by Allison Moon, illustrated by kd diamond
Girl Sex 101 is a comprehensive, queer-centered sex education classic that blends practical how-to guidance, inclusive language, playful illustration, and real-world storytelling. Written for women, femmes, and people who love them—across genders and identities—this book goes far beyond anatomy diagrams to explore how sex actually works in real bodies, real relationships, and real life.
Across nearly 400 pages, Allison Moon combines step-by-step techniques with narrative examples and contributions from over 100 voices, including well-known educators and activists like Nina Hartley, Jiz Lee, Dirty Lola, Sunny Megatron, Julia Serano, Reid Mihalko, and Carol Queen. Readers learn everything from cunnilingus, strap-on sex, hand sex, and toy use to communication skills, pacing, energy-saving positions, and navigating emotions, identity, and relationship dynamics.
The book also meaningfully integrates topics often left out of mainstream sex ed—trans and intersex experiences, disability, STI education, menopause, pregnancy, and coming out—making it an expansive, affirming resource for anyone seeking pleasure education that reflects the diversity of real lives. Whether you’re brand new to partnered sex or looking to deepen your skills and confidence, Girl Sex 101 offers both structure and flexibility to help you build a personalized pleasure roadmap.
Why I recommend this book
I recommend Girl Sex 101 because it’s one of the rare sex ed books that is both deeply instructional and deeply affirming. This is a book I point people toward when they want concrete skills and context: how to touch, how to communicate, and how to navigate identity, emotions, and bodies without shame. It’s especially powerful for queer folks and femmes who were never given accurate or expansive sex education. If you want a resource you can return to again and again as your relationships, body, and desires evolve, this one earns its place on the shelf.
