Sexy Safer Sex - April 17th Newsletter
Hello Beautiful Beings,
I am a slut. The passion and power of sexuality whether I have one erotic partner in my life (me), or whether I am blessed with having an array of people in my sexual world has always been part of who I am. My world is filled with compassionate and expansive erotic connection. My body is a pathway of invitation and initiation through my body.
Part of sacred sluthood though is caring for my body and that of those who I interact with. This can be referred to as safer sex, interwoven with sacred sex, because caring for each other is inherently sacred to me. The world of safer sex has radically transformed since my youth, and yet so much has stayed the same.
I grew up with AZT making HIV and AIDS no longer an immediate death sentence. This was radical, but where the illness stands today is all the more radical. U=U has been backed by so many studies and medical organizations worldwide... the truth that if someone is undetectable through testing (usually via taking regular medication), they CANNOT transmit it to someone else. Undetectable = Untransmittable. Playing with someone who is poz (HIV positive), is on meds, and tests regularly is safer than playing with someone who has ever been sexual but has never been tested and does not know their status.
The next thing that has changed the game around HIV transmission is PreP. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis is about taking medications (there are a few options) before you are exposed to someone's bodily fluids (blood, cum, etc), to prevent the transmission of HIV. There is also PEP - Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, that can be taken up to 72 hours after exposure to stop the transmission. These tools are amazing, but they only cover HIV. This has led to many folks on PreP or who are undetectable playing without barrier methods such as condoms, but unfortunately that can still expose folks to various forms of hepatitis, chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea, hpv, herpes, and more.
Just like COVID can be a sexually transmitted disease (as can the flu, and anything else you can get from kissing and up-close breath exposure), and we don't shame folks for those STDs, we need to stop the shame so that we can get good resources. And? Just like COVID, we can get vaccines for some of these STDs and STIs. HPV's vaccine has been moved to being available for folks up to 45 years old! The Monkeypox vaccine now has more availability and is available for folks who are not just queer, sex workers, or medical professionals. And? There a lot more shapes and materials out there nowadays for things like condoms.
Do condoms fall off you or a partner? Try a snugger fit. Are condoms too tight at the head? Try ones with a flared head, usually for folks with intact foreskin. There are even companies who make custom sizes.
I designed a course on making safer sex sexy in 2013 with Aiden Nicholson for Sarah Lawrence College because we found so many people who said that they didn't want to wear condoms because they felt so bulky and distancing. That using dental dams was awkward. That discussing when we were tested (and what for) put them off. Hell, finding out what someone else's definition for "safer sex" is so important too.
Young adults who live in or near Denver can continue to explore these topics on May 1st during my in-person class, "Sexy Safer Sex," though the class is open to anyone who wants to attend. I will be offering this class at The Center on Colfax as part of their SAGA Young Adult Program. Class will run from 6-7:30 PM MST, and you can register on their website.
You can also explore the following free resources:
"How Herpes Saved My Life," by Midori
"Deborah Anapol Clarifies...," a discussion on safer sex on my Passion and Soul Blog
"Barebacking, 'Safer' Sex, and Judgement," by Lee Harrington
"Herpes Made Me Smarter," with Caroline Carrington & Midori
"Cripping Up Sex," a website that focuses on sex and disability
"Sins Invalid," a website dedicated to disability justice
"U=U Guide Combats HIV and AIDS Misinformation, Stigma and Discrimination," by the Human Rights Campaign
"What is PrEP?" by Planned Parenthood
***
In the past few weeks over on Patreon, I have had a chance to connect with my Patrons regularly through:
A self reflection exercise called, "I AM"
For April and May, come join me LIVE at:
Arcane Dominance and Submission: Conscious Energy Flow, Power Exchange and Feeding
Online Worldwide via Wicked Grounds
Monday, April 24th | 6-8p PST, 7-9p MST, 9-11p EST
When power exchange is discussed in many circles of BDSM, the notion of power being literally exchanged is often glossed over or forgotten. Whether you are kinky or not, conscious constructions of interpersonal dynamics can be an intense tool for accessing life force and the dance of it between individuals or a group. We will look at types of conscious and unconscious power exchange dynamics, why people would want them for an evening or between lifetimes, and how to apply this technology to your own magical work, energetic feeding, and life. This will also include awareness concerning astral connections, unintentional bonding, and destructive behaviors. Power is power, and inequality is not inequity, so let us look at this together with eyes wide open.
Trans Rage
Online Worldwide through THRIVE: BDSM and Mental Health Conference
April 28th-30th
More info: https://thrivevirtualcon.com/
Vulnerable and honest individuals are speaking up about how angry they are about the issues in the world for those of us who are gender diverse that are affecting our mental health. Perhaps you echo their frustrations? Are you upset, in pain, feeling vulnerability, or have the rage that they carry? Hosted by a transgender genderqueer individual, this conversation will center transgender, non-binary, and gender diverse individuals and their experiences, but partners and allies are welcome to attend.
Sexy Safer Sex
In-Person in Denver, Colorado | The Center on Colfax
Monday, May 1st, 2023 | 6-7:30p MST
Ready to explore the world of infinite love and sex but want tips on how to do it safely? Already using safer sex practices, but looking for tips to have it be less stressful, more fun, and seemingly seamless? In this no-judgment class, we’ll discuss (and even try practicing with our clothes still on) how to make safer sex sexy, while sharing some of the health concerns that make us want to play in a safer way. We will expand our definitions of sex, reengineer the role that barriers play, and explore techniques and strategies to keep you and your partners healthy and happy – no matter what kinds of hot, steamy action you enjoy.
An Afternoon of Virtual Classes on Power and Identity
Online Worldwide via Green Carnation Club
Sunday, May 7th, 2023 | 10a-2p PST, 11a-3p MST, 1-5p EST
More info: https://fetlife.com/events/1241829
The Green Carnation Club is a members only group that was created to serve, support, and enrich any / all manifestations of Queer Power Dynamics, without regard to gender, appearance or relationship structure.
The Green Carnation Club is delighted to be able to bring you an afternoon of virtual classes on Power & Identity with Lee Harrington.
You can
.
Camp Crucible
In-Person in Northern Maryland
May 27th - June 4th
Register today: https://www.campcrucible.com/
Camp Crucible is the ultimate outdoor 24/7 fantasy vacation for those interested or involved in BDSM, sexuality, sensuality, human pony play, age play, education, exploration, relaxation, and socializing with old friends while meeting new ones.
Uncrowded and unhurried. 9 Days of hedonism. Explore the amazing possibilities with that much time, a set of fantastic playspaces, a gathering of wonderful kinky people, and a real environment we can call our own.
This year, I will be part of the hook suspension team and will also be teaching:
Determining Your Risk Profile | Inner Monsters (Tops): Delving Into the Darkness of Our Desires | Turning Ties Inward: Finding Your Unique Path in Rope Bondage | Naming the Shadows: Bullying, Abuse, and Other Harms in Metamour Relationships, co-teaching with Sam Savage
I also have other classes and events coming in the next few months! I will be teaching about dominance and submission, rope bondage, and more. You can see a few of my upcoming offerings below, and you can visit my Upcoming Appearances page to learn about the rest of my future offerings in March and beyond.
May 17, 2023 – Teaching “Primal Play” – Wicked Grounds – Online Worldwide
June 9, 2023 – Teaching “Pain Processing” – Karada House – Online Worldwide
June 16-19, 2023 – Teaching “Sacred Kink,” “From Gender Dysphoria to Gender Euphoria,” “Beyond Bowed Heads,” and “Primal Play” – Midnight Sun Hedonism 4 – Fairbanks, AK
June 23-25, 2023 – Teaching classes and leading rituals – Meow Meow Conference – Berlin, Germany
To check out all my further scheduled classes and intensives throughout the year (and more being added regularly), visit my Upcoming Appearances page to learn more. To enjoy further free material from me, consider joining me on Patreon where I share weekly resources, monthly classes, and more :)
Much love to you all and see you soon!
Yours in Passion and Soul,
Lee Harrington