The first ever safer sex guide for and by transgender people was released via the Human Rights Campaign this past week and I am, to say the least, ecstatic. Up until now most safer sex lessons totally straight-cis wash our sex lives and exclude important parts of sexuality and body positivity that are just as significant as learning about STIs. That's why this is a huge step in the right direction.
Safer Sex for Trans Bodies is an all-inclusive guide written by actual members of the transgender and gender non-conforming community that not only includes the safest route to a healthy sex life but also advice and guidance about body issues that hetero guides never reference.
The beginning of the guide immediately delves into the reasoning behind creating such an innovative document,
“When it comes to sex, there’s a serious lack of resources available to trans people that talk about our bodies and our needs in a relatable and respectful way. We decided to make a guide, specifically for trans and gender expansive people, that helps answer questions about safer sex.”
Throughout Safer Sex are relatable quotes from trans people who talk about specific issues we face in society as well as the positive aspects of being the wonderful trans people that we are. It adds a personal touch to the guide that illustrates just how important and necessary safer sex from a trans perspective is.
Deeper into the guide is the "Hormones and Surgery" overview that not only discusses what you might expect if you decide to take hormones but also what may change in your sex life while doing so. I wish I'd had this guide when I first went on testosterone!
There’s a very specific “Dating While Trans” section that talks about safety issues only the transgender community may experience, due to other people’s prejudice or ignorance. It really sucks a safer sex guide even had to include this but I'm so thankful they did.
One thing I love about this guide is the comprehensive "Activities" chart that fleshes out the many different types of sexual acts, what sort of STI risks they can lead to, and how to lessen or prevent those risks. The way the chart is made makes it an easy reference to anyone just trying to brush up on those facts.
Safer Sex feels inclusive in a way no other has in that it includes sections like "BDSM and Kink" that gives a short introduction about what BDSM is and how to go about it the safest way. There’s even a section about masturbation that emphasizes the fact that sex isn’t just about connecting with other people but also knowing how to connect with yourself, which is a beautiful concept in itself.
I'm so glad this guide exists and I know if I'd had it when I first came out as trans, my transitioning process would have been a lot easier. Not only is it innovative for trans people, but I hope it can also be a motivator to other safer sex guides on how to speak about sex more openly, honestly and productively. Just imagine how much better high school and young adult life would be if schools incorporated a guide even a fraction as true-to-life as this one.
A Spanish-language version of the guide is set to release in the next few months.
