It sounds like this is healing an inner child for you, perhaps one that didn't get to talk openly about these topics until adulthood, and a part of you wishes you could've been able to discuss and explore that more openly. I will say, it's a touchy subject and there's a thin line that I can tell you...

Hi phenolphtalein, I hope it's okay that I jump in. I wanna start by saying it's okay that right now you need a lot of reassurance, it's valid and makes sense, and I'm glad he is gentle and gives that to you. Being able to openly communicate about our traumas is extremely important in a relationship...

Hi! So generally "mild soap" means fragrance-free, no harsh chemicals. Dish soap is often pretty harsh and not recommended, same with scented hand soaps, but if you have a soap with natural ingredients that can work! It honestly depends where you're using it, because for vaginal insertion ...

Sam asked: "Okay, another question that I love asking folks: if you were a method of birth control, which would you be and why?"

Re: "Absolutely, thank you for asking! As far as Scarlteen goes, I'm currently writing an article about over the counter birth control, which I'm very excited about. Lately, I've been working full time, so I haven't had much time for personal writing projects. However when I find the time, I l...

Sam asked: "Hi Orion!
I remember when you first introduced yourself to us, you talked about how much you love to write! Are there any things you're writing right now (they don't have to be Scarleteen related, to be clear) that you're open to talking about?"

ProudAd2389 asked: "Hey Orion! I also think it's pretty cool that you're a volunteer with this org being 15! What made you interested in sharing resources on sex, sexuality, and sexual health? I'd also love to hear more about your passion for accessible education (especially if related to sex ...

Thank you so much for sharing all this, you're so strong and brave <3 and your words will help many people.
I know you've talked about how your experiences have changed how you view sex, do you want to share any advice around trauma informed sex that could help someone in a similar situation?

Thanks for sharing - you're so right that things are easier today than they used to be, but that also doesn't mean it's EASY. You're a great asset to the Scarleteam, btw! <3 I know you've shared publicly you're a survivor of the foster care system, and are very trauma informed as a result. How was y...

Hi all, HAPPY PRIDE!! I'm Sofi, a volunteer here at Scarleteen, and I'll be moderating a conversation with fellow volunteer Orion! Orion (she/they) lives in the United States, is genderfluid and identifies as bisexual. They are passionate about accessible education and giving back to the community. ...

On a bit of a different (but connected!) topic; as an autistic person, I appreciate your willingness to talk about that aspect of your identity and how it intersects with your other facets. Do you find that your autism affects your relationships (platonic, romantic, sexual) and how you can/do conne...

Hey Sofi, happy to see another chronically ill queer person here! I noticed that you mentioned spoons; how do you find spoon theory interacts with your sex life? Do you have specific tips for readers who have less energy but still desire sexual relationships/masturbation? Hi! Great question. I defi...

YES, I'm huge on transparency around this topic, because I don't feel it's shameful especially considering money struggles always stem from a systemic issue outside the person's control - see: wage gaps based on gender, ethnicity, disability, etc. There are many factors that affect this and none are...

These are great, thanks. Sofi, what can we pass on to readers managing chronic illness that we know from our work and our personal lives about how to best care for themselves while also wanting to engage in a sexual life? Ooh, great question. Of course specifics vary because every chronic illness a...

Hi! So happy to be here <3 For me, daily routines and schedules are necessary mentally, but my spoons (/the amount of energy I have) varies widely per day and is unpredictable. So an accommodation I've had to incorporate is a flexible work from home situation where I can work when I can, and rest wh...

Hi, our chat on Wednesdays is from 1-3PM PST, so it's not open right now. Here's our chat hours. Do any of those work for you?

Have you brought this up to your therapist by chance, and if so, what did they say? Wanting to be with an older person because they have more experience isn't uncommon, and I don't want you to feel like it's a weird thing or a shameful desire. However it's different when it's two adults, which is ho...

Ooh, good question! One I had for the longest was around noises/how I should sound during sex. I had to really shake that one off and be comfortable sounding however came natural because, no, we don't naturally sound like actors do in porn!

Hi there, welcome to the boards <3 I'm hearing your frustration and it sounds like you've really tried a lot of different things over a long period of time here. Reading your post, it doesn't sound like you're super enthusiastic about sex, which makes sense considering it doesn't feel good for you -...

Hi there, welcome to the boards! I hear you're having a lot of anxiety around pregnancy and I want to start by addressing the question (is it possible you're currently pregnant), then addressing the anxiety itself. From what you've described you and your boyfriend have done, it is not possible for y...

It sounds like you're very self aware and also aware of your partner's feelings, which is great because you can have a plan of action based on that. I will say, it's not worth it to carry guilt from past mistakes, it makes it harder to actually move forward and "do better". So if you are, ...

Hi there, welcome to the boards! This would not be considered direct contact, and by the time she went and washed up, any sperm in the semen would probably not have survived enough to be risk of pregnancy, because if was outside the body. What you are describing is extremely low risk, I would not wo...

I think that's a great option! Hope it goes well

Hi El000, your English is great by the way! Ah, I hear your concern. While it is advised to pull foreskin all the way back before putting on a condom, it's not necessary and the inability to won't make the condom fail. Condoms usually slip because they're too big or when the erection is lost, and br...

Hi Ginger! I hear your concerns and they're valid. Truthfully, there isn't a right or wrong amount of times that it's okay or healthy to masturbate. Once a day is fine, twice a day is fine, twice a week or month or year is fine (you get the gist) If it's not distracting you from doing important thin...