My daughter has a subscription to Teen Vogue, and when I came across an article they published on July 7 titled “Understanding Anal Sex: What You Should Know,” my initial reaction was not panic, but rather, relief. This could be a valuable opportunity to engage in a necessary conversation about sexual health.
While many parents expressed outrage over the article, I refuse to join the ranks of those who would boycott the magazine or even go as far as to publicly destroy their copies, as some have done. It’s time to recognize that teens are inevitably discussing sex in all its forms. If you think shielding them from these conversations will keep them safe, you might as well try to hide them from the world itself.
Teen Vogue has consistently empowered young people to take ownership of their bodies and their choices. If anal sex is a topic of curiosity for them, they deserve accurate information presented in a trusted manner. Unfortunately, not all sources are reliable, and many may provide a skewed understanding of sexual health. That’s why having educational content in accessible publications is crucial.
The opening line of the article is spot on: “When it comes to your body, it’s important that you have the facts. Being in the dark is not doing your sexual health or self-understanding any favors.” This is absolutely true, and I applaud Teen Vogue for taking this stance.
It’s naive to assume that our kids will only engage in conventional sexual practices. As the article highlights, there’s a lack of comprehensive educational resources on topics like anal sex, especially for teenagers and LGBTQ youth who need this knowledge for their well-being.
We must confront these subjects instead of shying away from them. Yes, they can be uncomfortable, but open dialogue is essential for healthy understanding. I’d prefer to navigate these discussions with my children rather than let them learn about such matters from peers or less informed sources.
Moreover, it’s important to acknowledge that young people have likely encountered conversations about sex at school or through their friends—whether they share that with us or not. In our household, sex education is an ongoing topic, and I refuse to ignore its importance.
Thus, I will continue my daughter’s Teen Vogue subscription. We’ll read the articles together and discuss them, because as her mother, I want her to have a well-rounded understanding of sexual health that isn’t limited to the narrow perspectives some might promote.
It’s unrealistic to think that our children will wait until adulthood to explore their sexuality; curiosity begins much earlier. Instead of living in denial, let’s prepare them for these discussions and ensure they feel safe bringing their questions to us.
Phillip Picardi, Teen Vogue’s Digital Editorial Director, eloquently reminded us on social media: “Education doesn’t equal encouragement.” It’s all about equipping our kids with knowledge, ultimately leading to greater confidence in their bodies and choices.
So, I’m off to renew that subscription. If you’re interested in related topics, consider checking out this insightful post on at-home insemination kits or exploring in-depth resources on IVF. The more informed we are, the better we can support our children.
In summary, I firmly believe in the importance of open dialogues about sexual health and will continue to encourage my daughter to engage with informative resources like Teen Vogue.