Think about it. Most systems—whether healthcare, public transportation or employment—are designed for people who are neurotypical (which means their brain functions in ways that are considered “standard”). This is also true of education, including…
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Identifying as LGBTQIA+* often means not seeing yourself and your identity reflected in the media you watch, read and love. If you’re the “A” part—asexual (“ace”), aromantic (“aro”) or both (“aroace”)—this can feel especially…
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Hey! When’s the last time you thought about condoms? Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis have unfortunately been on the rise in teens and young adults. And one of the best ways to prevent STIs? Condoms. Did…
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Gender stereotypes are everywhere. Sometimes, they show up in obvious ways, like when parents-to-be have gender reveal parties and then use that to determine how they’ll decorate the nursery and what baby clothes they’ll buy. Sometimes, they show…
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Sex, Etc. wouldn’t be Sex, Etc. without the teen writers who create clear, accessible content geared toward other teens. Many of these teen staff members continue pursuing advocacy in their professional lives. I recently got the opportunity to speak…
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One of life’s most significant relationships is often overlooked: your relationship with yourself. “Somebody’s relationship with themselves is incredibly nuanced,” says Lucy (she/her), 14, of Portland, OR. “I’ve always found it hard to…
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You may have learned facts about HIV/AIDS in your health class. In my sex ed experience, we discussed it, but only symptoms and statistics. Not once did we talk about the realities of living with HIV or AIDS, or the […]
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In my experience, hearing about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also commonly referred to as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), meant either warnings about health problems associated with them or graphic pictures. School and media, like…
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Content Warning: In this story, traumatic experiences will be shared that may elicit strong emotions. As you read, be aware and conscious of your feelings, and take a break at any time. My former partner and I met when I […]
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Since the overturn of Roe v. Wade, access to reproductive health care in the U.S. has changed drastically. But 27-year-old medical student and former Sex, Etc. writer Sarah McNeilly is working toward not only reversing these changes but fixing inequities…
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Distraught. Disturbed. Distressed. These are words used by teens to describe how they feel about the overturning of Roe v. Wade. It can still feel hard to believe that the U.S. Supreme Court made this decision. In June 2022, the […]
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From my very first day of high school, I was introduced to a wide range of authors, books and ideas. While studying literature, my English class also became a place for personal growth and self-reflection. I found new ways to […]
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Most sex scenes in movies and TV shows begin with two people quickly removing each other’s clothing. But do you know about the human sexual response cycle? And that it starts way before any clothes come off? The sexual response […]
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I just wrapped up my first year of college and transitioning was challenging at first. My classes were difficult, I missed the comfort of home and I felt pressure that I needed to know what I wanted to do with […]
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A big part of being a teenager is kicking back with some snacks and binge-watching movies and TV for hours on end. Sources of entertainment can be extremely influential in shaping our attitudes and actions. Unfortunately, movies and TV don’t […]
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After Roe v. Wade was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court, anti-choice politicians rushed to implement laws restricting abortion access for millions of people. Many states have set tight limits or banned access to safe and legal abortions altogether.…
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