Sex positive resources for every body
Books, websites, podcasts and other resources that educate and empower!
Embrace a Sex-Positive Mindset!
We believe sexuality is a normal, healthy, and meaningful part of life! It's not something to be ashamed of or a taboo to be kept in the dark.
When we approach sex positively, we encourage open communication, enthusiastic consent, and a welcoming acceptance of all the diverse ways people experience sexuality. This mindset sets the stage for incredibly positive and fulfilling sexual experiences.
A sex-positive approach also empowers you to make informed decisions about your body and your desires.
We believe in building confidence and understanding, rather than relying on shame, guilt, or fear—tactics that only lead to more stigma and negativity around sex.
Our Favorite Sex-Positive Resources
We've gathered some amazing resources and organizations that champion a sex-positive approach. These are highly regarded and frequently referenced by inclusive sexuality educators, and we're excited to share our favorites with you. We're always learning and discovering new ones, so check back often for updates!
Resources
for Teens
Websites
Amaze - Brief and entertaining animated videos for young adolescents about puberty, reproduction, relationships, sexual health, and other aspects of sexuality.
Sexetc.org - Comprehensive information/articles/education/advocacy on a large range of sexuality-related topics, specifically written for teens.
Scarleteen - A huge database of well-researched, nuanced articles on sexuality, ideal for older teens and young adults (check out their comprehensive book list as well!)
Go Ask Alice! - An anonymous health and well-being question and answer site. Topics include sexual, mental, emotional, and physical health, reproductive health, and more!
Owntheawk.org - Real talk, real connection about sexual relationships (for older teens and adults alike!)
IWannaKnow.org - Designed for teens and young adults, and offers information on many topics related to sexual health
Youth Empowerment Blog - Compass Center - a blog with multiple articles on sexuality and sexual health for teens
Bedsider - Information about birth control, sexual health & wellness, and much more
The Trevor Project - Education, Advocacy, Crisis Services & Hotline
Apps & Social Media
Real Talk - for sharing stories/experiences and learning about various topics such as identity, relationships, and sexual health
Roo from Planned Parenthood -chatbot to answer sexual health questions
SARHAchat.com - chatbot for sexual and reproductive health questions, with a focus on contraception
Tik Tok Sex Ed! Provides a list of clinicians, sex educators and health professionals to follow on Tik Tok
Scarleteen (Instagram) Inclusive sex ed for teens and young adults
Sex, etc. (Instagram) Sexual health education, by teens, for teens
Gorjus_sexed (Instagram) Inclusive, medically accurate, reproductive justice resources for youth
Books & Articles
NEW RELEASE Growing into You!: An Inclusive, Shame-Busting, Get-Real Guide to Your Changing Body and Mind
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The Every Body Book - The LGBTQ+ Inclusive Guide for Kids about Sex, Gender, Bodies and Families
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It's Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, Gender, and Sexual Health
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Wait, what? A Comic Book Guide to Relationships, Bodies, and Growing Up
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You Know, Sex: Bodies, Gender, Puberty and Other Things
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Sex Is A Funny Word (targeted towards younger children, we recommend all books by Cory Silverberg)
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Period - The Quick Guide to Every Uterus
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You-Ology - A Puberty Guide for Every Body
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Sex, Puberty, and All That Stuff: A Guide to Growing Up
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Celebrate Your Body (And Its Changes Too!) The Ultimate Puberty Book for Girls
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S.E.X - All You Need to Know Sexuality Guide Through Your Teens and Twenties
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Body Drama - Real Girls, Real Bodies, Real Issues, Real Answers
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Consent is a life skill that should be practiced long before it has anything to do with sex.
—Melissa Pintor Carnagey, creator of Sex Positive Families
Resources for
Families
Websites
Sex Positive Families - Resources for families to engage in conversations with their youth about a broad range of sexuality-related topics
Gender Spectrum - Affirming and inclusive resources, support, and more for people interested in expanding their understanding of gender
Talking to Kids About Sex and Sexuality - Broad range of resources from Planned Parenthood about how to start, and continue the conversation about sex & sexuality with your loved ones
Talk More Parent Planner - A great tool for parents, which includes conversation starters, topics to cover at different ages, teaching resources, and more. Frequently updated!
3R’s Resources for Parents - Curriculum, parent education, workshops and more, all geared torwards supporting communciation between parents & children
Talking to Your Teen about Sexual Health - Comprehensive list of resources, talking points, etc. for starting and continuing the conversation with your teen(s) about sexual health.
Great Conversations - Classes for preteens, teens and their families about many sexuality-related topics. Primary goal is to support communication between parents and children.
Guerilla Sex Ed - Offers knowledge and ideas on how to advocate for comprehensive sex education in schools, as well as resources (books, websites, etc.) to share with youth that promote comprehensive sexuality education.
At Home Sex-Ed Resources, K-6th grade - Created and available through the Unitarian Universalist Association, this comprehensive list of resources offers recommendations on books and media about a wide range of topics, including gender, ability, racial diversity, body positivity, boundaries, and much more.
At Home Sex-Ed Resources, 7th grade - Adults - Same as above, but targeted towards older teens & adults
Podcasts
This is So Awkward - A podcast for people of all ages interested in learning about the social, emotional, and physical changes that occur between 8-18 and beyond.
Sex Ed with DB - Smart, science-backed, inclusive sex education (primarily targeted towards adults)
Good Inside with Dr. Becky - Dr. Becky Kennedy discusses a wide range of parenting issues, not just topics related to sexuality.
Raising Good Humans - Experts (and parents!) share relational skills and approaches to raising kids of all ages.
Books & Articles
NEW The Second Coming: Sex and the Next Generations’s Fight Over Its Future
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NEW The Fight for Sex Ed: The Century-Long Battle Between Truth and Doctrine
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Sex Positive Talks To Have With Kids
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There' s No Place Like Home...for Sex Education!
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For Goodness Sex
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Talk to Me First
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Breaking the Hush Factor: Ten Rules for Talking with Teenagers About Sex
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Free or Low-Cost Sexuality
Education Curricula
Learn about free, trusted resources—from conversation guides to parent education videos—designed to help families feel more confident talking about sex and sexuality. Many of these resources are aligned with national and state standards and support open, inclusive, and age-appropriate conversations at home.
Advocates For Youth - The 3 R’s - A K-12 Sex Education Curriculum, parent information, free trainings, webinars (free or low cost)
Planned Parenthood - Extensive resources for parents, adults, and youth (free)
Teaching Sexual Health - Lesson plans, tools, and resources for parents and teachers (free)
Do you know about Our Whole Lives? Check out this article to learn more about why this comprehensive sex ed program is highly rated, and also see where OWL classes are taught in the Triangle on the Find a Program page!
Does sex education encourage sex? Many parents are afraid that talking about sex with their teenagers will be permission for their teen to have sex. Nothing could be further from the truth. If anything, the more children learn about sexuality from talking with their parents and teachers and reading accurate books, the less they feel compelled to find out for themselves.
-Dr. Benjamin Spock
Resources
for Adults
Websites
Scarleteen - designed for teens and young adults but provides excellent, well-researched articles on sexuality topics and isn’t afraid to dive into the nuances
OMGYes - a subscription program to help folks with a clitoris explore ways to increase their intimacy and pleasure
Owntheawk.org - Real talk, real connection about sexual relationships (for older teens and adults of all ages!)
Emily Nagoksi - Videos, podcasts, books, and more resources about sexual health
Planned Parenthood Learn - medically accurate information on sexual health
Bedsider - Information about contraception, sexual health & wellness, and much more
Accessible Sexual Health - Advancing sexual health for people with disabilities
SARHAchat.com- Chatbot for sexual and reproductive health questions, with a focus on contraception
Podcasts
Sex and Psychology - The sex ed you never got in school! Dr. Justin Lehmiller shares valuable information about a wide range of sexuality-related topics.
Sluts and Scholars - Nicoletta Heidegger is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Sexologist who chats with folks from across sexuality, kink, and professional spectrums about desire, pleasure, shame, stigma and (of course) bodily functions.
Open Bedroom Doors, with sex therapist Angela Skurtu. Real talk, real relationships!
Sex With Emily - Dr. Emily Morse encourages open conversations about sex, relationships, pleasure, and everything in between.
Sex Ed with DB - Smart, science-backed, inclusive sex education with a professional sex educator
TSOB w/ Dr. G--The Sex Ed of Blackfolk - Intellectual table talk about race and sexuality.
Queer Sex Ed - A Sex Ed podcast developed by and for trans people, queer people, and polyamorous people
Multiamory - if you’re interested in exploring polyamory or the world of non-monogamy
Come As You Are - Author Emily Nagoski answers questions about sex with the latest science
Embodied - Weekly podcast on WUNC about sex, relationships and more
Books &Articles
NEW: The Second Coming: Sex and the Next Generations’ Fight Over Its Future
Check it out CHPL | DCPL | OCPL | WCPL
Buy it Bookshop.org | Amazon
NEW: Come Together, The Science (and Art) of Creating Lasting Sexual Connections, by Emily Nagoski
Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski
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Pussypedia: A Comprehensive Guide by Zoe Mendelson
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Sex Outside the Lines: Authentic Sexuality in a Sexually Dysfunctional Culture, Chris Donaghue, Ph.D
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I Love Orgasms: A Guide to More by Dorian Solot & Marshall Miller
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The Body Is Not An Apology: The Power of Radical Self Love by Sonya Renee Taylor
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