Body positivity encourages others to treat and accept their bodies with kindness, to question unrealistic body standards and how society views the body. Body positivity doesn’t just focus on physical size and shape, but also judgements based on race, sexuality, disability and gender. In addition, body positivity also refers to your mental self, not just physical self.
It aims for people to understand more about how social media can affect your body - to everyday things such as food, exercise, clothing, health, identity and self-care. Once people understand how others and social media affect their bodies, it hopes for people to have a better and healthier relationship with their bodies. Depending on who you ask, body positivity can mean many things. For example, it can mean loving yourself, appreciating your flaws, feeling confident in your own skin and accepting your body's shape and size. Consequences of not being body positive can result in depression, eating disorders and low self-esteem.

Some symptoms of depression include: feelings of sadness and emptiness, losing interest in almost everything, sleep disturbance (including insomnia), and outbursts of irritation and anger over small things. If you feel you have depression, stay in touch with your loved ones and talk to them when you feel low and start exercising more - there’s evidence that exercising can lift your mood.

Some symptoms of eating disorders include: feeling loss of  control over how much or how little you eat, limiting food groups, eating abnormally large or tiny amounts of food and creating rigid rules around food. If you feel you have an eating disorder, we suggest speaking to a person who you trust, perhaps a family member, a friend, or a professional so that you can recover in the best way possible according to your personal struggles. Don't forget that all food is good for you. Start believing you aren’t “weak”. Many people tend to believe they are weak and can’t control their willpower - it’s all in your mind, if you believe you can do something, you might actually be able to do it.

Some symptoms of low self-esteem include: sensitivity to criticism, social withdrawal, thinking that you deserve less and focusing on your flaws than achievements. If you feel you have a low self-esteem, you should start recognizing what you’re good at and try new things if you haven’t found that yet. Be kind to yourself and think what would you say to someone else if they were in your shoes. We tend to give better advice to others than ourselves.

Sites to visit if you think you have the conditions above:

For Depression:

Click here!

For Eating Disorders:

Click here!

For Mental Health Issues:

Click here!

In conclusion, my group and I believe that our school and students should know about this topic. Many people are facing this problem with not maintaining a healthy relationship with their bodies, and this leads to severe issues. We want to make this issue from common to uncommon!

Anusha Agarwal

10 February 2023

With the modern acceptance of the LGBTQIAP+ community in the Western world, there are, sadly, still not enough people who know what it actually means to be a part of the asexual community (informally referred to as being Ace)–sometimes even asexuals.

If we look at it from the view of the cliché, a fancy dictionary would give you something along the lines of: a person who experiences little to no sexual attraction to others. Totally like flowers, right?

I think one of the most important things the world has to understand about this definition is that no sexual attraction is not always: celibacy/ abstinence/ trauma from past sexual assault/ aversion or disgust to sex/low libido. It just means what it says–LITTLE TO NO SEXUAL ATTRACTION. In fact, there are plenty of people who regularly engage in sexual activities despite being asexual. Sex isn’t always about how you view the other person–it’s also about your own pleasure, whether you feel comfortable giving that to your partner, and for some, even about the emotional intimacy. Asexual people can have 0 sexual partners, or 85, and they can still be asexual. Asexuals can be virgins and still be asexual. Asexuals could have been sexually assaulted and still be asexual. Asexuals can find sex disgusting, or the most fascinating thing on Earth and still be asexual. Asexuals can have low libido or high libido and still be asexual.

Another common misconception about asexual people is their aversion to romance. Asexuals can, in fact, engage in healthy emotional relationships, thanks to something called romantic attraction (when you like someone in a romantic way). Romantic attraction isn’t just confined to asexuals; most people also feel a certain level of romantic attraction. I say most people because of another subdivision of romantic identity called being aromantic (when you feel little to no romantic attachment or attraction to people). Just like with sexual identities, there are a number of other romantic identities: aromantic, biromantic, panromantic, heteroromantic, homoromantic etc.. Asexual people can be any of these. 

The next time you encounter an asexual person and talk about sexuality, I hope you go into the conversation with a little more information on what it means to be asexual, and what it doesn’t mean. Most importantly, don’t compare them to a flower (it gets old after a while).

Dixie Tyagi

15 October 2022

Heyyy! 

Last week we had a heavy article about STDs and STIs. This week I will try to make it a bit lighter. As you all know I’m Kylie and I’m in DP1, I’m very passionate about teaching people about sex and relationships and learning about it too, and let’s face it, a lot of us teenagers are having sex or starting to date, which is totally normal. This is a place where there is no judgment or feelings of shame.

Hey y'all Happy back to school !!!!

Hope all of you are healthy and enjoying your day. Today’s topic is quite fitting when it comes to Covid 19 and quarantining, it’s sexting and phone sex. Sexting and phone sex has been on the rise since people have been in lockdown in their countries and are feeling horny. It's a great way to explore new waters and try new things. For those who dont know what sexting and phone sex is, here is a little break down; 

Sexting is a little play on the words sex and texting, SEXTING. It is when you text certain phrases that are a little steamy. Almost creating sex by describing the actions and feelings over text. This can be very arousing for people. Sexting can be done with whomever you’d like, WITH CONSENT. It can be with your partner, someone you are flirting with, or your friend as long as both/ all parties are consenting, it can be very fun. 

Photo credit

The other thing is phone sex which is very similar to sexting, maybe a bit more “old fashioned” where you say all these sexy phases but over the phone using your voice. This can give another feeling of intimacy which can be a lot of fun, hearing your partner or consenting individual's voice. Usually one tends to lower their voice and talk more slowly and sensually to enhance the sexy action of phone sex. Remember phone sex has to also be with both/ all parties consenting. Phone sex and sexting is an awesome way to spice up a relationship or involvement.

Sexting and phone sex can be done on any occasion (maybe not a funeral) but it's been more popular when people haven't been able to meet each other due to corona. And also remember that you need to be honest and talk openly with your partner, if you are not into sexting and phone sex, say so. Don't feel as though you have to do anything just because your partner wants to. 

Here we are! This was all about phone sex and sexting, a bit shorter than usual but I want to keep it light.  If you are feeling like you have more questions you can always go to the youth center and even chat with them online on UMO.se. You can also go to the counselor and if you want to be anonymous, you can send a question or thoughts to the question box and I will answer it in the next article.

Juicy Talk Question Box 

Thank you all so much for reading and I can not wait for your questions in the question box! Have a great rest of your month, see you next time!!!!

Kylie Kristoffersson

2 September 2021

4.  What are some challenges you’ve faced being a part of the LGBTQ+ community? 

“I have faced some homophobia, some of it online, a past relationship ended because of it and I have faced some exclusion from certain students here at ISH. However, I don't let it get to me when I have so many people who support me.”

5.  Currently, what are you most proud of? 

“I am most proud of me being able to fully accept what I am. I felt like I was in the wrong from a very young age due to how I feel. However, I have been able to accept myself and who I am.”

Many thanks to Rhiannon for sharing her story, please be respectful and I hope you enjoyed this addition to the LGBTQ+ article. See you next time! 

Kylie Kristoffersson

26 May 2021

The plus stands for all the other sexualities that are not talked about as often .

Examples of + sexualities are; 

• Two spirit

• Intersex

• Asexual

• Pansexual

• Agender

• Gender queer

• Bigender

• Gender variant 

• Pangender 

We won't have time to discuss all of them but don't worry they will come up in the future. Since we want to keep it light and simple we will talk about the letters in LGBTQ, what each of them means, what they are, open-mindedness and in general about the movement. Let's get started!

The first letter is L which stands for lesbian. A lesbian is a gay woman, meaning that she is physically and sexually attracted to women. There have been many lesbians throughout history but it wasn't as open as it is now. Just like gay couples (men with men), it was not allowed in the past, but, nowadays there are 29 countries in the world that have legalized same-sex relationships. In some of those countries where it is illegal, people can be put in jail. This takes us into the letter G which stands for gay. Gay is when two men are physically and sexually attracted to each other. The word gay can be used for anyone who is homosexual (being attracted to the same sex), it can also be used as an adjective meaning happy or cheerful. A little fun fact!!

The next letter is B and that stands for bisexual. Bi means two, so it is two-sexual. This means when a person is attracted to both men and women or a person who is attracted to two different genders/sexes. Bisexual and pansexual can be mixed up because they basically mean the same thing. Though pansexuals are attracted to any and all genders and sexes. They are very similar but the way I have understood it; bisexual is liking two, like men and women, etc and pansexual is liking the person not caring about the gender. (of course, if you have something you would like to add to this feel free to message me, I can take criticism hihi). 

The next one is T, which is transgender and transexual. Transgender is the general term for when a person does not identify with their given sex (man or woman basically XX or XY). Essentially, sex is the biological chromosomes of a person and gender is what a person identifies with, some might not identify with any. There are so many different genders. It is really up to what the person feels comfortable with, it is their choice/decision and only their choice/decision. Transsexual is a bit more detalied. It is when someone does not feel connected to their biological sex and feels the desire to have a different gender and want to get permanent surgeries etc. These people often have to go to therapy and a lot of consultations for them to have these gender reassignment surgeries or hormones. 

Lastly, we have Q, this is queer or questioning. Queer is the umbrella term for individuals who are not straight (heterosexual) or cisgender (meaning that they identify with their biological sex). This can be anyone, lesbian, gay, etc. It's a very broad term. Questioning is pretty self-explanatory. It is when someone is not quite sure what their sexual orientation is. They are in the process of exploration. 

Whether you are in the LGBTQ+ or not you can still support it. On the 26th of April, you will be able to apply to be in the Helsingborg pride parade. It will take place between 6- 7th of August. Read more on their Instagram PRIDE PARADE  

Here we are! These were all the sexualities that make up LGBTQ. In another article, I will cover many more that aren't as well known. If you are feeling like you are questioning your sexuality and you want to talk you can go to the youth center and even chat with them online on UMO.se. You can also go to the counselor and if you want to be anonymous you can send a question or thought in the question box and I will answer it in the next article. 

Juicy Talk Question Box  

Thank you all so much for reading and I can not wait for your questions in the question box! Have a good day:)))!

The most common STD in Sweden is chlamydia. Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that can happen to both men and women. It occurs when fluids are passed through. It can be through semen or female fluid. It only happens penetratively if no protection is used such as a condom BUT you can get chlamydia through oral and anal sex too if you’re not being safe this means that you can get chlamydia in your genitals, anus, and throat. Don't you worry though it is very easily cured with antibiotics! Some signs to look for are weird colours and smell to your vaginal discharge, hurting to pee, or if it hurts when you have sex. For men it can also hurt to pee and discharge might come through the tip of the penis and the testicles might hurt too. It is very important to get treated if you notice any symptoms since you wouldn't want to pass it on to anyone else and if it goes untreated it can have some more consequences. 

Another common STD similar to chlamydia is gonorrhea. Gonorrhea can cause infections in the genitals, anus, and throat. It occurs if you have sexual contact with an infected person. The symptoms are similar to chlamydia but if it is not detected early/ if it goes untreated it can spread to the joints and heart valves, but that is in extreme cases. It is just important to treat it with antibiotics. Ways to avoid chlamydia and gonorrhea is by using condoms during vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse, and if you want you can just not have sex but that is up to you. 

Herpes is a very common untreated STD. It usually doesn't show symptoms which is very scary since then you don't know if you have it. Those times herpes does show symptoms they can be blisters, itching in your genitals, ulcers, and scabs. These symptoms can be found around the mouth, by the genitals, and on the anus. Herpes can come from skin-to-skin contact and during intercourse. There are two types of herpes. The first one causes the symptoms around the mouth area, generally above the waist and the second one causes the symptoms in the genital area.

Syphilis is a bit more serious, in my opinion. Quite a few famous people have died from complications due to syphilis; Al Capone the famous gangster, Toulouse Lautrec the french moulin rouge painter, Oscar Wilde the flamboyant author, and many more. If a woman has syphilis and gets pregnant she might have some complications and the baby might be born with syphilis and will show other symptoms when they are about 2 years old. 

There are four stages to syphilis; 

1. The first stage is getting sores within 3-90 days of being infected, untreated syphilis can treat itself and disappear but it's a small chance. 

2. The second stage is a body rash and this happens within 4-10 weeks of being infected. 

3. The third stage is mainly symptom-free, some might have the same symptoms from the second stage 

4. The fourth stage is where the organs inside the body get affected. Some might get heart problems, neuro problems, or tumors. 

It is very important to contact a doctor if you notice any symptoms.  If syphilis is caught early then it's easy to cure with penicillin/ antibiotics. 

Here is one very talked about STI which is HIV. This is a sexually transmitted infection that attacks the immune system and makes the individual more prone to catching viruses and fighting infections. HIV, if not treated, turns into AIDS which is the last stage and is usually fatal since it has destroyed the immune system. If your HIV has turned into AIDS and it is very bad you might only have 1 year left to live. Though if you start treatment it could save your life, you'll live a lot longer than 1 year. The ’80s was when the big outbreak came, The HIV epidemic. It killed a lot of people. The disease is transmitted by semen, blood, fluids from the anus, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. Having anal sex has a lot more risks when it comes to contracting HIV since small tears might occur during intercourse and then semen enters through that and goes into the bloodstream, it can happen vaginally too. You can also get HIV from sharing needles and injections with people. The first symptoms of HIV are like having the flu; fever, sore throat, chills, rash, etc. Then the second stage shows no symptoms and after that is when AIDS comes. The symptoms of AIDS are severe weight loss, extreme fatigue, sores, night sweats, etc. It might sound like a very scary STI but if you are HIV-positive and in the early stage it is easy to start treatment and go on with your life. Remember, it can never be cured but it can be treated for the rest of your life. 

The last STI is HPV which is VERY common. This is an STI that is generally harmless and will disappear but some might cause cancer and/ or genital warts. It is very common since you do not have to have sexual intercourse to catch it, it can be contracted by simply skin-to-skin contact. There is no way to fully protect yourself from HPV unless you want to wear gloves, protective latex condoms, and dental dams. As mentioned before most HPV will go away on its own but some might stay and will cause harm. Generally, you won’t show symptoms until a few years since the virus just stays in the cells and does not multiply. Due to HPV staying in the cells in the future you might see cell changes and this can cause cervical cancer. Most of us women have gotten a vaccination against nine types of the harmful types of HPV, which is very good and it is also very good to get the vaccine before you become sexually active. A key thing for all of the STDs and STI's is communication. It is very important to speak to your doctor about STDs and if you see/feel any symptoms. It is also very important to talk to your sexual partner(s) to make sure you both have been tested and to talk about past sexual activity. Remember I am not a medical professional, I am just very passionate about these things so always speak with a medical professional for any concerns. 

You can always go to the school nurse, the youth center (UMO), your gynecologist/midwife and you can go to your doctor. 

Thank you for reading and don't forget to ask any of you questions in the question box!!

Penises are all different sizes and there is a perfect condom for all. For those who feel like regular condoms are a bit too loose, there are smaller sizes and the same goes for those who feel like regular condoms feel very tight there are larger condoms. Most condoms are made from latex which is a sort of rubber, if you try a latex condom and your vagina, penis or anus feels a bit itchy and burning you might be allergic to the latex. However, condoms can be made in non-latex materials too. There are condoms that are made out of plastic, these do not have the same kind of stretch and they are generally thinner which is a good thing to keep in mind. 

If you want to spice things up a bit there are quite a few condoms that are very fun. Sex is something that should be fun and enjoyed by everyone involved and condoms are a great place to start. Condoms can be different colours, flavors, and even glow in the dark. Some flavors you can get are; strawberry, blueberry, banana, mint, cola, or coconut. The options are endless. The coloured condoms also have a wide variation. Though I would not advise using flavored condoms for penetrative intercourse because they may not be as durable since they are meant for oral intercourse. One kind of condom that is not recommended for oral intercourse is warming or cooling. These create a fun feeling on the genitals which you might really enjoy or not enjoy. They are not recommended for oral since they can cause a numbing effect in the mouth/throat. Other kinds are ribbed, dotted, or both. These condoms come with dots and stripes both on the inside and on the outside, this is to create stimulation for both/all partners. If the partners don't want to use the condom on the penis there are female condoms, they are inserted inside the vagina in order to protect from sperm entering. 

You also might be wondering, “Where can I find condoms?” well in Sweden there are youth centers or “Ungdomsmottagningen” where you can get condoms for free. You can find a lot of different kinds and you may also try on the condoms to see which ones fit you perfectly. The youth center is a great place for teenagers between 13-25 years old to go to get help with sex, relationships, drugs, and many other things. I will also put a question box every week in the article for all of you to ask me questions about sex, relations, dating, or any other questions that you have, there is no judgment and of course, all of the questions will be anonymous and I will try to answer a few questions every week. 

Juicy Talk Question Box  

Thanks for reading!