At the gateway to every internet sex site, we see the ubiquitous "underage" link:
"Are you under 18? Go away and click over here!"
Most of the links that porn sites offer for minors are a fop to satisfy legal nitpickers: "See, we sent the tots away to the Barney page."
They aren't in the business of sex education; it's all a cat and mouse game with the D.A.'s office. Joe Francis isn't doing community service at the unwed mother's home.
However, some porn webmasters are altruistic— they may have their minds on making money with "Beaver Hunt," but they'd like to do a good turn if they have the opportunity. They're the types who think, "Hmm... maybe a teenager really is looking for a place where they'll find age-appropriate discussion about their issues."
I notice that many sites "trying to do the right thing" in this fashion have suggested the excellent Scarleteen as a worthy alternative. You know their heart is in the right place; they gave it a second thought.
Well, stand back— there's a brand new Sex Ed referral site that has even MORE to offer.
This page is so good, that the resources it offers go way beyond beyond teenage Q&A.
After all, why should kids get all the good sex information? Adults in this country are starving for it!
Let me present:
The Good Vibrations Underage Page
That title cracks me up. But I'm not kidding you; the links here are The. Best. Free. Sex. Information. You'll. Find. Anywhere. It's better than the contents of most public libraries.
My favorite links include:
The Coalition for Positive Sexuality:
Breathtaking. Their site comes in English AND Spanish editions. If I was sixteen today, I'd apply to be on their editorial staff. Serious, funny, sex-positive feminist-kick ass youth with no apologies!
Teenwire:
Who else is giving Transgender health info like this? And does flirting online count as cheating? There's plenty of 40-year-olds who'd like to know the answer to that one!
Go Ask Alice:
This is where I go when I get seriously stumped. Columbia U. Health Services started this service fourteen years ago, and they are always right on the money no matter how eclectic the request— Is there a graceful way to take off a condom? My girlfriend gags on oral sex! Is going from bisexual to straight a black hole? Inquiring minds want to know!
San Francisco Sex Information (SFSI):
SFSI is a telephone hot-line where anyone can call, whoever you are, whatever sexual topic is on your mind, and ask ANYTHING about sex. For free, and anonymously.
The number is (415) 989-SFSI, seven days a week.
I'm a veteran SFSI phone volunteer myself. Twenty-five years ago, I would have been one of the people who answered you call, and took you seriously.
As you can imagine, volunteers got a lot of heavy breathers and jokers who don't have anything to say... they just want a volunteer to say "breast," so they can ejaculate and hang up. Feh!
The great thing about SFSI is that despite all the bozos, it persists, because every day, someone sincere does call who needs help, information, a non-judgmental ear. I will never forget the people I helped on the phone at SFSI... this is a service that should be part of the federal Human Health and Resources Department.
Go ahead, recommend the GoodVibes youth page to all your friends under 18.
But speaking from my vast maturity, (COUGH) I'd save this page for myself, because it's simply the best sex info, for ANY age, that exists anywhere. Thank you, GoodVibes!
Photo: One of many fantastic downloadable posters at the Coalition for Positive Sexuality.