Sex n. 1: either of the two major forms of individuals that occur in many species and that are distinguished respectively as female or male especially on the basis of their reproductive organs and structures 2: the sum of the structural, functional, and behavioral characteristics of organisms that are involved in reproduction marked by the union of gametes and that distinguish males and females 3 a: sexually motivated phenomena or behavior b: sexual intercourse 4: genitalia
Calumny n. 1 : a misrepresentation intended to harm another’s reputation 2 : the act of uttering false charges or misrepresentations maliciously calculated to harm another’s reputation

It’s not that people aren’t talking about sex. It’s just that sex is so often discussed in unproductive ways: euphemisms, commandments, myths, norms. The fact is that sex is a learned behavior. We aren’t born knowing how to have sex, and the manual isn’t uploaded into our brains at puberty. Sexual behavior must be taught and communicated–or perhaps more commonly assumed or inferred. The incomplete knowledge grasped by the latter risks imposing limitations or norms on sexual behavior that are unneccessary at best and unhealthful at worst.

Sex Calumny is a blog that encourages the discussion of sex from multiple points of perspective. Our writers will respond to requests for sex-related advice as a discussion panel, offering readers and range of experiences and opinions rather than a single viewpoint. The mission is to promote an understanding of desire and the expressions of desire as flexible, widely varied, and forgiveable–as long as nobody gets hurt!

Our panelists and guest writers:

Peach is studying for a doctoral degree in literature. She like reading (too much into things) and writing (on the wall). She is currently enjoying a long-term open relationship.

Portia is a 25 year old college graduate living in the Montrose area of Houston Texas. She is a writer, actor, and director. Portia is currently in a long distance relationship and loves dogs, chocolate, and her vibrator.

Gwen is a 28 year old college composition teacher who lives and works in Western Pennsylvania. She will soon be returning to graduate school to study for her doctoral degree in English composition. After two years of dating and three years of living together, Gwen and her Hubby married. They will soon celebrate their two-year anniversary.

Luna-c is a skinny white chick who identifies as queer, speaks a bunch of european languages, and loveloveloves talking about sex.

grumpy approaches thirty years with apprehension and needs to be periodically reassured that even if he is getting Old, at least he has marketable (computer) skills and a loving, somewhat-open relationship. And all of his teeth.

Jano is a 22 year old Latin teacher who lives with her fiance’ and delights in the poetry of Catullus and Martial.

Kittycat is a female feline in her mid-twenties. She has been married for 6 years to her high school sweetheart. Kittycat likes rock music, cooking, church, sex, and milk. Meow.

Nicole Marie is a 20-something nomad with a habit for long-distance relationships. She’s tackled issues, both first and secondhand, including but not limited to, dealing with open-marriages, threesomes, proposals (both their acceptances and their refusals) and a slew of infidelities.

Vienne is a 26 year old writer born and raised in Massachusetts and currently residing in Texas - a combination that leaves her disoriented and and prone to erratic cultural spasms. She enjoys being cynical, watching modern media fumble about when protraying sex on screen and imagining the mid coitus facial expressions of everyone she meets. Currently, she lives in Katy Texas, gateway to the sexual-repressed West.

Edward Cullen is a happily coupled gay man (though not yet engaged) currently pursuing his Juris Doctor at a law school in Houston TX. He has a strong performance background and enjoys studying the ideas behind gender performance: both theatrically speaking, and what goes on from day to day.

The other writers are too busy to post bios right now. : )