Column: Let’s talk about sex

Everybody has their reasons for having sex.

Some of us have sex for pleasure and some of us have sex to procreate. Some have sex to fit in and some have sex as a way to connect to another person. Some have sex for money and others have sex to put on a show.

No matter why people choose to have sex, they probably have sex in more than one way. Some couples have sex in a very similar fashion each time they do it. Other couples try to mix it up to keep it interesting, utilizing a wide repertoire of positions. Sometimes the couple is not a couple, but an individual, a trio or a quartet.

Basically, all sex is specific to those who partake in it, be it heterosexual sex, homosexual sex or any other type of sex — it's all unique.

Is sex "extra" special to people within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community? First of all, it's sex, so it's obviously special. But really, gay sex is no more or less special than straight sex. However, it can be very different in a few ways.

One differences is communication. In sex between a man and a woman, many roles are assumed. Of course, a degree of communication must be met with straight partners depending on their needs.

However, people in the LGBTQ usually need to be a lot more open with their communication to connect on a sexual level.

Another difference between straight sex and gay sex is the way each is perceived. Many ideas about gay sex are untrue. For instance, not all gay men have anal sex. Also, sexually transmitted infections are not only an issue for gay men: Lesbians, straight men and straight women — basically anyone who has sex — can also contract STIs.

This brings up an entirely different issue. STIs pose a unique and often difficult scenario for some in the LGBTQ community.

Some people have visited medical professionals who have made them feel ashamed or tried to "cure" them of their sexual habits.

Luckily for students at the university, the University Health Center has staff members who are "particularly sensitive to the needs of LGBT clients," according to its website, www.health.umd.edu/services/lgbt.html.

Many people think people in the LGBTQ community have a lot of sex, but this is no more true for LGBTQ people than it is for heterosexual couples. There are plenty of  people in monogamous relationships. There are plenty of people who indulge more than others. Many  people are simply searching for their soul mates, but many people are adverse to any relationship.

None of these examples are unique to the LGBTQ community.

ga@umdbk.com