This June let's celebrate love without judgement! Whoever or however you choose to love, experience pleasure and intimacy, we stand with you this pride month! 

We applaud how the youth of our generation has become more liberal in the modern era - holding more socially and politically progressive attitudes on an overall. Most countries still report that comprehensive sexuality education is still lacking and not relevant nor inclusive towards LGBTQIA+.

Which sadly means a lot of queer individuals would be getting misconstructed information when it comes to sexual wellness and safety growing up. Everyone deserves to experience pleasure freely and without judgement.

So while we continue to provide break barriers and taboos, here's are some LGBTQIA+ pleasure guides and safe care tips to help you on your self-discovery. (Bear in mind that this may not be a fully comprehensible guide and there are certain areas that may require you to speak to a trusted health professional).

1. Solo Sexploration 

When it comes to exploring your sexuality, body mapping may be a helpful tool for you to learn more about your sexual organs. Using your senses, explore what each part of your body smells, tastes, looks and feels like. Masturbation is also another way you can explore your body and uncover what makes you orgasm and climax. 
Masturbation comes with an extensive range of benefits as well. To learn more, click here!
These practices can prove to be very empowering and is important for queer individuals to find out different ways they like to be touched in ways that feel affirming and pleasurable. 

2. The Two Most Important” Cs”, Communication And Consent

Sexual consent is, by definition, a voluntary agreement between all parties to engage in activities of a sexual nature. What about when someone is intoxicated? This can be tricky to navigate, but keep in mind that consent should be clear, ongoing, voluntary and coherent. This consent can be revoked and altered at any time. Meaning, someone might change their mind before or during sex. It is of utmost importance that you honor their choice. Consenting to one thing does not mean they have consented to everything. So, make sure you check in regularly and communicate! 

Some ways you can ask for consent are:

 “May I kiss you?”

“Would you like to be touched right now?”

“Can I share the steamy nude I just took fresh out of the shower with you?”

Some physical and verbal cues for consent include:

“No”

“I don’t know”

“I’m not sure.”

Shaking their head, moving away or looking uncomfortable or upset.

These lists are not exhaustive and don’t cover every aspect of consent. But if whatever the other party is doing faintly resemble any of the above. Then you do not have their consent. 

Talk to each other! Communication will truly prove to be the spice of your sexual life. Sharing with your partner what you like and dislike are part and parcel of communication. Words of affirmation that they’d like to hear during sexual intercourse and discussing what it means to be safe during sex. Discuss if you enjoy topping, bottoming or if you’re versatile. 

Not nearly enough people communicate before, during and after sex. Asking for consent, checking in during sex and post sex cuddles and wellness are all a part of healthy communication. 

3. Sexual Health & Safer Sex

Safer sex means looking out for yours and your partner’s sexual health. Safer sex protects you from getting, or transmitting, sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Although some STIS can be cured, others, such as HIV and herpes, cannot. This may all sound pretty terrifying, but it doesn’t have to be! We have some simple tips and tricks that can empower you to make safer choices and decisions to safeguard your own health. 

Examples of practicing safe sex include:

• talking about safer sex means with a sexual partner before you have sex with them
• always using a condom or dental dam if you have vaginal, oral or anal sex
• saying no if your partner won’t use a condom or dental dam
• not having sex (even with a condom or dental dam) if your partner has a visible sore, ulcer or lump on their genitals or anal area
• using condoms on sex toys and washing them afterwards
• getting tested if you may have been exposed to an STI. 

Over 1 million STIs are acquired every day. The majority which are asymptomatic. The safest way to know if you may be at risk of transmitting an infection? Get a sexual health checkup. Not only does it put you at an ease of mind, it ensures that sex between you and your partner(s) remains safe. 

Thanks to modern technology, sexual telehealth consultations mean that sexual health is more accessible and more private! Gone were the days where you may risk seeing someone you know at the sexual heath clinic, everything can be done online. In the privacy of your own home, there should be no excuses from you or your partner. 

Navigating the wonderful world of sex can be daunting and as a queer individual you may feel like an outsider that who doesn't fit in. But know that your imperfections make you uniquely perfect. Don't be afraid to take ownership of your identity, be kind to yourself and love yourself fiercely because you are deserving of it!