Creating A Safer Sex Kit

Note: This is not a digital scholarship project. Rather, I was looking for a list of items to include in a comprehensive, sex-positive, queer and trans affirming safer sex kit, and could not fine one online. I decided to create one and post it publicly. I created this with feedback from many incredible researchers, UU community members, and other brilliant and knowledgeable friends and colleagues. This document was created specifically with Unitarian Universalist youth and young adult conferences in mind.

Barrier methods:

When choosing barriers to include, be wary of not including enough options. For example, products with flavours or scents may be less accessible for folks with allergies or skin sensitivities. If including scented or flavoured products, make sure to also include scent and flavour-free options. The same goes for latex versus non-latex options. While latex is more cost effective, it is necessary to also provide non-latex options for those with allergies and sensitivities. In addition, check to make sure that non-latex products are non animal-based, otherwise they will not be suitable for vegetarians or vegans. These accessibility tips go for all barrier methods.

  • Internal condoms (most common brand is “FC2: Female Condom”)
  • External condoms
  • Dental dams
  • Nitrile gloves (best packaged 4 gloves to a small ziplock bag)
  • Finger condoms (aka, finger cots)

Lubrication:

Remember: products with flavours or scents may be less accessible for folks with allergies or skin sensitivities. If including scented or flavoured products, make sure to also include scent and flavour-free options.

  • Silicone lube (if you choose to include silicone lube, make sure it is clear what it can and can’t be used for! best for bodies and use in water)
  • Water-based lube (best for toys and easier to clean up – check to make sure this is made with vegetable-based glycerine, otherwise is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans)

Hygiene:

  • Wet wipes
  • Tampons
  • Underwear liners or pads
  • Disposable menstrual cups (like Softcup) or natural alternative (like Sea Pearls)
  • Travel size mouthwash
  • Travel packs of tissues
  • Hand sanitizer (scent-free)

Other:

  • Scissors (for condom modification for barrier options)
  • Pregnancy test strips
  • Ovulation test strips
  • Plan B
  • Buttons or stickers (peering at a selection of one or two inch buttons or stickers with relevant images make the safer sex bin easy and appealing to dig through, increasing accessibility)

Literature:

Including brochures or literature on a variety of topics can make sex safer and more enjoyable, or can be a great way to disseminate information to folks who may not otherwise have sought it out. Ideally, this literature would consist of more “fun” kinds of documents – comic strips or books, flip books, fun infographics, zines, etc. Below is a list of topics that might be good to cover in your literature selection, followed by a list of possible sources to find resources on these topics.

Resources

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