4 d. ago Dining across the divide: ‘She felt people had become hypersexualised – I don’t think the solution is to go completely the other way’

A teacher in London and a student in Margate had differing views on feminism and intimacy outside of marriage – could they find some common ground over sex workers?Jo, 38, LondonOccupation Teacher Continue reading...

Politics

6 d. ago I've been in a sexless marriage for 35 years. What can I do? | Leading questions

It’s not just about sex; it’s about feeling as though your wellbeing doesn’t matter, writes advice columnist Eleanor Gordon-Smith. The first step might be changing the goalRead more Leading questionsI have been married for 38 years. Three years after we married my wife told me that sex was out of the question as she had married me for companionship not lust. We have two daughters from that first three years. It was her choice to have children. I love my wife and daughters dearly. Since then we have had no intercourse, in fact, no sex play of any type whatsoever. She told me she has no interest and despite years of asking and years of suggesting counselling, she has not accepted either. I am totally destroyed by all of this but can see no course of action. What can I do?Eleanor says: Three options for how sex appears in the rest of your life: you and your wife have sex; you have sex with someone who isn’t your wife; you have no sex ever again. There are no options besides these. Cont...

Politics

1 week ago ‘Chipping away at democracy’: authors fear outcome of US supreme court’s LGBTQ+ book ruling

Some parents can now opt students out of LGBTQ+ book readings. The writers warn of increased book bans and biasSarah Brannen, an illustrator and children’s book author, was riding in the car with her sister when she received an alert on her phone in late June. She was in a group chat with other authors whose books were being debated in a US supreme court case, and the messages soon poured in. Her book, Uncle Bobby’s Wedding, highlights a same-sex marriage, and is at the center of a contentious case that could have widespread implications for public school education throughout the nation.As per the 27 June ruling, a group of Maryland parents have the option to remove their public elementary school students from classes where Uncle Bobby’s Wedding and other storybooks with LGBTQ+ themes are read. The justices decided through a 6-3 vote that the Montgomery county school board violated parents’ right to freely exercise their religion by forbidding kids from opting out of instruction. Th...

Culture

1 week ago This is how we do it: ‘It’s been exciting to introduce him to toys, role play and unusual positions’

Leon had lost his mojo in his marriage, but meeting the more experienced, confident Annie has liberated his sex life• How do you do it? Share the story of your sex life, anonymouslyThere’s quite a seductive element of being a bit like a teacher Continue reading...

Politics

1 week ago Jermaine Jenas reveals all on the '50 Shades' sex texts that ended his marriage and got him sacked from the BBC

The explicit messages - likened to something out of the Fifty Shades of Grey novel - were uncovered in August last year and culminated in an HR meeting with BBC bosses.

Politics

2 w. ago Dear Coleen 'I'm worried about my marriage because I have no interest in sex after childbirth'

"I feel bad about where we’ve got to in our relationship, but I don’t know how to change the situation. I’d love to hear any of your suggestions."

Politics

2 w. ago 'Worried about my marriage because I have no interest in sex after childbirth'

Agony aunt Coleen Nolan has advice for a reader who's struggling with her libido after a painful experience with her second pregnancy, but is worried about her relationship

Politics

2 w. ago My ex wasn't a good man but after 18 years of marriage, I still fantasise about him during sex and feel like I'm living a half life...TRACEY COX reveals brutal warnings from wives who 'settled'

What if you NEVER get over your exes? I talked to three women who are still haunted by a past love - then deliver my verdict on whether life really would have been better if they'd stayed.

Events

2 w. ago From outlaw bushrangers who fell in love to a famous horseman born a woman, Australia’s history is full of queer stories

At the time LGBTQ+ people had to hide away. But researchers are now working to discover and celebrate themGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastIn 1841, Anne Drysdale invited Caroline Newcomb to live with her on her farm outside Geelong. It was a bold move for the time: the full decriminalisation of homosexuality was 156 years away;the legalisation of same-sex marriage, 176 years.In colonial Australia, women did not own property,let alone share one, and the same bed. Continue reading...

Politics

last month These evangelical men saved sex for marriage – they weren’t well prepared

Scores of Christian men have been raised on ideas of abstinence and ‘purity’ – what does that mean for their sex lives later on?Like many people, reaching the age of 40 inspired Matt to do some self-reflection. He had achieved many hallmarks of adulthood: a college degree, a career he enjoyed, and two beloved dogs. But he’d never had a relationship, or even a sexual partner.This weighed heavy on him; he craved the experience of a deep romantic connection and wondered how it might feel to be in love. Continue reading...

Politics