Sex: we giggle when a professor says it in class, yet we participate in this thrilling activity. Why is it taboo to talk about it? Why can’t we embrace it?

Because everyone knows that if you have sex, you’ll get pregnant and die.

Sex is taboo for many reasons, one being that morals are often dictated by religion. Growing up in the south, I was taught that sex was this terrible act that you weren’t allowed to talk about. I remember going to my friends Baptist church in seventh grade and having a talk with the Bible School teacher about how I had committed a sin because I liked to kiss boys. I understand that the morals Christianity instills in us are helpful for living a fulfilling life. Waiting until marriage to have sex makes sense, because you don’t want to do something you’ll regret; you want to have sex with someone who will respect you. But sex isn’t something that you should be shunned for; it’s something we should celebrate.

My household has always been very open about sex, and I am thankful for my mother for being this way. I have always been very honest with my mom about sex. It taught me not to lie. It taught me to stand up for myself even when others think what I’m doing is wrong. It taught me that I have to respect my decisions and myself.

It’s okay to not want to have sex, It’s okay to wait. It’s also okay to do it every day as long as you’re safe. It’s a physical activity, and if you enjoy it, okay! Refusing to talk about sex is grounds for having very confused and irresponsible teenagers and young adults. Sex has taught me that I am a goddess, a badass, and that I am confident and comfortable in my own skin. If I had listened to the people whispering, hissing, “You’ll go to Hell,” any time I thought about sex growing up, I would still be the awkward, self-loathing girl I used to be.

If it’s safe, consensual, and the person you’re doing it with respects you, it’s fine. Sex is a beautiful thing, and we shouldn’t be shunned for doing it. If someone wants to have one night stands, let them. If someone wants to wait until marriage, let them. If someone thinks a rock is sexy and want to somehow make love to a rock, you might not understand it, but you can let them try. Because what it comes down to is that each person has their own morals that they abide by. Sex doesn’t have to be just about procreation -- that’s why birth control exists. It can be for fun, for exploration, for love. Your body is a temple, but it’s your temple. Decorate it and have a party. Embrace your temple. Love your temple and the things it can do.

Say no to sex-shaming.