Happy Internal Condom Day!

Did you know that September 16th is recognized as internal condom day? The internal condom has been around since the 90s but due to stigma about this condom being weird, it hasn't taken off in popularity. The condom that most people know and is prominently advertised,  is the external condom. Though less commonly used, the internal condom is a great alternative that works by being placed inside the vagina. Just like the external condom, this condom is nonreusable and can be used for vaginal and anal sex. It is also a barrier method so it prevents unwanted pregnancy and protects against sexually transmitted diseases (stds). Interestingly, the internal condom can be inserted up to 8 hours before sexual intercourse, which is a great way to get ahead and be prepared!

Here are all the reasons why an internal condom should be an option for you:

• It is made out of nitrile which is a stronger and thinner alternative to latex 

• For some people, applying the external condom may disrupt the mood. But the internal condom can be inserted up to 8 hours before, thus solving that problem.

• Increased sexual pleasure especially for those being penetrated since they feel much safer knowing that they are in control of the protection being used.

For steps on how to properly use an internal condom, check out this article by Planned Parenthood

World Suicide Prevention Day

TRIGGER WARNING: Suicidal thinking can be increased by reading about, or discussing, topics relating to suicide.

Please be aware that the topics inside this PSA could be triggering or overwhelming for some. If you find yourself needing to reach out, please be aware of local and national crisis lines (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_suicide_crisis_lines has a helpful list), find someone to talk to, or seek help at your local emergency health facility. Help is available and people with suicidal thinking receiving help experience significant relief and positive outcomes!

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day – where a (hopefully appropriate) spotlight on suicide prevention raises awareness to the tremendous amount of resources and support that exist out there in the world for people who are struggling with suicidal thinking.

One of the biggest misconceptions would be that suicide behavior or thinking is only for people with mental illness. Risk factors and protective factors don't work like that. Just like all humans are at risk for heart attack (some, extremely low compared to most humans, some extremely high), all of us have various risk factors that push us towards suicidal thinking and protective factors that push us away. Mental illnesses add to our suffering but so do physical illnesses, stressors, bad news, poor sleep, etc. There are hundreds of risk and protective factors that all work in different directions to influence suicide risk. Living through a pandemic, like we are currently, can be a risk factor as well so taking time to seek help and talking to your loved ones or anyone you trust is important.

Mental Health is a spectrum so remember that it is okay to have good days and bad days but never feel that you are alone. Check on your loved ones and friends even if they say they’re fine. We can all do our part to prevent suicide.

Sexual Health Awareness Day

In a world bombarded with masks and CO-VID 19, we can’t forget about another  important aspect of health: sexual health. This Friday, September 4th, is ‘Sexual Health Awareness Day. Sexual health is a big part of life and is affected by other aspects of health. This includes physical, mental, emotional, and social health. Understanding sexual health means you are well informed, careful, and respectful to yourself and others.

Most people learn about sexuality and sex early on. You may have discussions with parents, siblings, teachers, or mentors. Or you may discover it on your own.  In doing so, we also discover the benefits and risks associated with sexual health.  Some ways to take care of your sexual health include having open communication with loved ones about sex, relationships, and the prevention of HIV, STDs, and pregnancy, can help promote a person’s health and reduce the chances of engaging in behaviors that place them at risk. In addition to always using a condom during every sexual encounter,  taking the initiative to visit your local clinic to get tested should also be a priority. According to The World Health Organization (WHO), sexual health is defined “as a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity.”  The part about the absence of disease is important to remember because some people don’t consider their sexual health until the positive test result for an STD or pregnancy. Your sexual health matters and it is all inclusive:

‘Screen for STD’s and pregnancies!’ 

Sexual Health Awareness Day reminds us that the more informed you are about you’re sexual health, the more prepared you are to make responsible choices. 

Junteenth Represents Freedom

Written By: Rebecca Leandre, Ashley Martin, and Roudjessie Charles

We are only six months into 2020 and we’re currently going through a pandemic, murder hornets, protests, riots, etc. Every day that we step outside in masks, it feels like a movie. But this is our current reality. The injustices endured by black people for 400 years and counting came to a boiling point over the recent tragic public lynching of George Floyd. His death follows Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless others existing while black. As a result of such built-up rage, protests unfolded but with a mix of violent officers and opportunists, many peaceful protests quickly turned to riots. The methods may be questionable but policy changes are being made as people rally all over the world.

This year we’ll be canceling July 4th and celebrating Juneteenth, short for June 19th. Juneteenth is the day we symbolize the freedom of Black people in America. On June 19, 1865, the last enslaved people in the south received word from the US Army that they were finally granted freedom under the emancipation proclamation. The emancipation proclamation was issued on January 1st, 1863 making all enslaved people free but it wasn’t until 2 years later that all slaves would officially be free.

Juneteenth is a monumental day of celebration and education, as individuals stand in solidarity with the Black community while becoming aware of our history. Individuals can celebrate by gathering with friends and loved ones, dressing in garments that positively represent our ancestors, and watching or reading content that continues to educate on Black issues.

Black Lives Matter began as a call to action in response to state-sanctioned violence and anti-Black racism. Our intention from the very beginning was to connect Black people from all over the world who have a shared desire for justice to act together in their communities. Take this time during Juneteenth to reflect on our accomplishments as well as our struggles. We’ll have a lot more people celebrating this year and as always, we welcome them with open arms.

Our continued commitment to liberation for all Black people means we are continuing the work of our ancestors and fighting for our collective freedom because it is our duty. Every day, we recommit to healing ourselves and each other, and to co-creating alongside comrades, allies, and family, for a culture where each person feels seen, heard and supported.

Social media has proven its usefulness during these times as there are pages providing uncensored news, information on local protests, and ways to be an ally as a non-person of color.

Here are some helpful Instagram accounts to follow: Blacklivesmatters, NourishNYC, Blkfolxtherapy, Naacp, and Colorofchange

Netflix has also made it possible for individuals to further their knowledge on the Black experience by highlighting some important films like When They See Us, The Hate You Give, The Help, Moonlight, Orange is the New Black, and many more.

Below are some Black-owned restaurants to support in Brooklyn and the rest of the City. You can also find these restaurants on the black-owned app Eatokra, which helps you find Black-owned restaurants all across the city.

Brooklyn Based Black Owned Businesses

• Sugarcane

• Soco

• Milk river

• Negril Bk

• Footprints

• Peppas

• Action Burger

• Suede

• BK9

• Kreyol Flavor

• Taste of the City

  New York Based Black Owned Businesses

• Kingston - Harlem

• Ginjan

• Cove lounge

• Blossom Restaurant - Manhattan

• Percys jerk Hut - Queens

• Queens Bully

• Country Life Jerk

• Ponty Bistro

• Shrine

• Amy Ruths

• Sugar Hill Creamery
  

  Visit these sites for more information

  https://blacklivesmatter.com/about/

  https://www.juneteenth.com/history.htm

Sex & Covid-19

Quarantine day: Who is counting anymore?

We hope every viewer of this blog is safe and healthy. We’re sending our gratitude and appreciation to all essential workers from grocery store workers and janitors to nurses, doctors, and other healthcare workers. Thank you for being at the front lines of this pandemic and giving more than your best to combat it.

In a matter of weeks, the Coronavirus has transformed our lives as we know it. Its quick spread has forced the closure of schools, restaurants, and many other businesses. In addition, it has put a pause on our social lives as individuals are asked to practice social distancing. The coronavirus (COVID 19), is a fatal respiratory disease that can coughing, fever, and shortness of breath. In order to prevent the spread of the disease, it is encouraged that we practice good hygiene such as washing our hands often and staying 6ft away from others when we do travel out in public.

Now if you’re working from home that means you’re nonessential. No hard feelings, that just means that COVID 19 has temporarily relocated you to your bed or couch for now. Even though you are stationed at home, you can still practice safer sex by following these tips. If you and your partner aren’t under the same roof or you begin to feel lonely and frustrated you can try video chatting, playing video games or watching movies together on the phone, in order to stay intimate.

If you happen to live with your partner then that is the next safest person to have sex with. It is still important to wear condoms and use dental dams in order to reduce contact with saliva or feces as COVID-19 can be contracted during oral or anal sex. COVID-19 is not a sexually transmitted disease and so far there is no evidence of the virus being spread through semen or vaginal fluids, so it is still important to wear condoms to protect yourself from STD’s or unwanted pregnancies.

Remember, if you and your partner aren’t feeling well then you should avoid kissing and sex altogether.

According to the Department of Health, You are your safest sex partner so if you engage in self-pleasuring activities (i.e. masturbation) remember to wash your hands or toys with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, before and after each session.

All in all, in order to keep yourself safe during this pandemic practice self-isolation and social distancing; when you stay home, more lives are saved. Do your part to help decrease the number of infected cases and remember that you’re not alone!