Is the UMD “white privilege” ad campaign racist?

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) is sponsoring a bold new advertising campaign aimed at achieving racial justice by raising awareness of “white privilege.” But is this campaign a positive measure? Or just as racist as the issues it claims to highlight?

Fat: Mind Over Matter?

A recent study on body image shows overweight people who lose weight find themselves still lingering in the “fat” mindset. Another reports people view those who lose a lot of weight in a more negative light than even overweight people who maintain a stable weight. What, then, is the point of losing weight?

Summer Skin: How do you keep it safe?

I’m not a girly girl by any means and I don’t have a normal regimen that I use on a daily basis all year long to protect my skin. However, in the summer I do pay special attention to my skin and try to prevent it from becoming sun burned and becoming dry. Dry skin is very common in the summer so I am going to offer some suggestions on what I do to keep my skin soft in the summer.

Why So Uptight?

I was recently on a business trip and had an afternoon to kill and went to a museum for a change of pace. As I was walking around all of the great pieces of art, I noticed something. Back in the Renaissance people were not afraid to have everything hanging out and on view to the world.

Summer Pleasure: Is “Fat Acceptance” Just As Dangerous as “Thinspiration”?

“Thinspiration” – images meant to inspire anorexics in their pursuit of skinniness – are no doubt dangerous. But is the pursuit of “acceptance” for being dangerously overweight any better?

How They Touch Me

I remember holding my boyfriend’s hand in high school. There were ways our fingers fit, over and under, woven together, that felt right, and other ways that just felt…weird.

Sex and Pregnancy: Trimester Two

My second trimester started out with a bang. Two, to be exact.

Body Image and Sex: Are they related?

Body confidence is a huge issue when it comes to being sexual. Study after study, in all areas of the globe, continue to show that more than half of women are concerned about their body image. Many men are affected by this as well, with gay men showing even higher rates of body dissatisfaction than women.

Scent-uality, Aural Sex and Beastly Boys

Studies about how the nose weighs in on mating also have the potential to uncover the workings of some of our most primitive mating behaviors. Which can go a long way in explaining how we sometimes we find ourselves in the strange predicament of being aroused by a “Beast”.

Can a white, middle-aged, heterosexual mom of two be “Two-Spirited”?

As her understanding of gender and sexuality have transformed, the author realizes that it’s going to take more than an understanding of biology to answer an age old question: Is it a boy or a girl?

Sexy Me on My Terms

None of that is what makes me feel sexy. Yes, I love sexy lingerie, and relaxing, but that’s not what makes me feel at my sexiest. The number one thing that makes me feel the sexiest is when I am with my friends having a good time.

Size Matters

I’ve been hearing a lot about the fat acceptance movement. Many people are touting it, and it seems that if you suggest that many people in the United States (and elsewhere, especially in the Western world) are overweight and that it’s a bad thing overall, it makes you a discriminatory, judgmental jerk.

Oh, Beautiful You—It Doesn’t Take Much Work

I’m not going to be a jackass and say that being beautiful is easy. Few things worth doing in life are easy. But it doesn't take nearly as much work as you might think. Well, in my opinion, anyway. All guys might not agree with me, but I think more do than you women might think.

Build a sexy self-image with sexy self images!

It can be hard to feel good about yourself when you don’t see much diversity in the body types and appearances of people deemed “sexy” by the mainstream media. So I decided to take matters into my own hands by working with several talented photographers to create my own sexy photos!

I've got confidence in my curves.

This month, our parent company, EdenFantasys, wants to know what is sexy TO YOU or what makes YOU feel sexy. So, we asked our columnists and contributors to help kick-start the discussion here on SexIs. Serenesub knows her curves are sexy and that's sexy in and of itself!

Perfect Imperfections

AndroAngel's acceptance of their “imperfections” is definitely sexy!

3rd Anniversary: You can't do it without one of these!

In honor of our third anniversary, we thought we’d dredge up some of our awesome past. We’ve got so many posts in our archive that meant so much to us – and we hope to you! – and shouldn’t be forgotten. So over the next couple weeks, we’ll be sharing some excerpts with you.

Sexy is a Journey

There's so much more to being sexy than just body image. Here's what Roland concentrated on when he decided to get his sexy back.

Being Ken is as Hard as Being Barbie: Why Body Image is a Male Problem, Too

Some so-called feminists would have us believe that “body image” is an almost exclusively female problem. It isn’t. Men face an equal, and perhaps greater, challenge measuring up to today’s physical standards.

The First Wet Dream

Ever wonder what it’s like to transition? Are there changes we don’t often hear about? Chris Corrigan’s got a few interesting experiences to share.

Study Says Women Would Rather Be Frigid than Fat

What would you give up if someone would pay your bills?

New Recommendations Released for Treating Transgender Patients

Who knew sensitivity wasn’t a trait native to caregivers?

Snooping on Your Partner Can Make You Fat

However, we suspect that behaving in a snoop-worthy fashion isn't good for you, either.

Smoking Might Make Your Nipples Fall Off

Okay, so it's not worse than getting cancer. But it's scary in its own special way.

Uniboob Look is Definitely Not the New Sexy

Want cosmetic surgery? Choose your doctor carefully.

American Apparel Runs Into Plus-Sized Backlash

“The Next BIG Thing” turns into a dissing contest.

Nudity Rules in San Francisco?

“Naked Guys” would have to cover seats, don pants in restaurants.

FDA Wants National Database of Breast Implants

Silicone still considered as safe, but government wants better studies.

'Big Sexy' Lets the World Know that BBW is 'In'

They're big, beautiful, raunchy and a little pissed off. What's not to like?

Pole-Dancing for Kids Bothers U.K. Mom's Group

Instructor claims it's all about fitness. Is it?

Never Have I Ever

When you discover the need to focus on yourself and make changes, sometimes you need to step back from that which you use as a distraction, a diversion from paying attention to your problems. Sometimes you need to give up sex.

Important Advice about Boobs, from the Year 1694

Trust us, people took breasts seriously way back when, as well.

Tuesdays With Nina: Lesbian Bed Death, Part 3

Are you a jeans and t-shirt kinda woman who has been told she'd be more attractive if she tried dress like a girl? You may resist donning a skirt at all costs, but Nina has some thoughts on why it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world to wear the "feminine costume" when the occasion calls for it.

Canada Put Naturists on Trial for Public Nudity

Naturists, in turn, put Canada on trial for public prudery.

FitBit Leaks Sex Stats to Google

Oops. We actually do not think everyone needs to know how many calories we've burned by having sex.

Presenting the Latest in Body Modifications ...

It is probably not too late to be the first “bagelhead” on your block.

‘Real Life Barbie’ Gives Daughter, 7, $10k Boob Job Voucher for Her Birthday

So the kid has something to look forward to when she's 16, apparently ...

‘Botox Mommy’ Retracts Story; ABC News Unconvinced

If a story seems too good (or bad) to be true, it probably is ...

Pageant Mom Gives Daughter Botox, Goes on TV, is Under Investigation

She says it's safe; doctors and the rest of the world disagree.

Skechers Markets Butt-Toning Shoe to Little Girls

We trust moms to run away from this ad campaign.

Duke Study Says Obesity Has Adverse Effect on Sexual Satisfaction

Researchers look at “sexual quality of life.”

Spanish Gym Offers Nude Workout Sessions

We can think of better things to do while naked, but who are we to judge?

Parents Furious Over Marketing Grown-Up Stuff to Young Girls

And we're thinking maybe they shouldn't give cell phones to 8-year-olds?

Tuesdays With Nina: Overcoming Insecurity About Genital Appearance.

Being teased when you're young is never easy. But being teased about the appearance of your body, in particular, your genitals, is a particularly difficult thing to endure, the scars can last a lifetime. Is there a way to move past a lifetime of of insecurity and feeling inadequate? Is it possible to heal?

Devil's Advocate: Birth Certificates and Transgender

Should Transgender People be Able to Change the Sex on Their Birth Certificates?

Recently, SexIs featured a story about three transgender people in New York City suing to have the sex on their birth certificates changed — normally forbidden unless they’ve had reconstructive surgery.

Are Kids' Dolls Becoming Sex Toys?

The "Today" show seems to think so. We're not so sure.

Breast Augmentation Record-Holder in Coma

Model OD's; was despondent over implant removal.

Rev. Bev Wants Christians to Celebrate Sex and Love

Philadelphia minister preaches a gospel of sensuality.

Breast Implants May be Linked to Rare Cancer

Don't panic. VERY rare and still under investigation.

Weight Gain Due to Birth Control Debunked

Scientists say the Pill is not to blame.

Nikol Hasler: "Nipple Hair Is Okay!"

... among other things. Accepting that some things about your body are beyond your control.

Secrets of a Sex Writer: An Ode to Pussy Waxing

Supermodels and Sex: Misconceptions and Reality

Wrapped up the psyche of satisfaction is the psychology of sex. Superior sex is only in small part physical; the rest is in the minds of you and your partner and how you perceive each other.

Happy Nude Year in Vancouver

Icy swim by naturists benefits amputee children.

Survey: Women More Concerned with Food than Sex

Most would rather not eat in front of their partner.

Science Says: Beauty Sleep Really Works

Well-rested people rated more attractive than the sleep-deprived.

Hugh Hefner’s Golden Ticket; Gay Veteran Lobbies for DADT Repeal; Why Yes, I Have a Potato Butt, No Thanks for Asking ...

Ten lucky winners will get to attend posh Playboy party at the mansion.

Gluttony Meets Lust, Part Two: An Interview with Molly Ren

In the first installment of this interview, we met up with Molly Ren, who has a very special relationship with food as it relates to sex. While many foods are known to function as aphrodisiacs, for Ren and others who share this fetish, it is the act of eating and feeding, rather than the food itself, that leads to the ultimate gratification.

Gluttony Meets Lust, Part One: An Interview with Molly Ren

Last week, we launched The Appetites Project with Liz Langley's feature, “I Eat, Therefore, I Am.” In this installment of the SexIs feederism series, The Beautiful Kind talks one-on-one with a practitioner of the fetish, Molly Ren.

I Eat, Therefore, I Am…

Most of us have some kind of issues involving food and many are forever trying to lose weight thinking it will help achieve sexiness, so there’s probably nothing more socially subversive you could do in America in 2010 than to gain weight on purpose.

Good Luck All Around for Nude Terri Hatcher, Nakationers, and Na’vi Sex Fans

It’s Friday the 13th, but so far there are no broken mirrors for sexy small-screen diva Teri Hatcher, who posted pictures of herself on her Facebook page, naked and beautiful—and all natural.

Booty Calls, Bodacious Bods, Don’t Let that Natural Label Fool You

Bend over, and let me take a picture. This is exactly what Old Navy’s Booty Reader is asking customers to do so that the company can fit them with the proper style pair of jeans.

Historic Gay Booty Found, Kardashian Says No to Fan’s Surgery

Sexual outlaw and underground literary figure Samuel Steward passed away in 1993, leaving behind a recently discovered Aladdin’s cave of gay paraphernalia.

Beautiful & Kind: Interview with a Sex Goddess

“The Beautiful Kind” (a.k.a. “TBK”) is both the name and motto of the 30-something bisexual vegetarian sex goddess located in St. Louis, Missouri. A prolific sex writer, TBK writes for a variety of magazines, including SexIs, and also pens a popular Internet advice column “Ask The Slut.”

Loving My Body—Kinda, Sorta, Sometimes

April Fresh, Part 2

Last week, we met Alt Porn star April Flores. Teased in her youth for being overweight, this modern-day XXX Mae West learned to embrace her curves, find happiness and the courage to show her big, beautiful wares to the world at large.

April Fresh, Part One

Voluptuous April Flores is making serious waves in the world of alt-porn with dangerous curves cultivated by confidence, courage and—lo and behold—carbs.

Feminist Feat: Leora Tanenbaum Talks about Bad Shoes

Belly Dancing Your Way to Better Sex

Like certain other physical activities—surfing, yoga, running—belly dance more than just exercise; it becomes a way of life for some people—a way of carrying yourself, enjoying your body and moving proudly and sensually through the world.

Eating Disorders – Thin, Sexy, Perfect and… Frigid?

I studied eating disorders like a Ph.D. candidate, crossing back and forth from memoir to scholarly article, to magazine column and back again to autobiography. I put in hours of effort, memorizing passages and quotes, regurgitating information and ultimately learning everything there was to be learned about Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa.

Tuesdays With Nina: Making Love to Older Women

When explaining to a young friend the merits of taking older women as lovers, Ben Franklin once remarked, "In the dark, all cats are grey."

The Whole Camel Foot

The Saggy Boobs Light Brigade

Behold the human body! Sure, it's a beautiful thing. But perfect? Not hardly!

The Madonna/Whore Paradox: De-sexualizing and Re-sexualizing the American Mom

Making babies is sexy. Having them? Sometimes not so much. For many couples, the transition from carefree lovers to full-time parents comes with unexpected consequences in the bedroom. Maternal instinct can put the kibosh on the libido—of men and women alike. So, can a woman be a model mom and a red-hot momma?

The Lap Dance

As a happily married woman who had spent a considerable amount of time learning how to do a striptease, I figured it was high time to go see the real thing. Yes, Virginia—it’s time to find out what really goes on at the strip club!

Me and Tina Fey: A Ballad of Strippers, Sweat and Glitter

I love strippers. I love their well-fitted bikinis. I love the way the move in high heels. I love the their upper body strength and flexibility. (Oh, the flexibility.) I love the bravery and unfettered sensuality. Showmanship turns me on. Tina Fey would never approve of me.

Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon...

While many women complain about the misfortunes and misadventures that go along with being well endowed, believe me when I tell you that we flat gals have our fair share of daily embarrassments and occasional calamities.

Size Matters…In Your Head

This week, Sexis' own friendly e-neighborhood sex surrogate takes on a BIG problem—penis size...or, rather, the size of men's anxieties over penis size.

Project: Good in Bed—Just Me and My G-String

Last year, on Christmas Eve, I dressed in red lingerie, fishnets and heels, sauntered up to my husband, and said, “I am here to satisfy you in every way.” He rather enjoyed that gift, so I decided to make it a yearly tradition. This year, however, I wanted to take things up a notch. Rather than just dress up, I was going to perform. I would give him a strip tease to be remembered.

The Sexis Interview: Tristan Taormino, Part 3

Adult entertainment succeeds when the audience truly connects to the material. Tristan dishes on what performers need to bring to the table to ensure her fans are truly satisfied.

Fat Lips & Other Smack Talk: The Language of Fat

No matter how you say it, it seems everyone is talking about body size—either their own or someone else's. Fatspeak is a national obsession. So much talk is meant to belittle that it’s easy to give offense where none was intended. Here's a quick lexicon on Fat Language. Consider this a travel phrase book to the land of Fat where the roads are often dangerous, unmapped and slippery when wet.

The Sexis Interview: Sabrina Wolf on Her First Porn Shoot and Trust

It’s one thing to talk about porn from a professional’s point of view—but what about someone’s first time? Meet Sabrina Wolf, who recently made her porn debut, for Kink.com’s Hogtied.

Sex and the Suburbs: Why Celebumoms Make Us Feel Bad—And Why We Allow It

Why has the once-cherished mom-bod become something to be looked upon with disgust and disdain, rather than revered as the happy result of something natural and beautiful?

Sex and the Suburbs: A Day in the Sex Life of a Suburban Mom

It’s time to enjoy a glimpse into the world of your typical suburban mom (played by me), and how sex fits (or more appropriately doesn’t fit) into it. It’s not pretty, it’s not glamorous and it certainly isn’t all that sexy. But here it is, stripped down to the bone. It might just look a little familiar…

Sex and the Suburbs: The Post-Baby Body Image Dilemma

Body-image issues play a considerable role in our sex lives—but how do you confront them?

Trans Substantiation: You Never Know What’s in Our Pants

What are some of the ways by which transgendered persons can best obtain the physical characteristics they're looking for?

Auto-Erotic Autonomy: Women & Self-Image

Societal standards be damned - self-esteem is more involved in great sex than you might think.

Trans 101: Boys Will Be Boys

When we were all given the big talk about the birds and bees, we were told that boys and wee-wees and girls don’t. Well, it turns out that the old spiel isn’t quite true. What if you don’t have a wee-wee, but you’re pretty sure you should?

The Body Impolitic: Men & Self-Image

This just in: women aren't the only ones with body-image issues.