Last week, Californians voted on whether to make condom use mandatory in pornography shoots. Measure B passed, but remains controversial. Many adult performers believe that they already take adequate safety measures such as regular testing, and that the law only further marginalizes them. For those reasons, I prefer to hear more of their perspectives before I make up my mind on the law. In more California news (because that’s where I’m from), Prop 35 also passed, which approves harsher sentences for human trafficking. Continue Reading →
Condoms
Recent posts
Condoms Don’t Ruin Sex
I’m not getting paid by the condom industry to write this, I assure you. But when I see a webpage titled How Condoms Ruin Sex, my first reaction is surprise and my second reaction is outrage. Why on earth would someone attack a form of birth control that’s been shown to reduce the transmission of HIV and other STIs? For women who do not wish to be on hormonal birth control, condoms (when used consistently and properly) are helpful in preventing unwanted pregnancies. Sure, there are valid reasons for people to choose not to use condoms, but as a sex-positive feminist, I really have to say that those should be personal choices, not decisions mandated by a website with a thinly-veiled religious agenda (and let’s keep in mind that many religious women use birth control too). Continue Reading →
Sexual Health For The Zombie Apocalypse
As you may be aware, the CDC has a zombie preparedness page. However, as Dr. Jen Gunter points out, they neglect to give sexual health advice, so she fills in the gap by advising us to be prepared with condoms, menstrual supplies, and batteries for our fave toys (since not every survivor you meet will be your type). My only concern is that this advice seems overwhelmingly aimed at women, while men, too, would benefit from having emergency supplies for both sexual safety and pleasure on hand. Follow us on Twitter @mysexprofessor. Follow Jeana, the author of this post, @foxyfolklorist. Continue Reading →
Carrying Multiple Condoms Is Proof Of Prostitution?
Laws in both New York City and Washington D.C. allow police to use condoms as evidence of prostitution, so if you are stopped and found carrying three condoms or more, it could mean trouble. This is terrible for sex education and sexual health campaigns that encourage people–sex workers as well as others–to have access to condoms in order to prevent pregnancy and disease transmission. If I were living in the US right now, I’d propose a condom-carrying protest out of sheer spite for that stupid law. Follow us on Twitter @mysexprofessor. Continue Reading →
The World’s First Condom Action Film
Thanks go to Feministe for linking to the world’s first condom action film–which is exactly what it sounds like. Go ahead, watch it, you know you want to! Follow us on Twitter @mysexprofessor. Follow Jeana, the author of this post, @foxyfolklorist. Continue Reading →
With Or Without Condoms – Sex Is Still Pleasurable
“But… Sex just doesn’t feel good with a condom!” Ladies and gentlemen, say hello to the phrase that may or may not be responsible for countless pregnancies, the spreading of numerous STIs, and endless hours of regret. OK. OK! Continue Reading →
Royal Wedding Condoms
“Lavishly Lubed” and “Regally Ribbed,” Crown Jewels condom brand has created a collector’s edition to commemorate the Royal Wedding. “Like a Royal Wedding, intercourse with a loved one is an unforgettable occasion,” says the Crown Jewels webpage. While I know many of us (myself included) are getting a little weary of hearing about the Royal Wedding, this gem was too good not to share. Image via CrownJewelsCondoms.com
Learn about MSP posts as they happen by following us on Twitter @mysexprofessor. You can also follow Kate McCombs, the author of this post, @katecom or make friends with us on Facebook. Continue Reading →
Condom Sign in India
While in Shillong, Meghalaya (a state in the north-east of India), I saw this sign in the middle of a bustling marketplace:
I saw a handful of signs like this around the city, but I don’t know where local folks can get condoms, so is the message really doing any good? Follow us on Twitter @mysexprofessor. Follow Jeana, the author of this post, @foxyfolklorist. Continue Reading →
The Free Condom Project
Melbourne is well known for its art and culture and I was pleased to discover that this creative richness is now being used to promote safer sex. The Free Condom Project, a venture started by art distributor Third Drawer Down, is a collaboration between local and international artists and several leading Australian sexual health organizations. They’ve designed eye-catching, stylish, matchbox-like containers for condoms and lubricant that are freely available across Melbourne and greater Victoria. Free Condom Project’s goodies are available at several trendy clothing boutiques, music stores, pharmacies, and even the bookshop at the State Library of Victoria (where I picked up those pictured on the right). The Free Condom Project’s goal is “to positively change perceptions about condom use, helping to reduce the increasing rate of STIs by making condoms readily accessible to sexually active people in a fun and engaging way that encourages people to take ownership of their health and well being.” Continue Reading →
Vixen Condoms: Charitable and Sexy Condom Marketing For Women
Over the years, I’ve heard many women express dismay over the fact that male condoms are rarely marketed to females. Marie Stopes International Australia stepped up to address this missed opportunity, and after a year of research and development, created Vixen Condoms. Unlike most condoms on the market, Vixen Condoms are packaged in a beautiful, stylish, and discreet tin, and each condom features Vixen’s signature artwork. Continue Reading →