Sex and sexual pleasure are natural and enjoyable parts of life, and it's important for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities to have accurate and inclusive information about it. In this blog post, we will cover some basics of human sexuality and offer tips and resources for LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual and anyone outside of the hetero-normative sexual landscape) people to have healthy and fulfilling sexual experiences.
So, what is sex?
Sex is a broad term that can refer to a variety of sexual activities, such as vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse, as well as other forms of physical intimacy, such as kissing, touching, and caressing. It can also involve the use of sex toys or other forms of stimulation.
Sex can be an enjoyable and intimate way to connect with a partner, and it can also serve as a means of physical pleasure and release. It's important to remember that everyone's definition of sex and what they consider to be sexually fulfilling is different, and it's important to communicate with your partner(s) about your boundaries and desires. Sex does not have to mean P+V (penis and vagina), sex can be accomplished by anyone of any gender -- as long as consent is involved.
What is the difference between sexual orientation and gender identity?
Sexual orientation refers to an individual's emotional, romantic, and sexual attraction to other people. Some common sexual orientations include heterosexual (attracted to people of the opposite gender), homosexual (attracted to people of the same gender), bisexual (attracted to people of multiple genders), pansexual (attracted to people of all genders) or asexual (not feeling sexual attraction to anyone). It's important to remember that sexual orientation is not a choice and that it is not necessarily tied to an individual's gender identity -- sexuality can also be fluid and change over time and via different experiences.
Gender identity refers to an individual's sense of self as nonbinary, female or male. Gender identity is different from sex, which is assigned at birth based on physical characteristics such as chromosomes, hormones, and genitalia. Some people's gender identity aligns with their sex assigned at birth, while others may identify as a different gender. It's important to remember that gender identity is also not a choice and that everyone has the right to self-identify and express their gender in the way that feels most authentic to them. This is a trans owned brand for a reason!
Most importantly, consent
Consent is an essential part of healthy and respectful sexual relationships. It is the voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity, and it must be ongoing and clear throughout any sexual encounter. Without consent, any sexual activity is considered sexual assault or rape.
Consent can be verbal or nonverbal, but it's always important to make sure that your partner is comfortable and enthusiastic about engaging in sexual activity. It's important to remember that just because someone consents to one type of activity does not mean they consent to all types of activity, and it's always important to check in with your partner and make sure they are comfortable.
It's also important to remember that someone who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol may not be able to give consent. It's never okay to engage in sexual activity with someone who is unable to give consent due to incapacitation.
Safe sex
Safe sex refers to practices that reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies. Some safe sex practices include using condoms, dental dams, and other barriers during oral, vaginal, and anal sex, as well as getting tested regularly for STIs and discussing STI status with partners.
It's important to remember that no form of contraception is 100% effective, and it's always a good idea to discuss birth control options with a healthcare provider and choose the option that is most appropriate for you and your partner(s).
LGBTQIA+ Resources
There are many organizations and resources available for LGBTQIA+ people to get accurate and inclusive information about sex and sexuality. Some options include:
please feel free to drop more resources in the comments!
It's important for LGBTQ people to have access to accurate and inclusive information about sex and sexuality, as well as resources for support and guidance. Here are a few additional tips for LGBTQ people to have healthy and fulfilling sexual experiences:
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Communicate with your partner(s):It's important to communicate openly and honestly with your partner(s) about your boundaries, desires, and any concerns you may have. This can help ensure that both parties feel comfortable and respected during sexual activity.
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Practice self-exploration:Getting to know your own body and what feels good to you can be a helpful way to better understand your own desires and boundaries. It can also be a fun and enjoyable way to explore your own pleasure.
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Respect your partner's boundaries: It's important to remember that everyone's boundaries and limits are different, and it's essential to respect your partner's boundaries at all times. If you're unsure about what your partner is comfortable with, it's always a good idea to ask for consent and clarification.
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Take care of your physical and emotional health:Engaging in safe sex practices, such as using condoms and getting tested regularly for STIs, can help protect your physical health. It's also important to take care of your emotional well-being by seeking out supportive relationships and seeking help if you're struggling with mental health issues.
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Seek out supportive resources: If you're looking for additional support or guidance, there are many organizations and resources available for LGBTQIA+ people. Some options include LGBTQIA+-inclusive healthcare providers, support groups, and online communities.
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