When I was 16, I had sex with a 21-year-old.

[lightningandsnow]

And yes, I've mentioned it before, because it always comes up for me whenever people post shock/outrage that the "children" (teenagers, really) are being sexual, especially with someone older.

While I know that age differences like that can lend themselves to exploitation, that isn't always the case. While my boyfriend was older than me, and we had a lot of differences (which is why we're not together anymore), I can assure you that I was not raped, exploited, or abused in any way. It was perfectly consensual (and perfectly legal where I live.) And we really did care about each other a lot. I also think I am fairly mature for my age - I'm 17 now - which is why I tend to be attracted to people who are a bit older in the first place.

This is why it always bothers me when people try to paint adolescent sexuality with a broad brush. It isn't that simple, and nothing annoys me more than when people insist on naming the experiences of others.