Orchard Counseling and Education

Social distancing is important for our collective health. So is touching and being touched.

It's common for men to over-do the tough-guy act so they won't appear "weak". When you hear the term "Toxic masculinity", that's part of what it means. We use the word "toxic", in part, because it leads to behavior that endangers us...like refusing to wear masks while touring medical facilities during a global pandemic.

Take it easy on yourself. This isolation business is legitimately difficult, and legitimately scary. It drained enough emotional energy to read the news before, , and the pandemic is yet another 24/7 layer of that--for every single one of us. Be kind to yourself--even if you're not the "be kind to yourself" type.

Why is everyone making such a big deal about "gender identity?!" Sex really just comes down to X and Y chromosomes, doesn't it? Um...............................no.

Science is real, vaccines work, and responsible sex education saves lives.

Virginity is a myth. (H/t Barbara Gurr)

Consensual and ethical non-monogamy is exploding. It's definitely not for everyone, but it's time to recognize polyamory as a normal variation of intimate relationships in our culture.

Doctor Timaree is a brilliant author, educator, presenter, and producer. This commentary is right on the money, and frankly, pretty important for those of us who want medicine and social policy to reflect reality.

It's astonishing that medical science is only learning about sexual (and especially female) anatomy and physiology in the 21st century. Think about what it means for how we have historically thought about (and discounted) female pleasure...miles to go before we sleep.