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The following is information to help people make decisions about how to keep sex healthy and pleasurable for themselves and their partners. These tips can be either read as a whole or dragged-and-dropped for easy sharing by website and app owners, as well as by public health organizations.

Sex is a fundamental part of life. From making out to all the positions found in the Kama Sutra to the vast world of kink, fetishes, and toys, it seems there are a million and one ways people find sexual pleasure. What follows is information to help you make decisions about how to keep sex healthy and pleasurable for yourselves and your partners.

Let’s start with three basics:

  1. Sex is supposed to be fun and feel good. That’s why we spend so much time thinking about it, planning for it, searching it out, and actually doing it. And most of the time – all of the time, if we’re lucky! – it does feel good to think about it, plan for it, search it out, and do it. If not – if ten minutes, or ten hours or ten days after sex you don’t feel good about it — check in with yourself: Why don’t you feel good about it? What could have made it feel better?
  2. Know what you want (and why). Sometimes you want sex because you want to feel someone next to you; sometimes you’re so horny you can’t think about anything else; and sometimes you want an intimate connection. And that means that you may want something very different from a one-night stand than from a main partner. The clearer you are with yourself about what’s driving you, the better the sex will feel. And that leads to the third basic point:
  3. Ask for what you want. The adage “different strokes for different folks” takes on a whole new meaning when it comes to sex. You may be into fucking, your partner may not be; they may want to fuck on the first date, you may want to wait; they may be into condoms, and you may not be. While putting your preferences in a profile screen may help signal your desires to a potential partner, it’s not a substitute for talking openly about what you do and don’t want. Always make sure to communicate before things get hot.

Almost everything we do carries some level of risk, from walking around our house to driving our car, from working out in the gym to enjoying adventure sports. Some risks, such as getting struck by lightning, are so small we rarely stop to think about them. Similarly, some sexual activities may carry a theoretical risk of HIV transmission, but the number of reported and confirmed cases of transmission resulting from them is very small.

And the good news about HIV, in particular, is this: it’s much harder to contract HIV than it is to catch the flu.

In any case, there are tools to minimize your risk. It’s up to you to decide the prevention option that is best to help you have healthier sex. HIV is transmitted through semen, blood, or front hole/vaginal fluids – which can be prevented by the use of condoms. Even if bodily fluids are exchanged, if you or your partner are HIV positive with an undetectable viral load or are HIV negative and on PrEP, then the likelihood of transmission falls to near zero.

Condoms & Lube

  • Condoms & lube work best when used together, and can prevent STDs, HIV, and pregnancy when used correctly.
  • Lube reduces the friction that can cause condoms to break or tear. Water-based or silicone-based lubes are best because oil-based lubes – such as petroleum jelly, mineral oil, massage oil, and body lotions – can cause latex to weaken and break.
  • But condoms are not always 100% percent effective in protecting against some STIs, such as HPV or herpes, which can infect areas that condoms don’t cover.

PrEP

  • PrEP stands for “Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis.” This is for HIV-negative people who want to protect themselves from HIV infection. The Pre in PrEP means that you can take prescription medications before you come in contact with HIV to help reduce your risk of contracting the virus. It’s not 100% effective – but, when taken daily, it’s pretty darned close. The more regularly you take it, the better it works.
  • When PrEP is combined with other prevention strategies, such as using condoms or TasP, (Treatment as Prevention, or taking HIV medications that not only keep HIV-positive people healthy, but also dramatically reduce HIV transmission), the risk of contracting HIV is minimized even further.

But remember that PrEP only protects against HIV, so use condoms if you want to protect yourself from other STIs as well.

PEP

  • PEP stands for “Post-Exposure Prophylaxis.” The Post in PEP means that you take prescription medications after you’ve been exposed to HIV. While PrEP, condoms, and HIV treatment are all very effective at preventing HIV transmission, sometimes during sex things can happen that leave you wondering if one of you got exposed to HIV. PEP is a great back-up. If you are HIV-negative and not on PrEP but recently had unprotected sex with a person whose HIV status you didn’t know, for example, consider taking PEP to prevent a possible HIV infection. If you have HIV, and think there’s a chance you exposed someone else to HIV, you can tell that person about PEP.
  • You need to start PEP medicines within 72 hours – the sooner the better. Talk to your doctor right away if you think you might have been infected. You can also get PEP medicines at your local hospital’s emergency room or at a 24-hour clinic.

Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Bacterial Meningitis, and HPV vaccines

  • You can get vaccinated against Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and bacterial meningitis caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. The CDC also recommends that everyone get the three shots required to be protected against HPV up to age 26. You may also want to consider HPV vaccination if you are between the ages of 27 and 45 and have not been previously vaccinated; you should discuss this with your provider.

Treatment as Prevention (TasP)

  • Taking HIV medications is wonderfully effective at keeping HIV-positive people healthy, and with every new advancement the medications get better – to the point where the life expectancy of people with HIV becomes closer and closer to that of HIV-negative individuals.
  • There’s an additional, important benefit to being on treatment. If you’re living with HIV, are on treatment, and have an undetectable viral load – meaning there’s so little virus in your body that it can’t be measured by a standard test – the odds of infecting someone during sex approach zero. This HIV prevention strategy is known as Treatment as Prevention, or TasP.
  • If you are HIV-negative and a person you’re planning to have sex with tells you they living with HIV, consider asking if they are taking HIV treatment and if they have an undetectable status. You can also talk about how to protect each other further by using other prevention options.

Evaluating Your Sexual Network

  • What is your sexual network? It’s how you’re connected to people sexually, and includes the people you’ve had sex with plus the people they’ve had sex with.
  • More sexual partners and more unprotected sex can mean increasing your chances of encountering an STI or HIV. But you can make adjustments to your sexual network to reduce your risk of contracting something.
  • You can reduce the number of people you have sex with; you can agree to be monogamous (and only have sex with your partner); or you can be abstinent (not have sex at all). Or you can make agreements about the kinds of sex you’ll have with a main partner and what you’ll have with casual partners.

With this information in mind you can now feel empowered the next time you have sex. Communicate with your partners about what you are and are not willing to do. Ultimately, the amount of risk you take on is a personal decision. Make the choice that’s right for you, and take care of your health – and your partner’s – as best you can. And don’t forget to HAVE FUN!

Understanding the different types of sex, and what each entails, will help you figure out what you want out of your sex life — and help you communicate better with your partners. Sex with a partner can be broadly bucketed into four types: anal, oral, mutual masturbation, and vaginal/front-hole. Sex toys, which can be used alone or with a partner, make up a fifth category.

Each type of sex will carry different risks when it comes to spreading STDs and HIV. The degree of risk depends mostly on how likely it is that body fluids will be exchanged between partners.

Take-Aways:

  • Condoms, PrEP, and Treatment as Prevention (TasP) are the most effective forms of protection against HIV before exposure. PEP is an effective means of protection against HIV after possible exposure. Condoms are the only form of protection against other STDs
  • While it’s safer to top than to bottom, either person can get STIs if not using condoms (and HIV, if neither one of you is on PrEP or HIV treatment)
  • Use lots of water- or silicone-based lube to prevent tearing during sex, especially when using condoms
  • Get screened for STIs and HIV every three months if you’re sexually active. Ask your doctor about screening for HPV-related anal and cervical cancers, as well as penile and mouth cancers, especially if you are HIV-positive or have receptive sex (i.e. bottoming).

Condomless anal sex is the easiest way for STIs/HIV to be transmitted during sex, although the exact degree of risk can depend on many factors. Acute HIV infection increases the likelihood of transmission during anal sex dramatically, and it is at this stage that most people are unaware they have HIV.

While being an insertive partner (i.e. topping) is generally less risky than bottoming, both are considered high-risk activities without condoms, PrEP, and/or living with an undetectable HIV viral load. Bottoming during anal sex is riskier because the rectal tissue is not only already more susceptible than our external skin to the spread of infection, it also lacks natural lubrication – which can lead to small tears during penetration that can give STIs and HIV direct access to the bloodstream. The chance of getting HIV for a bottom is greatest when someone cums in their butt. Still, pulling out does not greatly reduce risk of transmission, as pre-cum has been shown to contain high levels of HIV.

Poppers, and possibly douching, can increase risk for bottoms, because poppers increase increase the blood flow to rectal tissues and douching flushes out the mucus layers that lubricate and protect the rectal/gut wall, making it easier for HIV to enter your bloodstream.

Many other factors can also increase the likelihood of contracting HIV during anal sex. Having an existing STI can make all involved partners more susceptible, since inflamed tissue or open sores provide an easier route for HIV transmission.

In addition, rectal bleeding, caused by numerous things including hemorrhoids, certain STIs, herpes sores, the prior use of sex toys, and intense fingering/fisting, can increase the risk for both partners. If you notice uncontrolled rectal bleeding, you should seek medical attention right away.

Luckily, there are ways to reduce the chances of getting anything more than pleasure from anal sex. Using plenty of water- or silicone-based lube can prevent chafing and tears and make for a smoother ride. It’s important, particularly for a bottom, to relax before insertion and remember to take a break if anything starts to feel painful.

Protection from HIV infection can take on a number of forms, including condoms (roll-on and insertive), PrEP, and Treatment as Prevention (TaSP). PEP is an effective means of protecting yourself against HIV after possible exposure. Remember, though, that condoms are the best way to prevent passing along STIs.

If you don’t use these methods, there are also a number of alternative risk reduction strategies that, while not nearly as reliable or effective, have been shown to lead to better health outcomes than doing nothing at all. These include:

• strategic positioning, or sero-positioning, which means a negative partner takes only the top role with partners of positive or unknown status
• withdrawal, or having the top pull out before cumming in the bottom’s butt
• serosorting, or choosing partners whom you believe to have the same HIV status as you
• negotiating safety, or agreeing, between two HIV negative partners, that condoles sex with a regular HIV-negative partner is acceptable, while agreeing to disclose test results and sex outside the partnership (and limit risk with outside partners).

Whether you’re a top, bottom, or vers, it’s always a good idea to communicate with your partner about your HIV status and ask about theirs.

Also consider asking your doctor about screening for HPV-related anal cancers, as well as for penile and mouth cancers, especially if you are HIV-positive or bottom, and if any strange warts or lumps appear in those areas.

Helpful resources on how to have better anal sex:

Take-aways:

  • The risks of oral sex are different for different STIs. They also depend on what type of oral sex you’re having, and whether you’re the one giving or receiving. Generally, receiving oral sex is safer than giving it.
  • The risk of HIV transmission is extremely low during oral sex. However, there is a higher risk of contracting other STIs, such as gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, HPV, and herpes.
  • Get screened for STIs and HIV every three months if you’re sexually active. Ask your doctor about screening for HPV-related mouth cancers if you notice any strange lumps or warts in those areas.

Oral sex includes fellatio, or sucking/blowjob/giving head (mouth-to-penis); cunnilingus, or eating out (mouth-to-vagina/front hole); and analingus, or rimming (mouth-to-butt). It’s possible to get an STI in the mouth/throat by performing oral sex. It’s also possible, but less likely, to get an infection while receiving from a partner who has an infection in his or her mouth/throat, though the risk of becoming infected while receiving is generally lower. HIV transmission is very unlikely through any type of oral sex.

To reduce your risk of infection, keep the mucous membranes in your mouth healthy. A good risk-reduction strategy is to avoid oral sex for about 45 minutes after you brush your teeth, floss, or have dental work, and not having it at all if you have open sores. The most effective prevention strategy against all STIs is to use condoms or dental dams during oral sex; condoms, PrEP, and TasP are the most effective at preventing HIV transmission.

Sucking

Blowjobs can be a significant part of your sex life. While there have been cases of HIV transmission through oral sex, they’re very, very, very uncommon.

STIs commonly transmitted through sucking include gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia for all involved partners; HPV (genital warts) for the one sucking; oral herpes (HSV-1) on the genitals for the one getting sucked; and a few others.

Here are a few facts about STIs commonly passed along through oral sex:

  • HPV is the leading cause of throat cancer, with the risk of transmission increasing with the number of oral sex partners
  • While there is a slight risk of getting genital herpes (HSV-2) in the mouth from giving head or eating someone out, the risk is greater that a person receiving a blowjob will contract HSV-1 (oral herpes) around their genitals from a partner
  • While there is a theoretical risk of hepatitis B or hepatitis C transmission if cum or blood is exchanged through sucking, there have been no documented cases of this happening. But people are at increased risk of getting hepatitis A and shigella if they suck on a penis that has just been inside a butt
  • Fortunately, there are safe and effective vaccines available for hepatitis A and B and certain low- and high-risk strains of HPV

While it is safest to avoid having your partner ejaculate in your mouth, if you do get a taste of cum (or precum) it is best to spit or swallow rather than let it sit in your mouth. If you’re taking PrEP every day as prescribed or performing oral sex on a partner who is undetectable, HIV transmission is very unlikely. Using condoms while sucking can add a further layer of protection. Flavored condoms and lube are an option if you hate the taste.

Eating out

Eating out a vagina/front hole (i.e. cunnilingus) is considered a very low risk activity for almost all STIs. However, a receptive partner does run the risk of contracting oral herpes in their genital area from the person eating them out; it is rarer for the giver to contract genital herpes around their mouth. There is potential risk for HPV transmission. The risk of HIV transmission, on the other hand, is extremely low for all involved partners. The reliability of reports of cases of transmission from eating out is questionable. Still, dental dams are an effective means of protection against all possible STIs, and PrEP and TasP are effective against HIV.

Tips on how to eat out.

Rimming

Rimming, or licking someone’s butthole for sexual pleasure, is generally considered a low-risk activity for most STIs, and an activity that has very, very, very unlikely risk for HIV transmission. However, certain parasitic and bacterial infections that affect the digestive system, such as shigella, giardiasis, cryptosporidium, and amebiasis, may be passed along to the giver. Washing your ass (or having a partner wash theirs) beforehand can make this less likely.

There is also risk of Hepatitis A transmission if you are not vaccinated for it, and a theoretical risk of contracting HPV for the person doing the rimming. The theoretical risk of HIV infection for the giver stems from the presence of blood in the rectum (as a result, for instance, of intense fingering, fisting, or using sex toys). Dental dams, PrEP, and TasP are all effective means of protection against this minimal risk of HIV. Dental dams also further protect against parasitic infections and other STIs.

Tips on how to eat an ass by porn star Levi Michaels.

Take-aways

  • Condomless vaginal/front-hole sex has a high risk of STI and HIV transmission for all involved partners. The risk is greater for a receptive partner.
  • Condoms, PrEP, and TasP are extremely effective forms of protection against HIV transmission. PEP is an effective means of protection against HIV after possible exposure. Condoms are the only method that can prevent both pregnancy and STIs/HIV when not using birth control and/or PrEP.
  • Withdrawal before ejaculation seems to be more effective in reducing transmission during vaginal/front-hole sex than anal sex, but condoms and PrEP are still the most effective for HIV prevention.

Along with recommended frequent HIV and STI testing, people with vaginas/front holes should also make sure to get screened for HPV-related cervical cancer as recommended by their provider during their regular gynecological or pelvic health check-up.

The sexuality, genital anatomy, and type of sex trans people with vaginas/front holes have varies based on their identity and whether they have decided to take hormones and/or have bottom surgery. If you’re trans, or considering a partner who’s trans, you may want to check out two great resources, Safer Sex for Trans Bodies and Primed: A Guide for Trans Men Into Men, both of which are provided in BHOC’s Resources for Trans Inclusivity.

Vaginal/front hole sex can lead to pregnancy, so if you’re not trying to get pregnant any time soon, consider birth control, such as condoms (roll-on and insertive) or contraception (such as the pill or IUDs). It is possible for trans men who have not had hysterectomies to get pregnant, even if they are on testosterone, since testosterone is not an effective birth control method. Condoms are the only method that can prevent both pregnancy and STIs/HIV when used alone when used without birth control or PrEP.

Condomless vaginal/front hole sex is considered riskier than both mutual masturbation and oral sex when it comes to the transmission of almost all STIs, but generally less risky than condomless anal sex. Similar to oral and anal sex, the person being penetrated has a higher chance of STI/HIV infection than the insertive partner. Also, it is possible to pass along yeast infections during vaginal/front-hole sex. And switching from the butt to the vagina/front-hole while fucking or fingering without washing in between can increase a person’s chance of getting a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Many factors affect the level of HIV risk associated with vaginal/front-hole sex, including the viral load of an HIV-positive partner, the presence of STIs, vaginal/front hole health, douching, and circumcision.

Condoms are the only way of preventing STI infection during vaginal/front-hole sex, and PrEP and TasP are also extremely effective in preventing HIV transmission. Withdrawal before ejaculation seems to be more effective in reducing transmission during vaginal/front-hole sex than in anal sex, although condoms and PrEP are still the most effective.

Take-aways:

  • Mutual masturbation is as safe as it gets, other than masturbating alone. There’s a small risk of getting one of the STIs that’s transmissible by skin-to-skin contact (for example, herpes, HPV, or even crabs)
  • If you’re into fisting, wash your hands, use lube to prevent tearing, and keep your fingernails short. You may want to try using insertive condoms, latex gloves, or finger cots (for fingering) to prevent STI and HIV infection. The biggest risk from fisting comes from fucking afterwards without a condom

Mutual masturbation usually involves fingering, hand jobs, and fisting – basically, anything you can do to get your partner off with your hands. While having sex with your hands is one of the safest kinds of sex, there are still some risks.  Your hands carry potentially harmful bacteria that can cause urinary tract infections, and having open cuts or sores on your hands or coming into direct contact with any types of lesions, growths, or discharges from your partner could plausibly result in the spread of STIs. Some STIs only require skin-to-skin contact to be transmitted, such as HPV, herpes, syphilis, and crabs. Still, masturbating with someone else is about as low risk as it gets.

A few strategies can help reduce risk even more. Make sure to wash your hands. And don’t forget to keep your fingernails short and use lots of lube before sticking your hands anywhere. It’s important to prevent small tears in your skin, which could increase the risk of contracting an STI, especially if you’re engaging in riskier types of sex later on.

Handjobs

Jacking off someone poses no risk of HIV transmission.

Fingering

While it is theoretically possible that someone who has an open cut or fresh abrasion on their finger or hand can be infected with HIV if coming into contact with blood in the anus or vagina/front hole, there has never been a documented case of HIV transmission via fingering. Therefore, HIV risk very, very, very unlikely.

Fisting

Helpful resources and instructions on how to make fisting fun and healthy:

In terms of STIs and HIV, the biggest risk from fisting is actually not from the fisting itself, but from having sex without condoms right after. Consider using insertive condoms or latex gloves to reduce risk of transmission of STIs and HIV. If you decide not to use condoms but want to cut the risk of HIV transmission, consider fucking first and then fisting. Fisting first may cause tears and bleeding in the butt, making barebacking afterwards more risky for HIV transmission. Fisting while on PrEP or with an undetectable partner will also provide protection from HIV.

While fisting, make sure to start with your fingers, and take it slow when going in and out with your hand. Also use plenty of lube: There’s never such a thing as too much lube during fisting. If you plan to go from fisting first to fucking afterwards you should consider using water-based lube; oil-based lubes can get messy and damage latex condoms later. You can also choose to use non-latex condoms afterwards.

Take-aways:

  • Use plenty of lube when inserting sex toys, such as dildos and vibrators, up your butt or vagina/front hole. Start small and work your way up to bigger toys.
  • Keep your toys clean by washing them with soap and water after each use.
  • Avoid sharing toys with partners unless you wash them or use a new condom between when you and your partners use them.
  • Silicone, hard plastic, and glass are good choices for non-toxic sex toys.

Sex toys can be an exciting addition to playing in the bedroom. But there are a few things to keep in mind to stay healthy while having fun. First, use plenty of lube when inserting dildos, butt plugs, vibrators, beads or any other toy up your or someone else’s butt or vagina/front hole. This will help minimize the risk of cuts and abrasions during sex. Be sure to use the right lube for the right toy, since some silicone-based lubes can have a chemical reaction with silicone toys that breaks them down.

When sticking things up your butt, start small and work your way up to bigger toys, and avoid pushing objects up too far. If you manage to get a toy stuck up there, try to relax and push it out slowly, using lots of lube and a pushing motion while squatting. Sometimes a warm bath can also help to relax your muscles. If this doesn’t work, don’t be too embarrassed to visit your local emergency department – you certainly won’t be the first case the doctors there have seen!

Make sure to keep your toys clean by washing them with hot water and soap after each use on yourself or your partner; germs can live in scratches, cracks, and holes on the toy. Some toys have pieces with batteries that can’t get wet, so read the instructions provided with your toy on how to wash and store them.

Don’t share sex toys, because sharing them or using them on multiple partners could spread HIV and STIs through the exchange of fluids such as blood, anal mucus, or vaginal fluids. If toys are the right shape and size, covering them with a condom – making sure you put a new condom on if you’re using it with a partner — will also help prevent the transmission of STIs and HIV. PrEP is also an effective means of protecting yourself against HIV. You can get extra large condoms if your toy is on the bigger side; insertive condoms are useful for such toys.

Silicone and hard plastic are good choices for non-toxic sex toys. Some other sex toys can have chemicals that can leach out of the plastic, vinyl, or rubber and into the skin, potentially causing itching and rashes. Many also contain phthalates, which is considered a possible human carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Sex addiction – and porn addiction – may not affect your STI or HIV risk at all.  But it can, if it increases your number of partners in real life.

Sex should feel great. Feeling compelled to have sex often doesn’t. Some experts use the term “sex addiction” as acting on those compulsive thoughts. Others prefer to call it hypersexual behavior. Both can be characterized as having many partners or watching a lot of pornography. There is a range of psychological and neurological mechanisms that can be related to compulsive sexual behavior.

Recent studies have also shown that watching pornography can also affect the kinds of behavior some people engage on in real life.

Here are some warning signs that someone’s behavior might be compulsive or addictive:

  • A need for a greater frequency or higher intensity of behavior to achieve the desired effect (tolerance)
  • Physical or psychological feelings of withdrawal when unable to engage in the behavior
  • Desire or unsuccessful attempts to decrease or stop the behavior
  • Neglecting important social, work, or school activities because of the behavior
  • Continuing the behavior despite suffering physical or psychological problems because of or worsened by the sexual behavior

There are a number of different approaches to addressing sexual addiction and hypersexuality. These include behavioral therapy and twelve-step programs. Twelve-step programs include Sexaholics Anonymous, Sex Addicts Anonymous, Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous, and others.

For articles on how porn may affect behavior, click here.

Adapted from MedicineNet.com, Mayo Clinic

We often don’t hear about domestic or intimate partner violence among queer and trans people; however, researchers believe that violence in our relationships happens at about the same rate as violence in heterosexual/cisgender relationships.

Similarly, our culture has thought of rape and sexual assault as something that largely affects cisgender girls and women, which can often make it difficult for cisgender men and trans people of any sexual orientation to figure out when to step forward and seek services for sexual assault.

Here are some resources if you or a friend has survived sexual violence:

Find additional safety planning information here if you need to leave an abusive relationship.

Use your profile:

Sometimes it’s easier to include how you keep yourself and your partners healthy in your profiles instead of in person. By saying up front that you use PrEP, keep an undetectable viral load, and/or use condoms, you have a better chance of finding someone who’s a good fit. Some apps also let you list your alcohol and drug use preferences. You can also help avoid the unpleasant surprise of finding out later that someone isn’t a good fit. Most apps have those features as well as letting you list your HIV status if you want and when you last got tested. Some now use search functions–like Adam4Adam– or tagging systems like Grindr’s #Tags, which allow you to find other people who might also be #poz, use #condoms, or are looking for #safersex. 

Make sure to do a profile check up:

Sometimes our safer sex practices change. Make sure your profile is up-to-date every time you get tested or monthly.

Telling someone it’s not a match:

Whether your safer sex practices aren’t compatible, or if you’re just not attracted to someone on the app, it might not be a match. Being honest and polite can help end a conversation with no hard feelings. Here are some ways app users have found successful:

  • “I don’t think this is a match for me.”
  • “I’m not interested, but thanks for reaching out.”
  • “It sounds like we are interested in different things. I hope you find what you’re looking for!”

Have the convo about sexual health before you meet up:

So you’ve found someone who might be a good fit! You may want to have some further conversation. Whether you’re asking someone about their HIV status or their safer sex practices, it’s important to:

  • Do your homework. Some apps have resources for you to learn about what sexual health profile options mean. If you see someone list that they are “undetectable” in their profile, there are helpful resources to learn what that means so you don’t have to ask a potential hookup to educate you. Some people are happy to explain, but others don’t want to have to be a teacher. Many apps have links to that information built in–you can also find tons of information about sexual health here.
  • Be respectful. Ask permission to talk about potentially sensitive topics. For example, if someone says they are living with HIV in their profile, you may want to say, “Hey, I saw that your profile said you’re HIV-positive. Are you okay if I ask some questions about that to see if this might be a good fit?”
  • No one wants to be judged about their sexual health or drug/alcohol preferences. Words like “clean” or “addict” can hurt someone’s feelings and aren’t necessary to say if you aren’t interested in someone.

Sometimes it can be difficult to know how to respectfully ask questions about HIV & STI status and safer sex practices. Try these:

  • “When did you last get tested? I’m living with HIV and undetectable, and I last got an STI test two months ago.”
  • “I’m on PrEP. Anything I should know about your status?”
  • “Your profile says you’re undetectable. When was your last check-up?”

Tell someone you tested positive for an STI or COVID:

You had lots of fun with someone. Now, you’ve just gotten tested and need to tell them about a positive result. Even though testing positive can make you feel embarrassed, it’s important to remember: you did the right thing by getting tested and should feel proud you did. Find a clinic to get further testing and treatment. If you want to tell a sex partner that you tested positive, here are some ideas:

  • “Meeting up was really hot. Here’s the thing: just got tested and my doctor told me I have gonorrhea. Wanted you to know so you can get checked. Let me know how your test goes.”
  • “Hey, turns out I have COVID. I think we might have hooked up while I was positive so you might need to get a test and isolate. Let me know if there’s anything I can share to help. Thanks for understanding.”

If telling someone anonymously feels easier, there are two resources to help send anonymous texts or emails. TellYourPartner.org lets you share a positive HIV or STI result, and TellYourContacts.org lets you share a positive COVID result. 

However you decide to tell someone you’ve tested positive is up to you. But doing so allows them to take care of their health, too. Here are more ways to talk about a positive result.

So, what is cruising?

In short, cruising is engaging in sexual acts in public or semi-public spaces. Cruising is a way of life for many people, not just gay, bi, and queer men and other MSM. It can be a liberating reclamation of queer space, albeit with potential dangers. Cruising in the time of ongoing pandemics and their aftermath can be a different way to connect while reducing your risk for viruses that rely on indoor, close contact to spread (read more about that below).

Because cruising is done in public, it can be difficult to always know where to go. Usually, people on dating apps or other queer people in your community will have ideas of where cruising is popular. Some usual spots are:

  • Public bathrooms
  • Cruising bars and clubs
  • Gay saunas
  • Cruising parks
  • Gay cruising beaches

Cruising can also be digital, like checking out your Grindr grid or hitting up a Sniffies cruising dropped pin. You can also use geolocation apps when out in public to safely screen potential hookups and agree on a shared public space. There’s no one way to cruise, so make it your own.

Cruising Safely

Personal Safety:

  • When cruising, consider sharing your location with a trusted person who can check in on you later.
  • Remain aware of your surroundings, and trust your intuition if anything feels wrong.
  • Avoid carrying a lot of money or valuables when meeting up.
  • Remember that consent is a critical component of safer cruising, and it is important that anyone knows that they can revoke their consent at any time for any reason. If you are not interested in someone, it’s ok to say so.
  • If you are attacked or hurt by someone when cruising, you can get support and submit a report to the Anti-Violence Project here or call their bilingual English/Spanish hotline: (212) 714 -1141.

Digital Safety:

  • It’s up to you to set your boundaries around digital safety. Before meeting up with anyone, decide how much information you want to share.
  • Be wary of sending easily identifiable photos (such as your face, those with tattoos or identifiable markings). Consider cropping your face or blurring those markings in any photos you send.
  • Do not link your social media to your dating profile.
  • Refrain from sharing personal info (full name, work place, home address, etc) with people you are just meeting in cruising space or on the apps.

For more information on digital security, check out Grindr’s Holistic Security Guide.

Sexual Health:

  • Before you meet up, make sexual health a part of the discussion. Talk about plans for condom use and the STI and vaccination status (Monkeypox, COVID, hepatitis, meningitis, etc.) of each person involved.
  • Consider asking how often your hookups are getting tested for HIV, STIs, and COVID.
  • If you want to use condoms, make sure to bring your own along with some lube.
  • Make a plan for HIV prevention before you get there, including taking your HIV meds or taking PrEP.

Drug Use and Harm Reduction:

  • If you’re using, make sure to bring your own drugs and test any drugs for fentanyl before using them (see the DOPE Project’s fact sheet for testing).
  • The same goes for your supplies. Bring your own to reduce your risk of HIV or Hepatitis C.
  • If possible, carry Naloxone/Narcan (a drug that when sprayed into the nose or injected, quickly reverses the powerful effects of opioids during an overdose) in case of emergency.
  • Opt for using less than you normally do when around strangers, or in an unfamiliar area. This may help you stay more alert in case anything goes wrong.

You can read more harm reduction here, including where to find supplies and overdose prevention support.

How does COVID and Monkeypox Virus (MPOX) impact cruising?

It is obvious why cruising and public hookups became challenging as COVID forced many public spaces to close. Still, because cruising is fundamental in the lives of many queer people, it is important to reduce the potential harm of COVID–and now MPOX–with these tips and tricks for safer cruising.

  • Understand that reducing your chance of getting COVID and MPOX during cruising may look different. COVID and MPOX do share some things in common – people are more likely to get it with close contact, indoors, over longer periods of time. Keep those general ideas in mind when planning any public sex. See safer sex tips for COVID and safer sex tips for MPOX at these links.
  • Try new positions. Explore new sexual positions that will not only elevate the experience as a whole, but also reduce potential exposure to COVID and MPOX. Lower contact sexual positions, such as fisting, can maximize pleasure while keeping folks as distant as possible.
  • Or take a hands off approach. Jerking off together at a distance or showing off your assets on a video call can be a great way to tap into your inner voyeur or exhibitionist. If you’re into a higher tech option, staying in your own space and using bluetooth/remote sex toys with someone you want to tease can be a hot change to your usual.
  • Mask4Mask: Wearing a mask during a hookup can bump up the kink factor while ensuring a safer COVID and MPOX experience. There are even some masks that cover the mouth, nose, and eyes–anon sex, anyone? Not only can face coverings, kink hoods and styled masks make a statement, but they can also serve as a barrier and better protect everyone involved.
  • Use a Glory Hole (COVID-specific): A timeless classic in queer cruising, the infamous “Glory Hole” can be repurposed as a safer COVID alternative. The wall is utilized as a barrier which both keeps anonymity and reduces possible exposure to COVID airborne particles. Putting hands and genitals in, or up against, the glory hole allows for queer cruising and pleasure while maintaining a safer social distance.

Combining safety, consent, and creativity the centuries-old act of queer cruising, especially during the ongoing pandemics, is easier then you might think. So, the next time you’re looking for something public, remember there are effective ways to protect yourself (and others) while still having a good time. Queer communities have faced scrutiny over our sex lives and connected through pandemics before. Cruising is a testament to our resiliency.

What is consent?

Consent is a personally motivated participation in sexual activity that is established through a genuine process mode of communication: verbal, non-verbal reciprocation, body language and cues. “Consensual” acts are defined by the participation of all individuals freely without coercion. In short it is a sober and enthusiastic “yes” before any activity.

How do we give consent to others?

Consent is often given vocally through an affirmation. Consent can also be given with a physical cue such as a head nod, “thumbs up”, etc that signifies a “yes”.

Alex and Ben just went on a great date and are headed back to Ben’s house for a drink. Alex wants to hook up with Ben and Ben is open to hooking up with Alex but neither have made a move yet. Once inside Ben’s house the two begin sipping their drink and talking more candidly about their sex lives. Alex makes a move on Ben and leans in for a kiss unprompted. Ben reels back and is off-put by the sudden gesture. Alex is confused, since they were speaking so openly about their sex lives and flirting all night.

Alex: What’s wrong? I thought you were into this.
Ben: I’m open to hooking up but I like to be asked first. I have some trauma around sex.
Alex: I apologize for not asking first before kissing you. Do you want to kiss?
Ben: Yes.

Consent Looks Like:

  • Asking permission before you change the type or degree of sexual activity with phrases like “Is this OK?”
  • Confirming that there is reciprocal interest before initiating any physical touch.
  • Letting your partner know that you can stop at any time.
  • Periodically checking in with your partner, such as asking “Is this still okay?”
  • Providing positive feedback when you’re comfortable with an activity.
  • Explicitly agreeing to certain activities, either by saying “yes” or another affirmative statement, like “I’m open to trying.”
  • Using physical or verbal cues to let the other person know you’re comfortable taking things to the next level

Once consent is given then everything is good right?

Not true. Consent is fluid and can be given or revoked AT ANY TIME. You should ask for consent before engaging in a new activity. It is good practice in developing a culture of consent to “check-in” routinely during sex.

Picking up again with Alex and Ben. The two have been kissing for a while and Alex is hoping they will hook up. Alex starts moving his hand down to Ben’s crotch without asking, he remembers that Ben gave a “yes” earlier when he asked about hooking up. Ben stops Alex’s hand.

Ben: Hey, I don’t know if I am comfortable with hooking up tonight.
Alex: I thought you said you said you were?
Ben: No, I said yes to kissing.
Alex: Oh, I see. I’m sorry, kissing is fine. 

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