In an effort to keep with Bisexual Health Month theme, I thought it was important to include a safe sex topic in there as well. From the time we hit puberty until we can’t physically be sexually active, sex is a normal human activity we all engage in, but it can be dangerous if not handled properly. According to a study cited by the Human Rights Campaign, less than 5 percent of LGBTQ+ students were represented in their sexual education class. How can expect young individuals to safely participate in sex if they are misinformed or uninformed altogether? This is dangerous practice as this means an increased rate of STIs which can lead to bigger and even worse health problems. We need to demand more sexual education for a larger group of individuals that are simply very underrepresented in an area that is very important.
While researching how we can create and spread more sexual education for LGBTQ+ youth, I found a wonderfully detailed article from Healthline that covers everything every LGBTQ+ youth would need in a sexual education class including different sexual orientation definitions, the various gender identities, and how consent works in this situation.
An important part of the article is being aware about the risk for STIs from risk and how you should be open and honest with your healthcare provider. I also covered a similar subject about coming out to your doctor for the sake of your health and the Human Right Campaign also provides a very helpful guide for coming out to your doctor about your sexual orientation so they can treat you properly. Sexual health is very much included in this and young LGBTQ+ youth probably are unaware that this is an important part of tending to your sexual health altogether. Your doctor is more than happy to help you prevent STIs, but also help you treat them if you were ever to contract one.
The Healthline article also included being open and honest about testing for STIs before engaging in sexual activities with possible partners. Taking care of yourself is one thing, but asking another person before engaging is another and can be uncomfortable. However, it is important for your sake and theirs as well. Once that’s been cleared they go into the different methods for protection during sexual activities even how to use those methods for sex toys. It includes inside condom, outside condom, and even a dental dam which I’m not embarrassed to admit I did not existed.
I implore you to read the full article because it is very informative and being fully informed about your sex life is never a bad thing. Safety first is for everything not just you job. I’m hoping that in #20BiTeen we can have safer safe and more inclusive when it comes to sexual health. The more we talk about sex the less scary it will seem and we can engage safely.
Learning How to Be All Bi Myself 