Bicycle Porn

I wasn't exactly sure what to expect when I came across this art project, but after seeing the trailer I must say that I'm intrigued.

Pornography evokes a lot of mixed ideas in my head. I mean, I'm definitely pro-sex, but porn (at least in its mainstream/popular forms) can be kind of disturbing, especially where issues of consent are concerned and it seems more like rape being caught on tape instead of one/two/many people getting off. I feel that porn often perpetuates heteronormative and misogynist ideas about what sex should look like and who should be having this kind of sex. I'm not saying that all pornography is like this, but that this is just how I've felt most of the times I've watched mainstream porn. How does anyone else feel?

In any case, I'm very curious to see how bicycle porn plays out! You can check out the trailer here if you're interested.

Warning: video contains bicycle pornography in its raw form :P

- Alice

5 Myths About Sex

1. A woman cannot get pregnant when she's menstruating.
- Everyone's menstrual cycle is different and not completely stable. It is true that ovulation tends to occur before one's period; however, ovulation can periodically occur during or shortly after menstruation. Moreover, sperm can live in the vagina between 5 and 7 days.

The final verdict: pregnancy is extremely unlikely but always a possibility.

2. Withdrawal (pulling-out) is a safe method of contraception.
- This method is only about 19% effective, in comparison to using condoms which is about 99% effective. According to www.sexualityu.ca, pre-ejaculatory fluids from the penis can contain thousands of sperm. A friend of mine swears by this method because he hasn't gotten his long-term partner pregnant yet. But there could be other reasons why pregnancy has never occurred (ie: fertility, endometriosis, no sex during/near ovulation etc.)

The final verdict: Why take the risk when you could be covered up to 99% sans hormonal birth control? But if this has worked for you without any problems, power to you lol. Please not that this method also does not protect individuals against STIs & HIV.

3. Only people who sleep around get STIs or HIV.
- First of all, the assumption is that monogamous relationships are safe relationships. This is not true. There are people who are married for years and then suddenly contract HIV. I'm not saying that you shouldn't trust your partner, but that you shouldn't be under the impression that you are ever 100% safe.

- Secondly, I can't excuse the underlying value judgment inherent in this statement. I'm referring to the idea that "sleeping around" is somehow dangerous or bad (and skanky or slutty for women). Sometimes sex is just...well, sex. If you're uncomfortable having more than one sexual partner at a time then that's right for you, but that's not right for everyone.

The final verdict: if you have a sexual partner(s) you are always at risk of contracting something.

4. Hormonal birth control ensures the safety of your sex.
- Although these are very effect methods of contraception (anti-pregnancy), hormonal birth controls do not protect individuals from STIs & HIV.

The final verdict: protect yourself!!!

5. Oral sex isn't "Real" sex so I won't get an infection or disease.
- Firstly, there is yet another value judgment inherent in this statement. That "Real" sex is only that which occurs during heterosexual penis in vagina penetration. This devalues any sexual relationships which are not heterosexual, and any sex that falls outside this definition.

- Secondly, there are different risks for different sex methods and individuals. Here's an STD chart that we posted last month which outlines what to expect when engaging in sex. The risks involved in giving or receiving oral sex for women include herpes and possibly genital warts. This risks involved for giving or receiving for men include chlamydia, gonorrhea, hep a, herpes, genital warts, shigella, syphilis, hep b, hiv, and possibily hep c.

The final verdict: Sex is not limited to heterosexual intercourse. Masturbation, oral stimulation, anal sex, hand stimulation etc. etc. etc. are all sex! All sex (even masturbation if you have warts on your hands) can cause infection.

- Alice

Oral Sex and STD/Is

Though the likelihood of getting HIV from oral sex is relatively low (unless there is a cut sore sore in the mouth (i.e. from dental work) through which infected semen/vaginal fluid can enter the body) there are plenty of STD/Is that are easily transmitted through unprotected oral sex. The most common of these is herpes (which is treatable but cannot be cured). Other common ones are gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphillis and non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) (these can usually be treated with antibiotics - usually, not always).

Here is a table of STD/Is and associated risks which might help clear things up:
STD Chart

ET TESTED AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR!

- Vivian