The Daily of the University of Washington

Letter from the editor

Maddie Hall

Sex is enduring. We study it in a variety of contexts, from biology to the social sciences and on to anthropology; even as it appears in literature and other arts. We practice it in countless ways, situations and relationships. We express it physically, audibly, visually — or not at all. Some people actively define themselves by their sexual identities; others are demure.

More important than the distinctions between these phenomena is that each occurs freely and fairly.

We’re lucky to live in a progressive time and place. The definition of sexual normalcy is shifting to accommodate the broad spectrum of desire and activity that corresponds to the infinitude and fluidity of humankind. The sexual arena is the most available and, ideally, pleasurable place to celebrate personal difference while recognizing solidarity. In this Sex Edition, we explore and explain some particulars of this vast diversity.

Let’s talk about sex

Talking to potential partners about having sex can strengthen relationships and make physical intimacy more enjoyable, but it’s not always easy.

The future of sex education

On two different occasions — in his acceptance speech and his inaugural speech — President Barack Obama said he would cut federal funding for programs that don’t work.

Not just about the sex: UW’s Q Center fights common misconceptions

Nestled away on the fourth floor of Schmitz Hall, between the paper-pushing offices and cubicles, is a casual room lined with soft couches and a more-than-modest library.

How should the public address sex scandals involving elected officials?

I’m sure we all remember it like it was yesterday. It was a sunny summer day on Aug. 9, 2008, when the biggest story of our lives hit the wires: John Edwards had admitted to an extramarital affair.

Anal sex: Let’s get to the bottom of this

Since its introduction to much of mainstream culture in the 1972 film Last Tango in Paris, anal sex has usually been portrayed as deviant and abnormal, but its movement toward the norm persists.

The best sex I ever had

Students discuss their favorite encounters.

Sex, drugs and consequences: How substances can affect your sex life

Before you find yourself strung out, dried out and leading a mediocre sex life — or in the middle of a drug-induced tryst — consider this: a variety of legal and illegal substances can have adverse effects on sexual health and performance.

Sex and disability: Sex after spinal cord injury topic of upcoming workshop

A car crash. The word “paralysis.” In one critical instant, life as one person knew it seems to come to an end. However, disability doesn’t necessarily mean a sex life any less exciting than that of any able-bodied person. Thanks to progressive developments in the definition of sexuality, “disabled” does not have to describe anyone’s sex life.

Three trimesters and a bundle of joy

In an era when we garden and hunt for leisure instead of survival, it is easy to overlook the reproductive side of sex. People have sex for fun, for spite, for pleasure, for intimacy, for sport and sometimes for food. Whether it’s the primary motivation for sex or not, sex can and often does lead to pregnancy.

Sex Survey