PETER TATCHELL on How to Make Safer Sex Sexy
"Safer sex education is a shambles. It starts too late,
it is vague and euphemistic, and it comes across as boring and a sacrifice. How can we change this? I suggest these priorities:
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Lessons on safer sex should begin in primary school and become explicit
at secondary level. Why so early? Young people nowadays typically have
their first sexual experience aged 14. They need HIV prevention advice
before they start having sex.
'Sex up' the way safer sex is taught. Teachers should be encouraged to
promote safer sex as a different - not inferior - way of achieving sexual
fulfilment.
Teachers should offer sexually explicit 'how to' guides that show condom
use and non-penetrative sex as fun and satisfying. Arousing images should
be used to create a mental connection between getting turned on and playing
safe.
Condoms shouldn't be seen as a bore and sacrifice, lessons should highlight
their positive advantages: they enable men to keep going 'stronger and
longer'. Emphasise their staying power and that they give enhanced pleasure
to both partners.
Teachers should present oral sex and mutual masturbation as alternatives
to penetrative sex that carry no risk of conception and a low risk of
HIV - no worries about unwanted conceptions, no need to use the pill or
condoms."
For information on Peter Tatchell's campaigns: www.petertatchell.net
