"Let's Talk About It" S-N-P : Sex N' Protection

Let’s Be Real:

It seems like nowadays we've gotten to this very weird place in that we talk about sex way too much and somehow still not nearly enough. I mean, be honest with yourself: when was the last time you had a healthy, honest and informative conversation about sex? There are so many opinions about sex! Sex in the media (and how there's “too much” of it), Sex-Ed in schools (and how there’s “not enough” of it), sex before or after marriage/serious commitment, sex on the first date (deal breaker or no?), straight sex, queer sex, “Sex Positivity”, hyper-sexuality and even with all of those conversations, we barely get down to the so called “nitty-gritty” about the on-goings of sex. So, Lets Talk About It!

Sex can be a great way to deepen a connection, learn more about yourself, or just burn a few calories but before you engage with anyone sexually (yourself included!), you should think more about your own thoughts on the matter and start taking some steps to increase your sexual literacy. One very important tool that I want to introduce to you in this brief article today is The CERTS Model. Created by Sex Therapist (and yes, those exist) Wendy Maltz, the CERTS Model is a 5-part framework that you can use to help guide all of your sexual interactions. According to the CERTS Model, in order to have positive sexual relations and maintain sexual health you should have these 5 things:

CONSENT 

EQUALITY

RESPECT 

TRUST 

SAFETY*

For your “homework” try looking up these 5 terms and making sure that you understand them fully! Especially “Safety”!

*Note: Safety should not only refer to your location, relation, and situation when having sex but also the conditions which you have them under. That means using protective forms of contraception such as condoms and dental dams to prevent the spread/contracting of STDs. Stay safe, y’all!

Now, feel free to get in the comments and add to the conversation. You heard the song, Let’s Talk About Sex, Baby! Who knows, you just might learn something. We will also share some links to helpful websites like Scarleteen, that have plenty of experience in providing safe, helpful and informative sex-info, of which we can all benefit from learning more.

Also, let us know what topic you’d like us to cover next time or in more detail. S&M anyone? ;)