I give a F*ck, Do You? Let’s Talk About Sex Baby!

I grew up in the 90’s, and am so grateful for those role-models.

Remember TLC? Ya, T-boz, Left-eye and Chilli. While they were rakin’ in the dollars they were also promoting women’s rights. One of their big trends was wearing condoms. I believe it was Left-eye who first wore one on her glasses, but I am not entirely sure.

They made condoms cool and I think it’s time we revisit this concept— we need a “condom comeback” in the new millennium.

That is not to say we haven’t made some good strides, like the state of California making it mandatory to use condoms during the filming of porn. This was due to the saddening spread of HIV in the industry and to protect the rights of working sex-professionals.

Currently, according to AIDS.gov, there  are 1.1 million people in the U.S. currently living with HIV and 1 in 6 (15.8%) of those people are not even aware they have it. Other research, supported by AIDS.gov, shows that women in domestic violence situations are more likely to be exposed to the virus.

It is time that we wake up and look at this reality.

As a woman who was coerced into an unprotected sexual encounter that ended in an assault—I know what it’s like to live with the fear that you have been infected. Women’s sexuality is not to be conquered. No means no.

Getting tested for HIV is scary—we need to talk about it more and normalize it. I got tested and continue to take care of my gynecological health with frequent visits to compassionate caregivers.  It is time that we take the shame out of getting tested, and it is beyond time that we wrap it up. Each and every time.

I applaud the company, L. Condoms, for taking positive steps toward this cause.

For every condom you buy you are also donating a condom to someone in the Third World. Similar to the mission of TOMS shoes but in my opinion—way more fun!

AIDS is a global issue and we need to start taking it seriously, starting here, in the U.S. It’s a nightmare! We must look at and transform the way we view sex and protecting our bodies. Change starts with us, right here, right now.

Remember: A good man protects your health and his. Condoms are sexy and good men are the only ones worthy of the deliciousness of your body.

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