Binding safely By Shane (MyVisionIsDying) During transition, a trans male (and those who identify as other transgender identities) may opt to bind their chest before top surgery, or if they choose not to undergo surgery, then they might possibly bind their chest for the rest of their life unless they do not want to bind. Binding is a way to flatten the breasts to create the appearance of a more masculine looking chest. For trans males in particular, binding may help to...

The myths and superstitions about cats By Cassie (Calico.) Although many people think of cats as lovable, beautiful creatures, there are some who may dislike them for reasons that may not be immediately obvious. These reasons go back to a few hundred years ago, to a time when cats were frowned upon due to superstitions. Today, some people believe black cats in particular are bad luck, and that leaves black cats at a disadvantage. They are the least likely to be adopted and the most...

The basics of going vegan By Nicole (eumoirous) One Green Planet and PETA exclaim that roughly 2.5% of Americans are vegan, and 5% of them are vegetarian. This may seem like a very low statistic, however the amount of vegan Americans has doubled since 2009, which was just six years ago! Veganism isn't just becoming more popular in America however, worldwide it is gaining its popularity. With veganism becoming more popular every year, grocery stores are beginning to carry more vegan...

The difference between bisexuality and pansexuality By Traci (Coffee.) Labeling your sexual orientation is complex and is frequently blurred by lengthy definitions and technical terms. It’s common to experience what many call “identity policing,” where somebody corrects another person’s identity as they do not “fit” that identity definition. Those who identify as bisexual or pansexual get this frequently; somebody will tell them that they are actually straight, gay, or even switch the...

Coping with a diagnosis of a chronic illness By Harrison (HeavyDirtySoul) A chronic illness is any illness that lasts for a long time (usually more than three months). Some examples of chronic illness are CFS/ME, Elhers Danlos Syndrome, arthritis and HIV. Some are eventually curable, others can go into periods of remission and relapse, and some can be controlled with medications. Many people with chronic illnesses are considered to be disabled due to the way the illness affects daily life....

The concept of virginity By Nicole (eumoirous) Virginity is a term with a long history, and because society is becoming more modern, many people are still confused about what it is. This can lead to emotional stress as, today, we still consider virginity as a “good” thing, and many religions still require its followers to remain virgins until marriage. This means that it is beneficial to understand what exactly the concept of virginity is. The well-known concept. Most people consider...

How to make button bracelets By Cassie (Calico.) Do you have a messy junk drawer with miscellaneous buttons lying around? Maybe you're a button collector, or a pack rat who doesn't like to let go of things. You can use your buttons to create bracelets or key chains. Your old buttons will easily transform into something extravagant. This inexpensive craft makes a unique piece of jewelry that you can keep for yourself or give to someone as a gift. Materials needed: Buttons...

Medication to treat mental health disorders By Dez ( *~Sparkly Queer~* ) Medications are commonly used in order to help treat and reduce the symptoms of many mental illnesses. While many people find it beneficial to use medication to treat their symptoms, it is important to make sure that going on medication is something that is right for you. There are many things to consider before starting a medication to treat your mental illness. Things to discuss with your prescriber ...

Staying cool during the summer By Shane (MyVisionIsDying) When people think of summer, they usually associate the season with sun, time off from work or school and heat. Sometimes the temperatures can reach record highs such as England reaching an astonishing 37°C (approximately 99°F) at London Heathrow Airport on Wednesday, July 1st, 2015. Dangerously high summer temperatures can cause heat related illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Heat stroke happens when the body is...

Caitlyn Jenner's journey by Cassie (Calico.) and Dez (*~Sparkly Queer~* ) The term transgender refers to people whose gender identity is not equivalent to the biological sex they were assigned at birth. People often expect someone to conform to the societal norms of a male or female, when the person may feel differently inside. Children with gender dysphoria generally feel that they need to hide part of who they are because societal norms say that they must do male or female things, ...

Effective Goal-Setting By Jess (i_like_black) Goals are a good thing to have in life. Having something to work towards can help develop a sense of achievement and can also combat symptoms of mental illness. Being aware of a direction builds a sense of purpose, and it is well recognised that having a sense of purpose contributes to a person's longevity. Something that commonly trips people up with goals is that they know what they want to achieve but not how to achieve it. Having a vague...

How to perform a self breast exam By Cassie (Calico.) A breast self exam, or BSE, is an exam that people do regularly to look for any possible changes in their breasts. Mammograms are able to see tumors before they can be felt, but a self exam will allow you to understand the normal appearance and feeling of your breasts. This understanding will help you to determine whether or not there are any abnormalities in your breasts. According to John Hopkins Medical Center, 40% percent of women...

Feminism Basics By Oliver ( *~Shimmery Queer~* ) Feminism has become a trending topic, but many people still do not fully understand what the movement's aims and ideals are. Feminism began in Western culture in the late 19th century. While it has gained women more rights than they initially had, feminists still believe there is more work to be done in order to achieve equal rights. What is feminism? Feminism is defined as the movement for social, political, and economic equality of...

This article has been labeled as triggering, particularly on the subject of rape and abuse. The contents of this article might therefore not be suitable for certain sensitive users. Please take this into consideration before continuing to read. An inside look at PTSD By Anonymous Post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health condition that develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. PTSD has several types of symptoms that include reliving,...

What is consent? By Cassie (Calico.) and Nicole (eumoirous) Consent is the voluntary agreement of all involved parties to engage in sexual activity. It should be assumed that one has not given consent unless there is a clear agreement prior to engaging in any sexual activity. It is preferred for consent to be a verbal agreement; however, it can be written as well. Consent should be clear at each stage of the activity, and the ability to say "no" should be respected by both ...