The Athenaeum

Tag: safe sex

  • A Guide to Being Promiscuous

    A Guide to Being Promiscuous

    Nolan Turnbull

    Sports and Wellness Editor

     

    Sexual liberation is one of many experiences students often benefit from at university. For the first time, students are out of their homes and are free to “find themselves”. At home, we are often restricted by our parent’s rules, the values of family members and friends, and the ideologies in our communities. At university, students can truly act as adults and can dictate all aspects of their life including their sexuality and sexual behaviours. I have been fortunate enough to have had two amazing girlfriends at Acadia (one which was long term) but have also tasted what it is like to be single and “promiscuous”. However, during this transition period it is important to be mindful of how you treat yourself and those who you choose to be romantically and sexually involved with. The following is my advice on how to act when you are experimenting with sex.

    1. Consent: consent can be a complex thing for some people to understand – even though it comes down to something as simple as a “yes or no”. The bottom line is – if you don’t have consent – then don’t flipping do it. This doesn’t only have to do with respecting your partner, but also just being a decent human being. I feel like I shouldn’t have to explain this, but I will for those who still hold the Neanderthal ideology that ‘a 1000 no’s and a hesitant yes is still a yes’. Consent must be loud and clear, and not forced. If someone says no – you stop. Simple as that. If someone is intoxicated – they can not consent. If your partner who regularly consents to sex with you doesn’t consent that night – then you don’t have consent. In other words, consent during sex is action-specific. Even within sex itself, taking the next step requires consent.
    2. Communicate: During sex, its great to use communication if possible to express your desire to continue, and what you like! Some people find non-verbal communication more attractive, but please use your words when it comes to something that crosses the line – safe words are great! Sex also can be greatly improved by being open with what you like and don’t like so that you can get the most out of sex.
    3. Be honest: Honesty is instrumental to a relationship regardless of how they are defined or “how serious” they may be. Be clear about what you want from the relationship or arrangement from day one. This will save both you and the person you are involved with many headaches and will ensure that neither person is hurt or feel used. I have been a victim of this, and also unfortunately have failed to be 100% honest with my partners at times. I am begging you to learn from this mistake and be open so that you can get the most out of sex whether it be in the relationship or the act itself. Know your limits and be respectful of yourself and also your partner’s wishes. This will ensure the best experience for everyone! In addition, be courteous. If you need to cancel – just tell them. If you have changed your mind about going out, then just explain that. I for one find it much more refreshing to know that the person just wasn’t feeling the relationship as opposed to being ghosted and left wondering about what I may have done wrong.
    4. Wear protection and get checked: Always wear protection. I don’t need to explain the risks regarding pregnancy and STI’s. Chlamydia is rampant at Acadia, and while it’s a minor ailment compared to some it can still have long term repercussions. Wear protection and get checked between partners. It doesn’t take long, and you’ll protect yourself and your partner thus avoiding awkward encounters and serious health issues.
    5. Have fun: Finally, remember to have fun. Sex and relationships should be about you and you first. You should feel safe, comfortable, and enjoy every aspect of a relationship. If you feel you are in a toxic relationship, then reach out for support from one of many supports on campus (there is an article in this issue!). Sex should be enjoyable and has many mental and physical health (who doesn’t enjoy a quick 15 minutes of cardio?). Don’t let what others think get you down. I personally have been targeting by slut shaming and have been called a ‘hoe’ for enjoying sex. A friend told me my sexual values are “way left field”. These comments hurt, but I know that what I did was best for me. As long as sex is consensual, fun, and communication is a core aspect – have at it.

    I wish you all the best in your romantic and sexual endeavours. I hope you find these reminders helpful. If you think I missed something, then let me know so I can improve and help promote sex positivity!

    XO

    Nolan

  • Opinion: If you’re not into abstinence…

    Opinion: If you’re not into abstinence…

    Let’s talk about getting tested.

    I know what you might be thinking. You would definitely know if that guy you brought home had chlamydia… like for sure you would have noticed if something was off. And that girl was way too pretty to have gonorrhea, you’re totally certain! None of your friends would ever contract something like that and there’s no way you wouldn’t know if you had one yourself.

    If this sounds like you, let me tell you what I’m thinking: you’re wrong. Do you want to know why you’re wrong? Because good-looking people can absolutely get STIs and most STIs don’t have ANY symptoms in over 50% of infected people.

    If you have sex (vaginal, anal, oral or whatever else you might be doing) and you aren’t using a physical barrier between you and your partner, YOU COULD CONTRACT AN STI. If you are in a relationship, YOU COULD CONTRACT AN STI. Even if you only have sexual contact with people who “look clean”, YOU COULD CONTRACT AN STI. And if you think you have some weird 6th sense that tells you when people have a venereal infection, you’re wrong and you could totally contract an STI even if your third eye isn’t seeing it.

    Here’s the deal. If you have sexual contact with someone without a physical barrier, call up the Mud Creek clinic or go online to book an appointment with a nurse at the Acadia Clinic. It’s a little awkward- sure- but is it more awkward than looking up that person you brought home from the Vil last weekend to tell them over Facebook message or Instagram DM that you gave them something? Is it worse than wondering if your genitals are infected with something that might affect your chances of having children at some point? These infections do not go away over time and can wreak havoc on your system if left untreated!

    To avoid an incredibly weird conversation with someone you found attractive enough to sleep with, you’ll go to go to the doctor’s office and tell the receptionist that you’re here ‘to get tested’ in a very hushed voice. You’ll sit in the waiting area and scroll on your phone, hoping that no one asks you why you’re there. While you’re pretending to cough (you’ll say you think you have strep if anyone asks) and avoiding eye contact with anyone who comes into the room, consider that you’re doing a good deed.

    Instead of pretending this is some taboo subject that no one has any experience with, let’s be real. Nearly everyone knows someone who has had an STI. So why are we all pretending that it doesn’t happen? Why are we stigmatizing getting tested- something that would help us all?

    So, here’s my suggestion to every sexually active Acadia student: talk about it! Go get tested with your friends- make a day out of it and grab an ice cream at The Real Scoop or a beer at The Axe afterward. Don’t make it some big secret. You should be proud of yourself! You held yourself accountable for your actions and made an adult decision to get tested. Good for you!

    We’re pretty much all adults here (sorry to the 17 year olds in first year- I’ve been there and I feel for you) so why can’t we act like it? If you’re sitting in the waiting room in the basement of Dennis and your buddy from class comes in, ask what they’re in for. If they fake a cough and say it might be strep, you don’t have to call them out- but if they ask you what you’re in for, why lie? You’re there to get tested to make sure you don’t have to Twitter message anyone about having given them the clap. Own it! Shout it from the rooftops! I peed in a cup! I got swabbed! I don’t have an STI! –You could even use it as a pickup line!

    Of course, if you’re absolutely mortified about getting tested and you couldn’t even manage to lie about maybe having strep, there is one other option. And hear me out- it’s not that bad. YOU CAN ALSO JUST USE A CONDOM.

    So that’s it. Book an appointment or use a condom. Take the free condoms in the SUB and in the clinic and take advantage of the free health care that we all pay for.

    Shout it from the rooftops: safe sex is good sex and safe sex means getting tested!

  • A Safe Sex Sonnet

    In bed, one will ask “Are you ready?”
    ‘Ready’ has little to do with your age,
    you do not have to be going steady.
    There is no ‘right place’ or certain life stage.
    So long as someone uses some latex
    prior to showing all your affection,
    it’s drilled into your brain: “Practice safe sex!”
    The pill is not well rounded protection.
    Move fast, slow or upside down, remain bold!
    Sex is flat if you don’t communicate.
    Grant that you don’t want a bundle to hold,
    it is simple to evade a due date.
    This sonnet has one thing to reinforce,
    have happy, healthy, and safe intercourse!

Betzillo positions itself as a versatile gaming hub where structured bonuses and adaptive gameplay mechanics support both short sessions and extended play.

Built with a focus on innovation, Spinbit integrates modern casino architecture with rapid transactions, appealing to players who value speed and digital efficiency.

Ripper Casino emphasizes bold entertainment through high-impact slot titles and competitive promotions crafted for risk-oriented players.

A friendly interface and stable performance define Ricky Casino, offering a casual yet reliable environment for a wide spectrum of gaming preferences.

King Billy Casino channels classic casino spirit into a modern platform, delivering recognizable themes supported by contemporary reward systems.

Immersive visuals and layered slot mechanics are at the core of Dragonslots, creating a narrative-driven casino experience.

Lukki Casino appeals to players seeking direct access and minimal friction, focusing on fast loading times and intuitive controls.

Casinonic provides a structured and dependable gaming framework, blending modern slots with transparent operational standards.