Keeping it Together: The type of sex stigmatized due to homophobia

Talking about sex is sometimes uncomfortable, unsettling and, for some, un-sexy. Talking about anal sex, though, is a whole other level. Many wouldn't dare bring it up in the first place.

Hi, my name is David Oliver, one of Paste BN's wellness reporters. I spoke with Dr. Evan Goldstein, founder and CEO of Bespoke Surgical, a health practice specializing in gay men’s sexual health and wellness. He's trying to change the conversation around anal sex from something strange to something educational and empowering. His book, "Butt Seriously," out this week, aims to do just that.

"Why can't we just meet people where they are sexually?'" he ponders. "No judgment, no stigma, create safe spaces and support so that people get to wherever they want to be."

Yet anal sex is particularly taboo. Experts say that's because many think of it as morally wrong due to lingering effects of homophobia. The only way to combat concerns about the sexual practice is to learn about it.

Check out the rest of the piece here, and explore other reads from the team below. Happy reading!