By Joni Frater & Esther Lastique
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August 11, 2019
It's August 11th - that means many of you are getting packed up to return - or venture off for the first time - to college. While Mom, Dad & your best pals are chiming in with tips about everything from your decor to your kitchen supplies, here are the top 3 things you can do now to make sure your sexual health is a priority once you arrive. 1. School supplies - Take your favorite safer sex materials with you! Be sure to shop for & pack your favorite brands of condoms, lube, dental dams or saran wrap (for oral sex on a female or oral/anal play) - remember not the microwavable version , menstrual products, pain medication for menstrual symptoms, sex toys, birth control – and sign up for www.PandiaHealth.com subscription service so you have one less thing to worry about! 2. Start having REAL conversations with your roommate – before you get back to campus - about sharing your space. Begin setting realistic expectations for intimate time (with or without a partner), study/quiet times, party time, etc. Start setting boundaries for sharing a small living space. This is an evolving conversation that can be renegotiated as students navigate their sexuality and as your connection with your roommate grows into friendship. All relationships require honesty, equality, respect and responsibility- it starts with your roomie! 3. Get to know your campus resources & what they provide: - Student health services, Counseling, Title IX, Residence Life/Housing, Women’s Center, Violence Prevention & Advocacy, LGBTQ/Diversity office, Student Life - What do they give away for free? – condoms, lube, dental dams, etc - What do they offer for a fee or with insurance? Birth control education & prescriptions, STI testing & treatment, Emergency Contraception, rape crisis treatment & advocacy Once you land on campus, be sure to also familiarize yourself with where to go off campus for the stuff school resources don't provide. What products are carried in your local stores? This includes lube, condoms, PREP & PEP and Emergency Contraception. (If you're feeling bold, be sure to ask the pharmacist if they would have a problem selling you sexy things like condoms or Emergency Contraception. In some states, pharmacy workers can refuse to sell you something based on "Religious Objections." If you find this is the case, march over to your campus Health Services and ask them to carry what you might not be able to get on site. You have rights - and you're paying to be there, so be sure your voice is heard!) 4 – BONUS TIP : Are you passionate about Reproductive Freedom & birth control access? Get involved on your campus! Great way to meet like minded people and getting ready for the fight of our lives in 2020! Find out if your school has: SHAC or SHAB – Student Health Advisory Council/Board It’s On Us Women’s Center LGBT Resources or GSA / Pride Group Feminist organizations Peer educators Become a Pandia campus rep! Help bring Sex Ed Boot Camp or another of our programs to campus! And if you have questions along the way, especially when it comes to sexuality, relationships and navigating your way tot he best version of you - reach out to us anytime we can light your way! Wishing you all a safe & healthy Start to the academic year! - XOXO Dr. Joni and Esther