Gay, lesbian, queer, bisexual, pansexual, straight–there are a lot of different sexual orientations out there (and these are just a few). For people thinking about their sexualities, these labels can be useful, affirming, confusing, unhelpful, or anything in between. Your sexuality is really personal, and only you get to label it–if you even want to […]

“Other countries have social safety nets. The U.S. has women.” Those are the words of sociologist Jessica Calarco. From health care to elder care to the workforce, truer words have never been spoken. Women are the backbone of this and many other countries. Yet it is also women who often suffer the most, having their […]

Often in my life, I’ve felt like I was being left behind. Being autistic, some things just haven’t come as naturally for me as they seem to for other people. Unfortunately, these have included hallmarks of American life often used to symbolize being “an adult” like driving on my own or getting my first paid […]

Penis Dysmorphia is a very real mental disorder. Just as Body Dysmorphia affects the way we see our body, penis dysmorphia changes the reality of how we perceive our penis. Men who have this condition view their penis as abnormally small to the point of shame, humiliation, and isolation. They generally avoid all sexual activity […]

Happy Pride everyone! While some cities will be having in-person Pride events this year, I’ll be sitting them out. I’ve never been one for crowds and I melt in the sun, so I’ll be celebrating in a different way: Queer movie night. Grab some wine (or the beverage of your choice) and some popcorn, and […]

The Massachusetts education department announced that students up to sixth grade would be encouraged—but not required—to wear masks. Maddie Meyer/Getty Images A debate about mask mandates is once again heating up, this time in Massachusetts. A new school year is shortly upon us, and lawmakers across the country are weighing their options to stop the […]

Content note: While this piece discusses weight and weight gain, it is weight-neutral. Neither your health, your attractiveness, nor your value are linked to your weight. This piece will not be telling anyone any of those things, and does not encourage anyone to change their weight in any way. When I went up two dress sizes […]

At first glance, the LGBTQIA+ Pride celebrations that mark each June appear to be about vanity. While the rainbow flags and feather boas fly, the essence of pride lies a little deeper below the surface. Pride is about dignity. People of gender and sexual minorities need to continue amplifying their voices to obtain the same […]

I was recently having a conversation with an OB/GYN about low sexual desire in women. We were discussing treatment options, when he said; “I tell my patients to do it the Nike way, you know, Just do it.” I didn’t know what to say. I stood there in total silence, somewhat horrified and offended. Shocked […]

Everyone deserves equal access to health care that affirms their life decisions—regardless of whether they choose an abortion or to continue their pregnancy. Shutterstock “How does it feel to provide abortions while you are pregnant?” a team member at the abortion clinic where I work asked me one day. “Does it feel … weird?” I […]