whenever I find mys...

Hi there lolgal, I'm sorry to hear about your dad. That sounds incredibly stressful, and if I were you, I would definitely have trouble living with the fact that the person that did that was my biological father. You mentioned that you agree with your friend - that you don't think that anyone has re...

Hi there Jellyfish,

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Hi there Raffles, I don't think that it's a bad instinct at all to ask folks how they feel about keeping in touch! Asking others about their wants/needs and communicating your own is the best way to see if you're on the same page about something. It's so great that you're in a place where you'd rath...

Hi there angie, I'm sorry to hear that your period hasn't come yet! That can definitely be stressful. However, if you took a pregnancy test correctly after the day that you expected to get your period, and it came out negative, you can be sure that you're not pregnant. I think Heather already shared...