Our Selection Criteria

Guiding Question: Is this resource trustworthy, as far as we could judge, based on these criteria?

1. Credible. Information in this resource is credible. For example, the information comes from a trustworthy person, organization, university, or institution. 

2. Conflict of Interest. Information is not compromised by associations with a specific commercial good or service or a for-profit company, or the information has been assessed to be accurate and reliable despite the potential for bias.

3. Verifiable. For the information in each resource, sources are cited for content or a subject matter expert has reviewed the content. If the information provided is difficult to verify scientifically, the information nonetheless reflects community knowledge or best practices.

   When it comes to verifiable information about anal sex, there are areas with a lot of scientific data (e.g., HIV), some data (e.g., lubricants, douching), and also data-free zones (e.g., sexual positions for pleasure). We’ve done our best to include resources that reflect expert knowledge based science, clinical knowledge, and community best practices.

4. Confidence. This information is accurate and reliable because it is something ‘We Definitely Know.’ If the information is something ‘We Think We Know’ or ‘We Don’t Know Yet’ for sure, then the resource presents a reasonable caveat that the accuracy and reliability of this information may change.

Guiding Question: Does this resource reflect human diversity in a sex-positive, welcoming and non-biased way that avoids stereotypes, based on these criteria?

1. Diverse & Inclusive. This resource presents diversity that can help readers feel included and “at home” on the website. (Diversity can be any aspect of racial, ethnic, gender, gender identity, sexuality, language, body-type, or additional aspects of human differences.)

2. Sex Positive. This resource depicts sexuality as a positive force in one’s life, without shame or stigma. This resource has a tone of levity and fun about sex.  

3. Stereotype-Busting. This resource busts stereotypes. (For example, the content interrupts the perpetuation of myths about anal sex like ‘only gay men enjoy anal sex’ or ‘women rarely enjoy anal sex'.) 

4. Accessible. The information is communicated in an understandable and accessible way (e.g., at a high school reading level, without jargon; without a paywall; in formats tailored to contemporary attention spans). This resource can appeal either to health workers or to clients, or to both.