Over 20 years of writing the Sexual Healing column, the author shares key lessons about sexuality, emphasizing that there is no 'normal,' the importance of understanding one's own desires, and the evolving societal acceptance of diverse sexual identities and practices, including age, disability, and kink. The column highlights persistent issues like low desire and the separation of sex from relationships, while also noting societal changes such as the rise of dating apps and increased openness about BDSM and polyamory.
Angela Towne emphasizes that the clitoris has vital safety and reproductive functions beyond pleasure, highlighting the gender biases and misinformation that have historically marginalized its importance. She advocates for more inclusive, accurate research and education to improve understanding, communication, and appreciation of the clitoris's full role in health and sexuality.
A parent struggles to navigate the complexities of discussing sex and reproductive rights with their daughters amid changing political and legal landscapes, emphasizing honesty, safety, and trust.
The Trump administration warned states to remove any mention of gender identity or transgender people from federally funded sex education programs or risk losing funding, citing a need to eliminate 'gender ideology' content, which critics argue undermines inclusivity and science-based education.
The Trump administration's HHS demanded 46 states and territories remove gender ideology references from federally-funded sex education materials within 60 days, threatening to withhold funding if they do not comply, as part of its stance against ideological content in education.
The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is displaying a 200-year-old condom decorated with erotic art, believed to originate from a French brothel, as part of an exhibition on 19th-century sex work, highlighting historical perspectives on sexual health and art.
Shaun Flores shares his struggle with porn addiction, which began at age 11 and became a daily habit, leading to exhaustion and guilt. His story is part of a BBC iPlayer series highlighting the growing issue of problematic porn use in the UK, where 29% of adults accessed online porn in May 2024. Experts note an increase in younger individuals seeking help for porn-related issues, often due to easy access and lack of quality sex education. While some can maintain a healthy relationship with porn, others, like Shaun, find it necessary to quit to regain control over their lives.
A man discovers that his lack of sex education led to using condoms while trying to conceive, causing fertility issues. After learning the correct approach, he now faces erectile dysfunction when not using condoms, likely due to psychological factors. Advice includes considering erectile dysfunction medications and seeking further sexual education resources to overcome the mental block.
Ruth Westheimer, a pioneering American psychosexual therapist known for her candid discussions on sex, has died at 96. Starting with a small radio show in 1980, she became a media sensation, authoring over 35 books and appearing on various TV shows. A Holocaust survivor and former Israeli sniper, she transformed public attitudes towards sex education and remained active in her field until her passing. She is survived by her two children and four grandchildren.
Ruth Westheimer, known as Dr. Ruth, the German-Jewish psychologist who became a beloved media personality for her candid and humorous sex advice, has died at 96. Rising to fame in the 1980s with her radio show "Sexually Speaking," she became a national icon, offering nonjudgmental and straightforward advice on sexual matters. Her early life was marked by tragedy, surviving the Holocaust through the Kindertransport. Despite her commercial success and some criticism, she remained a trusted voice in sex education, promoting safe sex and normalizing sexual preferences.
Dr. Ruth Westheimer, the renowned sex therapist known for her candid discussions about sex on radio and TV, has died at 96. A Holocaust survivor, she became a cultural icon in the 1980s, helping to open up conversations about sex in America. She continued to be active in media and writing until her final days.
School web filters, intended to comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act, are blocking a wide range of websites, including those related to LGBTQ+ resources, sex education, and even NASA. The overzealous filtering is hindering students' access to legitimate academic resources and support for health and safety. Despite concerns about constitutional law and federal guidance, the issue of excessive web censorship in schools persists, prompting advocacy efforts to promote open access to information.
Tennessee has passed the "Meet Baby Olivia Act," requiring students to watch a pro-life video on fetal development in sex education classes, sparking criticism for potential medical misinformation. Democrats attempted to add amendments for parental consent and addressing controversial nature of the video, but all failed. Critics argue that curriculum decisions should be left to school districts and parents, not the state, and that the video is designed by a political website. The bill, brought by staunch conservatives, passed the Senate and House on party lines and now awaits Gov. Bill Lee's signature.
A writer reflects on the lack of queer-inclusive sex education and lists 15 things they wish they were taught, including the importance of cleaning, exploring interests, destigmatizing STIs and HIV, practicing safe sex, understanding sexual preferences, and being vocal about desires during sex.
"Doin' It" stars Lilly Singh as Maya, a 30something virgin who becomes a high school sex ed teacher, aiming to dismantle fear and ignorance around adolescent sex ed. The film's frank and crass humor presents a refreshing take on sex positivity, but struggles to find a comfortable rhythm and veers into unrealistic scenarios. While Maya's personal journey of self-liberation shines, the film's portrayal of her work as a teacher feels underdeveloped, failing to address the real challenges and stakes of sex education in America. Despite its good intentions, "Doin' It" falls short in addressing the weightier topics of the sex-positivity movement.
