Last year, the #MeToo movement rocked social media when women and survivors began to share their personal stories of sexual assault, rape, and harassment. People’s reactions were mixed. Many found power in shared experiences, others found it upsetting or triggering, and still others had a hard time believing the problem was as bad as women and survivors of assault were making out to be.

There’s a million of reasons to celebrate a day that recognizes the experiences of bisexual people. The “B” in LGBTQ is an important part of the community. Some studies have even found that bisexual people make up about half of all lesbian, gay, and bisexual people.

How do we know it's cuffing season? Pumpkin spice lattes are back. People are talking about their Halloween costumes. Football season is in full swing. And plenty of teens are eyeing the cutie next to them in class. Cuffing season happens in fall and winter when people pair off into relationships and get “cuffed” to a partner.

First, birth control is not always about preventing pregnancy, some women use birth control to lessen their period cramps, clear up their skin, or make their periods more regular. There are many different methods of birth control, and each one is different so it can suit different women.

Sometimes the only thing more overwhelming than the news is thinking you can’t do anything about it.  When it comes to making a difference, one of the first things that comes to mind for people over the age of 18 is: vote.

Here’s how:

• Get to Know Your Rights: Teens in California have a right to comprehensive sex education! Make sure your high school offers sex ed and learn about what topics must be covered in this class. Not getting the information you should be? Let us know! Teens also have a right to access confidential health care services during school hours and to stay in school if they are pregnant or parenting. You also have a right to get FREE and CONFIDENTIAL sexual health services like birth control, STD testing, and more! Be sure you brush up on all of your rights as you head back to school!

The Supreme Court of the United States is one of the branches of our federal government. Its role is to make decisions in legal cases. Those decisions become the law of the land and can change what our country looks like. And those laws can affect our daily lives – even teens!

It doesn’t matter what age you are, you have a right to high-quality sexual and reproductive health care. But how do you take this important step of owning your own health?

What is a condom and why does it matter?

Condoms are the only form of birth control that protects against pregnancy AND Sexually Transmitted Diseases – also known as STDs! They work by blocking sperm (and other fluids). Condoms come in many textures, sizes, colors, and materials. They are 85-98% effective and are easy to find! There are two kinds of condoms, the male condom (or external condom) that goes on the outside of the penis and the female condom (or internal condom) that goes inside the vagina or anus. Female condoms can be more expensive and harder to find, but these tips will work just the same!

California has many laws that protect teen’s rights to access FREE and confidential birth control and other reproductive services. Although having a trusted adult to confide in is highly recommended, you don’t actually need an adult’s permission to get birth control, STD testing, and other services.