WHAT ARE STDS?

STDs are infections that are transmitted through close body contact, like fucking, sucking, touching, fingering or licking your partner’s cock, ass, mouth or vagina. Other modes of transmission include sharing sex toys and needles. STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) is an alternate term for STD.

PREVENTION

Preventing STDs is about having good info and resources, knowing your own body, and communicating honestly with yourself and your partners. There are an infinite number of sexual possibilities and contexts, including sex within a relationship, sex with a stranger, and sexwork. Whoever you are, whoever you’re with, and wherever you connect, you deserve respect, a chance to agree on what you’ll do together, and the experience you desire.

STIGMA

The sexualities and identities of gay, bi and trans men have historically been stigmatized by larger society and sometimes by each other as “unnatural”, “sick” and “perverted”. This alienates us from our own and each other’s bodies, and creates fear in taking positive actions to support our sexual health. Having an STD in itself can also be stigmatizing. ACTION gives you honest, straightforward info about STDs in order to help eliminate the stigma. STDs are simply a potential reality in life, no matter what your sexual orientation, gender, class, race, age or body type.