Chosen family can be a necessary and powerful source of support within LGBTQIA+ communities. While many LGBTQIA+ people have supportive biological families, research suggests that almost half (46%) of adults in the community are estranged or do not have support from their families of origin. This is a staggering statistic that highlights the importance of building a strong support system beyond one’s family of origin. What is a chosen family and why does it develop? Chosen fa

I know when I hear the word consent, one of the first things I think of is permission: one person granting another permission. And permission is absolutely an important aspect of any physical interaction. However, when we’re talking about sex and physical intimacy, what if we opened the conversation up to be more holistic and nuanced? What if we looked at more than whether or not permission was given? How might this open our communication, relationships, and sex lives? Keep r

Imagine carrying a backpack everywhere you go. At first, it isn’t very heavy. A few worries here, a few responsibilities there. Then someone you love starts going through a difficult time, so you make room for their stress too. A friend is struggling in a relationship, and somehow that ends up in the backpack. Your family is navigating challenges of their own, and before long, you’re carrying pieces of that as well. Little by little, the weight adds up. Over time, the backpac

We have all heard of the honeymoon stage of a relationship, when you experience intense emotions at the beginning of a romantic relationship. The honeymoon stage is often characterized by heightened attraction, physical affection, excitement, and a sense of obsession. Everything feels new and exciting. Maybe you are having more date nights and intimate moments together. The relationship may feel like the main priority for both of you. As the relationship progresses and years