Photography by Scott Houston

Chelsea, an 18-year-old high school senior, loves to write and is excited to be working for Sex, Etc. She feels strongly that “sexual education does not have to be scary or embarrassing, but should be fun, informative and exciting.”  She believes that people automatically think of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases when they hear the words “teenagers” and “sex” in the same sentence.  She hopes to change the way people think about teenage sexuality.  “Every human being (unless, of course, you’re a nun, maybe) will at some point be faced with sex and unless you’re properly informed, you could make decisions that are harmful to your mind, spirit and body.”  She is interested in psychology, gender issues, reproductive rights and gay, lesbian, and bisexual issues.

Photography by Scott Houston

Ben, an 18-year-old high school senior, joined the editorial staff of Sex, Etc. three years ago because he likes “giving teenagers information that they can then use to make decisions that are best for them.” He adds, “Sexual health education is important to have, and I feel that through Sex, Etc. I can make a difference in teenagers’ lives.” Ben is working to bring comprehensive sex education to his school. This year, he hopes to write more articles on a topic he is quite passionate about: the pressure to have sex. Ben is on the debate and rowing teams and works as a lifeguard.

Photography by Scott Houston

This is senior Joshua Dickinson’s second year on the Sex, Etc. editorial staff. “Sex, Etc. is an amazing resource for teens who seek information on their health and personal rights,” says Joshua. He hopes to help even more teens through his work with Sex, Etc. this year. He loves to write and is president of his school’s senate. This year he plans to write articles on the rights of rape victims and standing by your friends when everyone else has turned against them. Next year, Josh plans to attend Columbia University where he wants to major in journalism and philosophy.  

Photography by Scott Houston

Seventeen-year-old Sable Dickinson joins her brother Joshua on the editorial staff this year.  Through her work with Sex, Etc. she is committed to helping her peers be safe and responsible around everything that comes along with sexuality.  Sable loves having fun at pep rallies and hanging out with friends.  This year, she is especially interested in writing about dating and birth control.  Sable is also a poet; her poetry can be read at poetry.com.

Photography by Scott Houston

“I want to make teenagers more aware of current events in sex education that relate to their lives,” says Emily, 17, a first-year editor on the Sex, Etc. editorial staff. This year, she hopes to write more articles on advocacy and wants to keep teenagers informed of their reproductive rights. While Emily is passionate about educating her peers, she is also interested in writing, genetics, lobbying and political activism. She’s also involved in mock trial at her school.  In college, she plans to major in biology.

Photography by Scott Houston

“My goal is to reach everybody. I want people to feel and understand that there is somebody that can relate to them and help them,” says high-school-junior Sharanya, who is a first-year Sex, Etc. editor and photographer. She says she experiences the same problems as any other teen. Sharanya cares deeply about teenagers and the state of the world and hopes through her work with Sex, Etc. to challenge the stereotypes we have about one another and to encourage teens to make their own decisions in the face of peer pressure.

Photography by Scott Houston Natasha, 18

Natasha is a second-year editor with Sex, Etc.  She won’t hesitate to tell you that she’s opinionated and feels strongly that “sex education is something that should be honestly taught in schools.” She writes and creates art and video for Sex, Etc. “I guess you can call me a Renaissance woman,” says Natasha, who hopes to continue to make a difference in teens’ lives, wants to be more involved in her community and advocate for comprehensive sex ed in schools. Natasha hopes to attend Rutgers University and major in public health. She ultimately plans to have a career in sex education.

Photography by Scott Houston

Michael, a first-year Sex, Etc. editor, is a 16-year-old junior in high school who wants to “help educate teens about sex…and put the fun back into talking about sex.”  He plans to write about contraception, substance abuse, going along with the crowd, low self-esteem, mental health and insecurities about one’s looks and sexuality.  “I think it is helpful to other teens when someone their age shares their experiences, including their sexual experiences and what they have learned along the way,” says Michael.  In his free time, he likes to listen to music.  Michael plays with a band that fuses folk and punk music.