come out, come out, wherever you are!

Lesbian
Gay
Bisexual
Transgender
Queer
Questioning
Intersex
Asexual
Ally

That's a lot of categories. But there are more than that. There's always going to be more diversity within the human race than our labels can keep up with. I know people who identify as "Hetero-flexible", meaning that they wouldn't deny it if they loved someone of the same gender, though they are innately attracted to members of the opposite sex. No set of labels is going to be all-encompassing. There really is a 'spectrum' of sexuality. What we need to realize is that labels can't define us. I can't let the label "bisexual" determine who I am. I can't let the label "straight" or "gay" determine who I am either. We all have to discover who we are, and we all have to own who we are. Don't ever be ashamed to be who you are, who you really are. And if you don't know that quite yet, don't be ashamed to be questioning, either. Love yourself, be yourself, and don't let anyone tell you that you're wrong. No one knows you like you do. Own your sexuality. Be proud and be loud!! This world has the potential to be the most beautiful thing, but we all have to be open and affirming for that beauty to be realized. "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself". Regardless of your religious persuasions, this is a great motto to live by. Love everyone. Love this beautiful life. Love yourself. Discover yourself. Come out. Come out. Wherever, whoever, whatever you are.

Elizabeth Wilhelm

TAB member

2006-present

Society vs. You

As teens a phrase that is often broadcast to us is "peer pressure". I'm not here to tell you what you already know, which is not to let your friends decisions completely sway your decisions. But rather present a different issue. Society pressure.

Growing up I was lucky enough to have very open minded parents and a nurse for a mom. On my twelfth birthday my mom told me if I ever needed condoms or birth control that I could always come to her. Of course being in sixth grade I was disgusted. But now I see how important that is. When we are younger a lot of us (if not all) at some point engage in some sort of sexual experimentation. The "I'll show you mine if you show me yours" moment. The more conservative or afraid parent may walk in on one of these moments and freak out thinking their child is a pervert or that the neighbor boy is molesting their daughter. But these assumptions are not the case. (I am not trying to insult conservative beliefs in any way.) Our curiosity which grows with us is completely natural and not at all disgusting or sinful. When we are little and having fun and exploring our bodies this is not rape. Playing games when you are younger is not wrong. The difference between curiosity and molestation when you are little is mostly age and intent. The point here is not a debate on what constitutes rape of course. But I'm merely bringing up the point that your curiosity and wonder of your body is healthy and normal. Society I feel may often pressure you the other way, presenting sex and masturbation as something dirty and vulgar (or at the other end as something thats "no big deal").

For instance if a kid or teen or young adult is perhaps in the privacy of their own bedroom pleasuring and exploring what makes them feel good and a parent walks into a room and yells "hands above the covers" you may only be left with mortification. So I say to you that there is no need to be embarrassed and no need to feel dirty and gross. This is what leads to giving into peer pressure. Don't let society and culture clash in around you with their opinions of what is right and what is wrong sexually. Develop you own and win the battle of Society vs. You and don't be ashamed of who you are or how you feel.

-Molly Fitzpatrick, TAB member

No glove, no love!

Sex is natural. People have sex. Animals have sex. It's the way of the world. The thing to remember is that if you have sex, there are some scary things out there. This is not to say that you shouldn't have sex, but a good motto to remember is "no glove, no love". Use a condom, every time. Even if you or your partner is on the pill, etc. you still need to use a barrier method of contraception (i.e. condom, female condom) to prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Don't want herpes? me neither. Is a baby not in the plan? respect yourself, protect yourself. glove up, use a condom every time.

Let's Talk About Sex!!

This blog is for all you teens and young adults out there who have questions, concerns, or just want to talk about sex, sexuality, sexual health, healthy relationships, and all other things of the sort. Let's start off with some statistics about teenagers and sex...

Teens who pledge abstinence are statistically no less sexually active than other teens (more info at : http:www.webmd.com/parenting/news/20081229/virginity-pledge-doesnt-stop-teen-sex)

In 2007, 48% of high school students had had sexual intercourse and 15% had had four or more sexual partners.

In 2007, 39% of sexually active high school students reported not using a condom during the last time that they had sexual intercourse.

In 2006, young people aged 13-24 represented 14% of the people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS

In 2002, 12% of all pregnancies occured in young women aged 15-19

In 2007, 235 of sexually active high school students reporting having used alcohol or drugs immediately prior to engaging in sexual intercourse the last time that they had sex.

These statistics, while frightening, don't have to reflect your life. If you choose to have sex, which is entirely your choice (be sure that it is your choice, don't let anyone pressure you into something that you aren't ready for), be smart, be safe. Use a condom, every time. And if you really want to be sure, just remember that the only 100% effective method of birth control is abstinence.

(the information in this post was obtained from WebMD and the CDC)