TAKE PRIDE

It’s Pride season, and if you’re anything like me, you’re ready to fluff out those tail feathers after a cold, dry winter. It’s Summer’s eve and whether or not you built a ‘bikini-ready bodaysha” during the nippy months, there is still a LOT you can do to make sure you have a safer and sexy summer.

Sunblock: The fact that most of us look 10 years younger than the guys that used to bully us at school is known as KARMA, honey. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look after your delicious dial even further. Get a good quality high SPF sunblock so you can keep looking like a Twink well into your 40s, and don’t skimp sweetie as the cheaper brands can cause acne.
Keep condoms in your clutch: And don’t forget the water-based lube! Babe, you NEVER KNOW when you’ll get lucky. Forewarned is forearmed. Condoms are lucky. Keep some on you at all times and you will see!
Take it easy on the sauce: Look, Dizemba is known for an increase in cocktail consumption but take it easy sweets, you aren’t competing in the ‘phuza’ Olympics. The more you drink the more difficult it is to make responsible decisions. Enjoy the buzz but don’t enjoy yourself so much you can’t take the memories with you. Remember, “môre is nog n dag”, don’t spend tomorrows joy tonight. Credit makes you pay interest.

Get tested! If you know your HIV status you can do something about it. Avoiding it won’t make it go away, Love. This is not like ghosting a one-night stand, you can’t just call it an Uber and hope to never see it again. HIV has staying power. Test!

Get Treatment: If you’re HIV-positive, visit your nearest gay-friendly clinic and get free ARVs so you can become undetectable and not be able to pass it on. If you’re HIV-negative, why not go to the same clinics and find out about taking free PrEP to stay negative?

Say hello to Yellow! If you want to chat to a doctor who you won’t be able to shock with your shenanigans, you can contact a Yellow Dot Doctor yellowdotdoctor.co.za. These doctors know all about men who have sex with men and their sexual health issues. Do it!

Talk to someone! If you’ve been struggling with depression and find yourself feeling more and more isolated, reach out and talk to someone. We need you, so take care of you! See below for more information.

Well, peeps, these are just a few easy ways for you to have a fabulous summer. Take a look at the following contact details to empower yourself even more. Remember, just like He-Man, you have the power! Pride, a deeper Love.