What do you think of when you hear the term safe sex? Most people picture a condom. Some assume that the only way to really be safe is to abstain from sex completely. And while using condom or abstaining from sex are good ways to avoid sexually transmitted infections, there are a few more things gay teens need to know about safe sex.

01
What is the Difference Between Safe Sex & Safer Sex?

Safer sex refers to things we do to lower the chances of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STD or STI) during sex. Most health professionals don’t use the term “safe sex” because, aside from not having sex, nothing will provide 100% protection from infections.

02
Should You Use a Condom for Oral Sex?

Oral sex is considered a lower risk activity for STDs than are anal and vaginal sex. Even so, it is still possible …

From the “Rosa Parks of the LGBT movement” to a Cameroonian lawyer, you should know these heroes.
It’s LGBTQ Pride Month — a time to celebrate love, but also to champion equality and LGBTQ rights.

Throughout June, cities around the world have been hosting marches in honor of LGBTQ pride. In many countries today, people are free to join these marches, marry whomever they choose, and openly show their love. But that’s still not the case for LGBTQ communities in every country, and even in countries where it is safe to march, there is still a long way to go before true equality is achieved.

Without these incredible activists, the LGBTQ rights movement would not be where it is today.

In honor of Pride Month, Global Citizen is celebrating the brave activists fighting for LGBTQ rights in places where it can be dangerous to do so, and the inspiring champions …

There is at the present time no binding international law that protects lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) individuals based on their sexual orientation or gender identity, nor are there any key organs or agencies of the United Nations that are specifically committed to their protection. While the success of marriage equality campaigns in North America, Europe and elsewhere might be seen as an indication that further advances in LGBTQ rights and protections are inevitable, that a tipping point has been reached on LGBTQ equality, and that we are witnessing the rapid expansion of these rights throughout the world, empirical evidence of state-sponsored homophobia does not support these claims. There is a large divide between the rights and protections enjoyed by Western LGBTQ individuals and those who live in the Global South. Being LGBTQ is punishable under law in more than 75 countries; another eight allow the death …

Insight into the daily challenges facing lesbian, gay, bixexual and transgender college students.

Learning to be yourself and dealing with other people’s perception of you can be hard for anyone. This process can be especially stressful or tough for students who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT). In fact, they can face unique issues when it comes to mental health. The discrimination LGBT students may face or the pressure they feel from their family or community, can put them at greater risk for emotional health struggles like depression, anxiety, substance abuse and even suicide.

If you or someone you know is struggling with issues related to sexuality or pressures of not being accepted by family, friends or community, it’s important to speak up. By developing strong coping skills, creating a positive social network, and seeking help if needed, LGBT students can protect their emotional health during college and beyond.…