This last year has been full of ups and downs. The announcement that the province would be opening up in time for Stampede felt like the perfect time to forget the chaos that the world has been in since the Covid-19 pandemic started. While we want everyone to enjoy themselves, there are a couple things you can do this year to keep yourselves extra safe.
TAKE CONDOMS. It’s the easiest way to protect yourself. If you think there’s even the slightest chance of hooking up, having a condom in your bag will save you all sorts of hassle. This goes for everyone, they’re easy enough to pick up that there’s really no excuse and the responsibility shouldn’t land solely on the penis owner.
Don’t swing that way? Cool, check out dental dams! Dental dams can help prevent the spread of STIs during cunnilingus. There are some great flavours, so you can add an extra level of enjoyment to the escapade.
CONSENT. Consent is THE MOST important part of safe sex. Check in with your hook up regularly, consent can be revoked at any point. And watch the level of intoxication!
While condoms and consent are *OUR* number one consideration, Covid adds an extra layer of precautions. How can you still have fun and avoid Covid?
BC’s Government stated the safest way to have random intercourse during the pandemic would be to use a glory hole, and while I *love* the ingenuity of this, there’s no promise of a bunch of accessible glory holes downtown.. maybe there is and no one has told us.
Covid-19 is primarily spread via liquid droplets in saliva and breathing fluids (coughs, sneezes, singing, etc). The virus has been found in semen, but it is not yet known if it can be sexually transmitted. Obviously, if you’re not feeling well you should just skip that hook up, grab the persons number and try again when you’re feeling better, but here are some other ways you can protect yourself and your potential partner.
- Before sex, wash your hands.. like actually wash them with soap. If you’re hooking up in public, there’s likely a washroom around you could tidy up in first. Better yet, just have sex in the bathroom.
- Be aware that heavy breathing during sex creates more droplets and can transmit Covid-19. You could mask up, or try positions where you’re not face to face.
- Avoid kissing, I mean, are you really missing out? Sloppy kisses that taste like Budweiser are not always the best anyway.
- Use lube. Seriously. Lube + Condom = friction free safe fun. Make sure you find some condom safe lube (there’s some great small 1oz flavoured lubes you could throw in your pocket or handbag with a condom).
We know that Stampede is an exciting time to let loose, eat too much fried food and indulge. We are here for it and hope everyone enjoys themselves. And hey, sex is a great way to relieve some of the stress and tension that has likely built up over the past year of stay home orders, and the back and forth from the government. Enjoy that hook up! Hell, hook up while eating something deep fried- just do so safely. Be prepared, and protect yourself.
