When it comes to topics of sex education and reproductive health, it can be difficult to ask questions. Asking questions about LGBTQIA-specific experiences can be even more difficult since there are usually fewer people you can ask. In this section, you can find resources that speak about sexual health for LGBTQIA people candidly, without shame.

 

It’s important to remember that sex isn’t for everyone! It’s perfectly normal to have no interest in sex. For more information on sexualities related to the lack of sexual attraction, see this page on asexuality provided by the International Society for Sexual Medicine.

 

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What is Sex?

This may seem like a silly question, but what constitutes as “sex” can be poorly-understood. Teen Health Source defines sexual activity as “any activity that is considered sexual by the people who are involved.” Some examples they provide of sexual activity are:

 

• vaginal sex

• anal sex

• hugging

• kissing

• any sexual touching

• oral sex

• exposing your body to another person

• taking sexual pictures of another person

• showing somebody pornographic images

• and more!

 

Regardless of what kind of sex it is, it’s important to go in with your eyes open. Here are some resources on what sex is and how to approach it:

 

http://teenhealthsource.com/sex/introduction-sex/

http://teenhealthsource.com/topics/sex/

https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/sex-and-relationships/sex

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqdF0AL2GBQ

 

 

Consent

The first and most important rules of sex are about consent. With any kind of sexual contact or activity, all participants need to provide enthusiastic consent. Respecting someone’s “no” means leaving someone alone if they don’t want to have sex, even if you’re dating or have had sex before. Issues of consent don’t stop at the “no,” though. In some cases, even if someone says “yes” to sex, they can’t give their consent. If someone is drunk, high, or otherwise intoxicated, they can’t provide consent, even if they say they want to have sex. Wait until they are sober again before making sure they want to have sex. If someone seems reluctant or uncomfortable with the situation, any “yes” they give should be treated as a “no.” Additionally, consent is always conditional, and can be revoked at any time. It’s important to listen and respect your partners.

 

Sex is not even on the table until everyone involved gives an enthusiastic, fully-informed and verbal “yes.” Sex without that enthusiastic “yes” is sexual assault.

 

More information on sexual consent and how to talk about sexual consent with others is available on Planned Parenthood. Dr. Lindsey Doe’s YouTube series Sexplanations also has a great video explaining consent.

 

For resources on what to do if your consent has not been respected, please visit our Relationships page under the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault heading.

 

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Practicing Safer Sex

With any kind of sexual activity, it’s important to protect your body. Being safe during sex will help prevent injury, infection, and unwanted pregnancy.

 

Contraception is a tool to prevent pregnancy, but it can also protect against some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and can regulate hormones during the menstrual cycle.

 

According to Planned Parenthood, internal and external condoms, dental dams, and any other physical barriers during sex will reduce the chances of transmission from fluids or skin-to-skin contact. Getting tested for STIs regularly enables us to get treated if we ever contract an infection and allows us to be honest with our sexual partners so you can take precautions.

 

If you are thinking of using sex toys, Dr. Lindsey Doe has a good video covering a lot of the most common sex toys and how to use them safely. Teen Health Source also has good information on sex toys.

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Finding LGBTQIA-friendly Health Providers

Reproductive health is an extension of general health that applies to the reproductive system. Getting yearly check-ups is important to make sure everything is as it should be with your body. Reproductive health experts are excellent places to get educated answers to any questions you might have.

 

Planned Parenthood is a great resource to find affordable health care and checkups.

 

The Transgender Care Listings and the DC Area Transmasculine Society 

both have databases of trans-friendly health professionals in various fields. These are also great resources to find providers for hormone therapy.

 

The GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality also has a database of LGBTQ-sensitive providers.