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Activism:Safer Sex Signs
| Responsible Sex Conversation | More Sex Information | San Francisco Resources |
The following table reflects some people's current thinking as to the relative safety of various sex practices with respect to HIV transmission. Many groups involved in sex counseling and information may disagree with this sign, perhaps with the complaint that it is too lenient, that is, that it allows too much. My feeling is that while some people will continue to have unsafe sex, the availability of information such as is presented below can help people to make better informed choices.
The presence of this sign or of the information contained within it does not constitute permission of any sort nor does it advise that the "safer" practices near the bottom are indeed 100% safe. What this sign hopes to suggest is that there is a broad spectrum of sexual practices, and that some are thought to be safer than others. In all cases, have a Responsible Sex Conversation, know and trust your partners, honor your agreements, and -- of course -- have fun!
If you have further questions, please do not contact me, as I am simply doing my best as a messenger of the best information I have available. There is another point of view available at SaferSex.org, and you can also contact the San Francisco Sex Information hotline, check out the AIDS Virtual Library, or ask your doctor.
| A Spectrum of the Risks for HIV Transmission |
Avoid Blood to Blood -or- Semen to Blood Contact |
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| Anal Intercourse without a Condom |
Sharing Needles without Sterilization |
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| Oral Sex with a man ejaculating in the mouth |
Oral Sex with a woman menstruating |
Vaginal Intercourse without a Condom |
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| Sharing Sex Toys (Vibrators, Dildos, etc.) |
Rimming (Using the tongue on the anus) |
Oral Sex with a man not ejaculating |
Oral Sex with a woman not menstruating |
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| Urine in the mouth |
Mutual Masturbation |
Fingering or Fisting in the Vagina/Anus |
Vaginal/Anal Intercourse with a Condom |
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| Simultaneous Parellel Masturbation |
Frottage (Body-to-body rubbing) |
Social (Dry) Kissing |
French (Wet) Kissing |
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| Phone Sex or Computer Sex |
Voyeurism or Exhibitionism |
Hot Tubbing |
Hugging or Massaging |
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Main Points of a Responsible Sex Conversation
- A brief sexual history
- Current sexual practices
- High risk practices?
- Methods of protection and contraception?
- Multiple partners?
- History of STC's & STD's
- Herpes, genital warts, syphilis, gonorrhea
- Date of most recent HIV test and the results
- Look for skin breaks or abnormalities in the mouth & on the genitals
- Agree as to which sexual practices are & which are not okay to engage in
- Honor your agreements
And don't forget, the common cold is the most common sexually transmitted disease - don't kiss your lover if you have one!
