Queer Sex Education

. . . they definitely don't teach this in health class.

haughtyhoundstooth asked: I've never heard top/bottom having to do with oral sex preferences. I don't think it's used this way, but I could be wrong.

In some circles it is, in some it isn’t.  Oftentimes tops and bottoms are also associated with dominant/submissive, so i just wanted to be inclusive of those top and bottom identities as well.

Anonymous asked: I want to prepare for bottoming. What hair removal is the best besides shaving? I have a very hairy bum. I need help.

Shaving and waxing are your two cheapest and most readily available options.  There’s also laser hair removal, for a more permanent solution.  

I would advise against using chemical products, like Nair, for sensitive areas.  Chemical hair removal products actually burn the hair away, and can cause serious irritation and discomfort, like harsh and prolonged burning sensations.  They can even cause actual burns on more sensitive places like the anus and labia.  Using them on other areas of your skin is OK, but keep them away from the actual genital region.  Or you’ll be very, very sorry.

I once accidentally got Icy Hot (another chemical product for muscle aches) on my butt, and I’m telling you, NOT PLEASANT. 

Anonymous asked: Hi, I'm a gay guy currently looking for a relationship in my local area and I'm pretty new to the scene. And thru the social media like Grindr and Scruff I found out people kinda knew their own preference (top/bottom/versatile). Is that weird I really have no clue which one please me much?

Nope.  It’s also not weird to be a switch (top and bottom), or to not even have a preference.

If you’re new to dating as a gay man, you might not have enough experience to know which side of things you prefer, if you fully enjoy both, or if it doesn’t make a difference either way.  In a way, you’re at a great point for experimenting, because you can be involved with both tops and bottoms.

Just to avoid being presumptuous, you should know that a top is someone who prefers giving anal and receiving oral, a bottom is someone who prefers receiving anal and giving oral.  A switch enjoys both topping and bottoming, but generally enjoys one more than the other.  Not having a preference is similar, but it means that you don’t lean one way or the other.

Good luck my friend, and be safe!

Q #1: "What does your family think?"

(Source: thekailife)

Anonymous asked: Hello! I'm a bisexual cis girl in a relationship with a genderqueer bi lady. We're looking to try anal sex (me receiving) but she's pretty mess-phobic and I want to make this as pleasant for both of us as possible. What's the best way for me to prepare myself and get clean and also to start without it being painful?

When it comes to anal sex, there are a few things you can do to prepare yourself and your partner before engaging.

  1. Take a shower.  Use your hand and warm water to rinse the external area.  
  2. Try to poop.  It sounds kinda silly, but your feces are stored in your rectum, which will be penetrated by whatever you put in there.  Vacating your bowels will remove most of the “threat.”  After doing so, using a baby wipe will keep your anus clean and fresh :)
  3. Use a condom and/or gloves when having penetrative anal sex.  You’ll not only drastically reduce the risks of transmitting STIs, but you’ll also have a removable layer should you find yourself getting dirty when you get down.  Both can be turned inside out as you remove them, so there’s no fuss and no muss.
  4. This one is completely optional, but does give some people a bit more reassurance.  An enema will flush your bowels, leaving them clear of any fecal matter.  They’re available at any pharmacy or drug store, and are relatively inexpensive.  Follow the directions, and be careful.  Also, try not to use enemas too frequently.  Overuse can cause discomfort and increase the risk of infections, as well as other more serious health issues.

As for avoiding pain, there are plenty of ways to decrease pain and displeasure.

  • Use plenty of lube.  Water-based is the most universally compatible with toys and condoms, so I would recommend it.
  • Take your time.  Using too much force too soon can cause much unwanted pain.  Especially if it’s your first time, going slow will allow you to figure out how deep and how fast feels good to you.
  • You may want to consider gauging.  You can start by inserting one finger, then two, and working your way up to toys.  Gauging will help you learn how big is too big.
  • Relax.  The anus is a sphincter; it clenches both voluntarily and involuntarily.  Relaxing will help you avoid both, as well as going slow and gauging.

If at any time you experience pain, have second thoughts, become uncomfortable, or are not enjoying the activity, SAY SOMETHING.  You and your partner should both be enjoying sex, regardless of orifice or activity. Communicating with your partner before, during, and after will help you have an enjoyable experience every time.

Anonymous asked: I have a crush on my bestfriends sister? What should I do? I don't wanna lose an amazing friendship and/or not get the girl of my dreams

Ok, well, let’s not jump the gun here.  Have you expressed your feelings to your best friend’s sister yet?  If you haven’t, you don’t even know if she has feelings for you, so calling her the girl of your dreams is a bit premature.  The girl (or boy, or person of any gender) of your dreams should be someone who reciprocates your feelings.

Second, you don’t know that you would lose your friendship by dating your friend’s sister.  Your friend might be thrilled that you’re interested in their sister, and might even encourage you.  Or, it could be the complete opposite and your friend might be pissed at your for a little while.

What you should do is weigh the pros and cons of pursuing her.  Consider the outcome from all possible outcomes, and decide for yourself what the right decision should be.  If the risks outweigh the benefits, well, you have your answer.

How important is it to use a dental dam for women having sex with women? Can cold sores (oral herpes I suppose) be passed to a partner’s genitals? —Anonymous

Cold sores or oral herpes is caused by the herpes simplex-1 virus (HSV-1), which is different from the virus that causes genital herpes (HSV-2).

The most important thing you should know:

HSV-1 can be transmitted from mouth to genitals, and HSV-2 can be transmitted from genitals to mouth.  They are two different viruses, but they can be transmitted to both parts of the body.  When you have HSV-1 on your genitals, you have “oral herpes” on your genitals.  When you have HSV-2 on your mouth, you have “genital herpes” on your mouth.

Though you are more likely to transmit either during an outbreak—when the virus is active—both can be transmitted whenever contact is made.  If you are having a sexual encounter with someone who carries HSV-1 or HSV-2, it is advised to use a dental dam.  

Also, symptoms for both viruses are often confused for symptoms of something else.  Open sores can increase the risk of transmitting other STIs, including HIV, which is why it’s best to use a dental dam if you or your parter a) are not monogamous, b) have not been tested for STIs in the last six months, or c) are unsure of yours or your partner’s STI status.

And a quick fact:  The CDC estimates that 1 in 5 people have HSV-1, or oral herpes.  Most people are exposed to it during childhood.

[Rebloggable by request]

Also, my original information has since been updated:  The CDC actually estimates that 50-80% of individuals in the United States have HSV-1, with rates potentially as high as 90%.

Anonymous asked: How important is it to use a dental dam for women having sex with women? Can cold sores (oral herpes I suppose) be passed to a partner's genitals?

Cold sores or oral herpes is caused by the herpes simplex-1 virus (HSV-1), which is different from the virus that causes genital herpes (HSV-2).

The most important thing you should know:

HSV-1 can be transmitted from mouth to genitals, and HSV-2 can be transmitted from genitals to mouth.  They are two different viruses, but they can be transmitted to both parts of the body.  When you have HSV-1 on your genitals, you have “oral herpes” on your genitals.  When you have HSV-2 on your mouth, you have “genital herpes” on your mouth.

Though you are more likely to transmit either during an outbreak—when the virus is active—both can be transmitted whenever contact is made.  If you are having a sexual encounter with someone who carries HSV-1 or HSV-2, it is advised to use a dental dam.  

Also, symptoms for both viruses are often confused for symptoms of something else.  Open sores can increase the risk of transmitting other STIs, including HIV, which is why it’s best to use a dental dam if you or your parter a) are not monogamous, b) have not been tested for STIs in the last six months, or c) are unsure of you or your partner’s STI status.

And a quick fact:  The CDC estimates that 1 in 5 people have HSV-1, or oral herpes.  Most people are exposed to it during childhood.

Also, I’ve noticed several typos in my responses and such.  My apologies if they’ve caused any confusion, especially for my international followers.  My computer’s autocorrect is pretty subtle when it comes to replacing misspelled words.  In fact, I just caught one now as I was re-reading this post for a third time.  

I’m on medical leave from work this week (minor injury, on the mend) and working on two or three projects to keep from going stir crazy—QSE being one of them.  

Got questions?