It’s that time of year again. Pride season will be in full force this month, and continue through the summer. here are a few important things to keep in mind for good sexual health this Pride season. Photo: David M. Mosqueda
This column is part of an on-going health series to offer useful news and tools that will help empower LGBTQ+ readers to make informed choices about their health.
It’s that time of year again. Pride season will be in full force this month, and continue through the summer. Whether we plan on spending Pride at the bars, at the festival, or any of the other themed events around town, we know the things we have to have. Hopefully we’ve bought our event tickets, picked out outfits, figured out carpooling situations, and even made sure to have enough spending cash to last the whole month.
If you’re going to be playing this Pride season, remember condoms and lube are free at local LGBTQ centers and LA County clinics. These locations also offer free HIV and STI testing to know your status.
Also, here are a few important things to keep in mind for good sexual health this pride season.
No judgments here. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
Mpox isn’t new to us, and we have this vaccine to help out. It’s about 86% effective against the virus. Photo: Q Voice News
Mpox vaccines
Cases have been low, but Chicago has recently had seven new cases of the virus show up, reminding us, we aren’t 100% out of the woods. Luckily, places continue to offer the mpox vaccine, Jynneos, at no cost, and to anyone regardless of resident status. Mpox, is not a queer disease, but has had an impact on our queer family at a higher rate than other groups of people. Mpox isn’t new to us and thankfully we have this vaccine to help out. It’s about 86% effective against the virus. If you’re able to get the vaccine before you play, you will have a good line of defense against the virus.
PrEP
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis or PrEP is a medication regimen we can take to help prevent the spread of HIV. For some, this is a daily pill, and for others it is an injection every two months. Both are equally effective. Pick the best option for you, and make sure you are taking the meds as per your doctor’s instructions. Also, make sure you are up-to-date with the injection before you go out to play.
Doxy PEP
This one is new on the market. It’s an antibiotic we can take within 72 hours of possible exposure to chlamydia and syphilis to prevent the infection. If you have a wild weekend, taking your pill, or pills, Monday morning will make sure you’re doing your part to stop the spread of those bacterial STIs. The FDA hasn’t fully approved this new data, meaning that finding a doctor to prescribe it may be difficult, but if you can find one that is willing, the California Department of Public Health says it’s safe and a good tool to use.
U=U
U=U means someone has an undetectable viral load of HIV. This means they have been sticking to their medicine and following up with their doctor regularly to maintain that low viral load. As a result, they are unable to transmit the virus to a sexual partner, undetectable equals untransmittable or U=U make sure your viral load tests are up to date and you have enough medication.
Narcan, is a spray that can help reverse the effects of an overdose from fentanyl. Not only is it important to have on you, but it’s also important that you have folks in your group that can identify an overdose, and know how to use naloxone if it’s needed. Easy to follow instructions are in the box. Photo: David M. Mosqueda
Narcan/naloxone
It’s always handy to have this little tool ready. Naloxone, sold under the brand name Narcan, is a spray that can help reverse the effects of an overdose from fentanyl. Not only is it important to have on you, but it’s also important that you have folks in your group that can identify an overdose, and know how to use naloxone if it’s needed. Easy to follow instructions are in the box. Keep them with the spray. You can get the spray without a doctor’s prescription at local pharmacies. For extra safety, test your drugs.
Poppers
Poppers can be popular in queer sex, but it’s important to make sure that we use our own bottle. Keep the bottle cool and out of direct sunlight to prevent accidental bursts. If the isobutyl nitrite overheats, the bottle could explode. More importantly, poppers shouldn’t be mixed with other substances, such as crystal or Viagra. Also, don’t offer it to partners that have taken either of these drugs. This combination can be deadly.
Water, sunscreen
You went to The Eagle and the daddy there was explaining all about how to take care of the leather on that new harness of yours, but have you thought about the leather you carry around everyday? Well, make sure you’re drinking water to help stay hydrated. And, use a broad spectrum protection sunscreen (UVA/UVB) with an SPF above 30. That way, when that guy comes over to give you a hug, you don’t feel the sting of a new sunburn. Also, if you take Doxy PEP, you should use sunscreen because the medication can make you sensitive to the sun.
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