News

Sexting, XL Condoms, and Kangaroo Coitus

by Maria Yagoda

Let's take a look at this past week in sex.

1. MARSUPIALS WITH SUICIDAL SEX HABITS

So this is huge: three new species of antechinus, the marsupials known for dying after sex, have been discovered in Australia. The sex habits of male antechinus are notoriously “suicidal;” each year, hordes and hordes of them die from stress after having extended and vigorous sex (which often lasts up to 14 hours!) The three new species, which include the black-tailed antechinus, are very exciting finds, considering only a few new mammal species are discovered every year. And these guys are particularly fascinating. “By the end of the mating season, physically disintegrating males may run around frantically searching for last mating opportunities,” said Biologist Diana Fisher of University of Queensland last year in National Geographic.

2. LET'S TALK ABOUT SEX

A new survey by Wells Fargo found that Latinos generally feel more comfortable talking about sex than about money. The study, conducted in Los Angeles, also found that Latinos would rather talk about death and religion than their finances.

3. SEXUAL ASSAULT LOOPHOLE

An absurd legal loophole in Montgomery County is allowing a 47-year-old teacher, who allegedly had sex with a 16-year-old student in 2012, to remain innocent. Teacher Scott Spear’s charges were dropped because he was a part-time coach to his victim, and the Maryland law apparently did not cover instances of sexual assault in which the perpetrator was part-time. Maryland State Senator Jamie Raskin is working to close this loophole.

4. HUMAN "PLASTIC SEX DOLL"

Blondie Bennet, a 38-year-old woman from California, has hypnotherapy sessions once a week with the goal of becoming “brainless like Barbie.” She’s also already spent over $30,000 on breast implants, putting her at a voluptuous size 32JJ. Her main source of income is online sugar daddies, who pay her in exchange for sexual pictures of her dressed as Barbie. "I want people to see me as a plastic sex doll and being brainless is a big part of that,” Bennet said. Oh dear.

5. SAFE SEX(TING)

Technology gets a bad rap when it comes to teen sexuality — what with sexting and dick pics and all — but it may actually be facilitating some pretty responsible behavior. A new study found that high schoolers who discussed birth control and condoms over text were four times more likely to practice safe sex. The lead author of the study, Laura Widman, told Reuters, “Although prior research and media attention has focused on the risks of technology use, like sexting, we found that adolescents might also use electronic tools to communicate about ways they might promote their sexual health.”

6. EXTRA LARGE CONDOMS

New York’s Department of Health is adding super large condoms to its condom giveaway program. The jumbo condoms will be called “NYC KYNG.” Dr. Mary Bassett, health commissioner, says of the addition, “We anticipate that New Yorkers will love the new look and appreciate the new size. ... These high-quality condoms will help all New Yorkers protect themselves and their partners.”