The “first” series is a collection of essays on the first sexual experience, however one may define it. With contributions from a variety of writers, both women and men, the intent of this series is to explore the emotional and behavioral terrain that is born of our early forays into sexuality.
Contributing writers were encouraged to consider some of the following questions.
Do these early encounters define us, or simply teach us what we do or don’t want and like? Do the psychological impacts last a lifetime, particularly if the events unfold in unpleasant or disappointing fashion, or only until our base of experience expands? To what extent does the first experience influence who we are as individuals, as lovers and partners, and as parents?
Why do we continue to shy away from openly discussing what these early, often awkward, interactions are like?
My thanks to the fine writers contributing to this series. They range in age from 30s through 60s, with a diversity of backgrounds and experience. Note that many agreed to write anonymously or via pseudonym, which only serves to highlight the contradictions in American culture around honest expressions of our sexuality.
1: Your First Sexual Experience (Introduction)
2: My First Lover… In Every Way That Counts
8: The Teen, The Man, The Father
Wrapping up: Observations on the Series
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