Volunteer of the Month – October

Meet Katie and Melissa, the Sex Out Loud Volunteers of the Month!

Katie:

Favorite hang-out spot in Madison?
My favorite spot is the area surrounding (and partly on top) of Van Vleck at night. It’s so peaceful because there’s hardly anyone around and there’s a nice view; overall it’s a good thinking spot, somewhere to get away to.

What do you want to want to be when you grow up?

First and foremost I want to be a small animal vet, but if that doesn’t turn out I’ll probably want to do something in animal genetics.

Best book/movie/song you’ve ever read/seen/heard?
One of my favorite books of all time is The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. I first read it my freshmen year of high school and something about it just stuck with me. It’s an easy read and its fun, but it also has a serious side.
 Favorite method of expression?
Drawing is my favorite, but I love anything artsy. I may not be good at a whole lot, but I love trying out different mediums and seeing what result I get. I have to try everything at least once.

What do you like most about Sex Out Loud?

I love the open, sex-positive environment. It’s nice to have somewhere to go and not have to feel awkward if I want to explore new sexual topic. Also, I love the programs, they’re fun and educational.

Melissa:

What is your hometown?
Toms River, NJ (aka: The Jersey Shore)

What do you miss most about your hometown?
PIZZA!

What are you studying?
Psychology

What do you like most about Sex Out Loud?
Sex Out Loud embodies safe, sex-positive, and empirically- based knowledge about sexuality.

 What do you want to be when you grow up?
Post- Secondary Human Sexuality Educator.

Volunteer of the Month – September

Meet Carol, the Sex Out Loud Volunteer of the Month!

What do you want to want to be when you grow up?

I want to be a therapist, not sure exactly what kind yet.

What is your hometown?

I’m from St. Paul MN, but I moved there when I was 12 from Cincinnati Ohio.

What do you like most about Sex Out Loud?

I love that that sex is not a scary taboo thing here, its okay if you are doing it and okay if you aren’t, it’s all about being safe, smart, and happy.

Best home-cooked meal?

I love to cook, one of my favorite things  is ratatouille, made with fresh veggies.

What kind of car do you drive?

I drive a 2001 yellow Jeep Wrangler, soft top and stick shift, and I love it!

World AIDS Week

AIDS RibbonSex Out Loud is excited to present its annual World AIDS Week events, November 28 – December 2.  We will be hosting a variety of events focusing on HIV/AIDS, including information on testing, stigma, and protection.  This year’s events are as follows:


Does Size Matter?

Q: Does size matter?

A: Size does matter on an individual basis, but this DOESN’T MEAN bigger’s always better. Some people may like a larger penis, and some like larger breasts. Since everyone has a different body though, some people don’t like a larger penis. The penis does not need to be to be super-sized for satisfying sex. As the book “Moregasm” puts it: “the vagina and rectum are more like envelopes than tunnels–you don’t need a lot of penis to make them feel full and good.”

Vaginal Odor

Q: What does it mean if a girl’s vagina smells bad?

A: All vaginas naturally have a odor just like all people’s breath has a odor, and not all of these are necessarily “bad”. However, if you or your partner is concerned about vaginal odor, wearing cotton panties or looser-fitting garments around the genitals may help, because synthetic fabrics and tight clothing can trap moisture and odors. Also, gently washing the genitals with mild soap and water when you shower should get rid of any unpleasant naturally occurring odor, just like brushing your teeth clears up bad breath. However, a severe odor could be a sign of certain problems, such as: a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, or chlamydia. If that’s the case, it may be time to consider seeing a doctor to get it checked out.

Legality of Amateur Porn

Q: Is amateur porn legal if both parties consent verbally? If so, is there anything other than bestiality that is illegal?

A: In the United States, most laws concerning pornography are at the state or local level, and it is only illegal at the federal level if it fails to meet the Miller test of obscenity. That does not occur very often. If pornography is made between two consenting adults the legality is based on the above. Therefore, amateur porn is treated the same as professional porn. In addition, to bestiality child-pornography is also illegal, and in certain jurisdictions there are laws against “extreme porn”. This includes things like rape porn. In the UK for example, “extreme porn” is illegal and includes any pornographic material that involves harm to an individual, threatens a person’s life, interference with a human corpse, and bestiality.  Fun fact: while it is not a criminal offense to make porn anywhere in the U.S., it is only explicitly legal in California and New Hampshire.

Plan B and the Menstrual Cycle

Q: I took the plan B pill on friday which was 2 hours after having sex. I was supposed to get my period on Saturday. Should I be worried?

A: Plan B is 89% effective in preventing pregnancy if taken within the first 72 hours of unprotected sex. It’s estimated that if it is taken right after having sex, it would be as if one was taking the oral contraceptive pill for the entire month. So 2 hours is a pretty good time frame! In addition, since Plan B is a high dose of hormone, it may throw off the menstrual cycle for that month. So a few days late might be totally normal.