Conscious Choice: Let’s Talk about Safe Sex

March 2008 | Letters to the Editor

Let’s Talk about Safe Sex

I’ve got some comments after going through the
February, lovers issue…

Unless I overlooked it, I didn’t see anywhere any concern of safety. Just as in the movies and Hollywood, all concerns are assumed and/or “detracting”... I know this is an upscale magazine for the politically aware; at the same time, I wonder, how aware are we? It seems like a comprehensive article on condoms would have fit in nicely. While they have a limited ability to control the spread of disease, they do b-r-e-a-k. I would guess you’ve heard of nurseries proudly displaying broken condoms on the wall…? There’s also the concern of spreading disease with “bodily fluids” coming into contact through the mouth. Is your new partner really aware of any “souvenirs” that may be passed along? Of course if you’re in a polyamorous relationship, you’re now also passing it on… What’s the latest in prevention? With the above being mentioned, please do not think that I am speaking out against polyamory.
Have Fun!
— Name withheld, Renton, WA

Music to Our Ears

I’m a college student who is currently attending Bellevue Community College. It’s not that often that I write into magazines and whatnot, but I thought this would be a good opportunity for me to tell you how much I enjoy reading Conscious Choice. I actually found out about the magazine through my school’s library. They always seem to have a stack of articles, newspapers and magazines lying around. Anyway, long story short, ever since I found the first magazine in October, I can’t seem to get enough. So I told my sister in Chicago about you. I’m hoping to send her some. Thank you so much for the interesting reads.

To show my appreciation, I wrote a poem for you. I hope you like it.

Conscious Choice
It got the best of me
Can’t you see?
It has now become a part of me
I almost read it everyday
I’m glad it’s there
It makes me feel
like people care
Things aren’t what they use to be
The world’s a scary place
But just as long as people
stand and state their case
We are all alright in the end
All anyone needs is a best friend
So take your book, your magazine
And don’t be mean
Read a little and get involved
in the scene

— Sherrese, Washington

Clearing the Air

I wanted to comment on an article I read in the January issue about clearing the air. I enjoyed the tips, but, I noticed that in recommending plants like peace lilies, there was no mention about the danger to our furry friends. The SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) has this plant listed as “highly toxic” to pets. I don’t know about the others listed but you might want to remind readers not to bring any plant into the home without checking with the SPCA first.
Thanks for your time,
— Melissa, via email

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