We're loving the variety of questions coming in from our community. It really goes to show how unique we all are as individuals, and this week's secret sex question is no different!

We have a really important topic to talk about this week: sexually transmitted infections, otherwise known as STIs.

We are so proud of our brave Feeling Seen family member for bringing this question to us. We are an anti-shame platform, and discussing taboo or complex subjects is precisely why we started this community.

So, let's get right to it…

To define heteronormativity, it is essential to first define heterosexuality.

Heterosexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by an attraction to individuals of the opposite gender or sex. Individuals who identify as heterosexual may experience romantic, emotional, and sexual attraction to individuals of the opposite sex or gender and may form romantic and sexual relationships with them.

This week's question is one we've received dozens of times in dozens of ways since we started our newsletter! With so many of you interested in this topic, we wanted to move this question to the front of the line tonight.

We talk a lot about stigma here at Feeling Seen because the biggest shame often comes when the things we desire or the person we are is stigmatized.

But what exactly is a stigma, and how do they form?

Stigmas can form for various reasons, including cultural, social, and personal beliefs. Some common factors that contribute to the formation of stigmas include: