Hooking Up Safely
A hookup safety campaign by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence is good advice for anyone engaging in spontaneous intimacy.
The LGBTQ community is known for often having to take care of themselves when others don’t. They did it in the early days of the Gay Liberation Front. They did it when the HIV/AIDS crisis decimated the lives of so many. They’re continuing to do that today. One of the nonprofit organizations that continues to watch out for the queer community is the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.
When anyone asks me what my favorite LGBTQ organization is, I always say the Sisters. They are an all-volunteer run group that is focused on tireless work helping not just the LGBTQ community but many other important groups and causes too. And they do it all while making the overall experience as much fun and full of joy as possible. Delivering a message of help with a smile and a chuckle is always a good thing.
Today I’m writing about the Sisters’ new hookup safety initiative, “Safety First, Sexy Second.” While the campaign is aimed at the LGBTQ community primarily, I contend it is wise advice for anyone who hooks up.
On their “Safety First, Sexy Second” page and in the associated video, they explain their simple “buddy up, hook up, follow up” approach.
When you buddy up, you choose a trusted friend to be your safety check-in. You send them screenshots of who you’re meeting up with and share your location.
While hooking up, be your sexy self and have fun.
Afterward, you follow up, having set up a time prior to check-in to let your buddy know you’re safe or if you need help.
Simple to understand and easy to do.
When I first saw the video campaign, I of course saw the value to the queer community, but then I realized its basic principles apply to anyone of any identity or persuasion who might hook up with others. Women in particular might benefit from this extra layer of safety when they’re hooking up with a man they don’t know well, but honesty this is good advice all around for everyone.
Check out their page and consider applying the buddy up, hook up, follow up approach to your own hookups (assuming you hook up), and share them with your friends. Let’s all look out for each other.
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