PROTECT

Transgender/GenderQueer Safer Sex

Being trans or genderqueer may increase our risk for HIV and other STDs. Changes in sex drive, sexual orientation when transitioning, discomfort or dissociation with our bodies, and/or our need for acceptance from others may increase the chance we will engage in higher risk sexual activities. Most STDs, like HIV, are spread through direct contact with another person's body fluids: blood to blood (needle sharing, menstrual blood, bleeding wounds), cum or semen (vaginal, oral, or anal sex), and vaginal fluids (vaginal or oral sex). If using dildos or other sex toys, cover them with condoms or other barriers and change the barrier between partners. Wash all sex toys with bleach and water when done playing, especially whips or floggers that can't be covered with a latex or other barrier. Washing helps reduce the risk of spreading anything between you and your partner(s). By snipping off the tip and cutting a condom lengthwise, you can unroll it to create a "dam" or square for oral sex or anal rimming. You can also purchase dams at local sex or pleasure shops. Putting lube on the side touching your partner may increase their pleasure. Use gloves or finger cots if you put your fingers or hands into a vagina or ass. Change gloves between anal and vaginal contact. Those who have had a metoidioplasty or phalloplasty, and are having sex where they are the insertive partner, should use condoms. You may need to use finger cots or the Reality/Female condom rather than regular "male" condoms because of size. If you have severe or cystic acne on the face, chest, or back, avoid direct contact with bodily fluids on those areas.

Cool resources:
PRIMED - a trans MSM safer sex resource from Toronto
Safer Sex Zine for Transguys
Trans-health.com Online health/fitness zine for TS/TG folks