So, Tumblr is officially banning NSFW content. Despite their assurances that this does not include written or educational content, in practice this ban has affected both. pervocracy, a sex positive and educational blog, was deactivated before the ban was announced despite never posting any pornographic content; other allegedly “safe” content such as transition pictures have also been flagged. We cannot assume that the ban will not affect us.
Neither Wordpress nor Dreamwidth support the reblogging and anonymous messaging necessary to support the blog. If we ever move to Pillowfort, it will be well after the ban is enacted. We haven’t yet decided if we will delete the blog ourselves, but Tumblr may make that decision for us.
When I started this blog seven years ago, I had no idea how much I would learn. I have learned so, so much: about sexual health, about relationships, about how vast and diverse and wonderful our experiences are. I’ve let the blog fall by the wayside in the past couple of years (law school will do that), but I’ve enjoyed every minute I’ve been here. I’m saddened and frustrated that it has to end on these terms, but I appreciate all of you.
If you are in need of resources:
Scarleteen is one of the best websites for sex education. They have moderated forums to answer questions and hundreds of articles on everything you have ever wanted to know about sex, relationships, and growing up. They have a Tumblr, @hellyeahscarleteen
Planned Parenthood is also very accessible, with loads of articles on safer sex and relationships. Their in-person clinics can also help with pressing medical needs.
Advocates for Youth is a nonprofit dedicated towards issues affecting young people, particularly reproductive rights and sexual health. They have a lot of job and internship opportunities, particularly for people who are in their late teens and early twenties.
There are a lot of local health clinics with websites that can both provide medical care and educational resources; your doctor’s office or hospital can also be a great resource.
I want to close by saying that despite what our society might say about it –despite what Tumblr might say about it – sex is not a bad thing. It is not wrong to want to learn about it, discuss it, witness it, or participate in it. It is not a negative, and banning it is not a “positive”: its existence is morally neutral.
Being exposed to information about sex is important to making healthy and informed decisions, setting boundaries, navigating relationships, and understanding oneself. Preventing access to this information only keeps people ignorant and less able to make choices for themselves.
If you shield someone’s eyes from something you find inappropriate or awkward or frightening, you may indeed be protecting them. But you are also keeping them in the dark.
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