Let’s Talk About It: A Sex-Positive Spotlight

If you were one of the lucky few who had sex education in secondary school or had “the talk” with your parents, you probably learned the basics—STI transmissions, the male and female anatomy, how to put on a condom, etc. But what you probably didn’t learn is everything else that’s so often stigmatized, like the many, many mental benefits of having sex or how self-pleasure improves self-esteem and confidence. Yes, we’re going there.

In this spotlight, we’re offering readers a safe space to explore all their sexual concerns, desires, and thoughts without judgment. Through personal stories and reported pieces, we aim to help you improve your relationship with sex, feel more confident with being sexual (no matter your preferences), and make these topics feel a little less taboo.

We listen and we don’t judge. It’s time to address the questions you’ve all been wondering but were too scared to ask. Like, how do you tell your partner when you’re not feeling satisfied? Or, how do you make intimate conversations feel more natural and less awkward? Or, maybe you’re wondering if there’s something else you could be doing to spice things up in the bedroom? We’ll dive into the thoughts that actually keep you up at night by way of the articles below.

OK, breathe. That wasn’t so hard, was it? You might have gotten your questions answered and can finally start experimenting with your partner, or better yet, reflect on *the morning after.* Whether you had a good night or one that left much to be desired, these articles might help you feel a bit more confident about knowing what you like in bed and expressing that comfortably with your partner(s).

While it might seem bold at first, research shows that people who openly talk about sex, desires, and sexual boundaries with their partners have better communication, higher sexual self-esteem, more agency over their bodies and pleasure, and more satisfying and frequent sexual experiences.

According to sex therapist and relationship expert Ivy Kwong, LMFT, sex positivity isn’t about being sexually active; it’s about being sexually authentic, whatever that looks like for you. “It is important to grant yourself permission and encouragement to explore and discover what you like and don’t like with courage, curiosity, and compassion.”