Good Moaning Syracuse!

Written by William Khabbaz / Artwork by Nina Bridges

Everything teachers were too scared to talk about

The anal g-spot, the risk of HIV and the chance to live a life fully aware of sexual health is something the United States lacks to mention in its Sex Education programs. Growing up, sex education was a topic that made young students giggle, but the lack of attention to details from each state government is not something to laugh about. Only 22 states have mandated sex education programs written into law; Only 11 require an inclusive education on sexual orientation, leaving thousands of LGBTQ+ young adults uneducated and at risk of making unsafe decisions. This country has put sex education on the back burner, but we are here to stimulate the issue and bring light to the things you might not have heard in your classrooms.

The conversation of sex education in classrooms picked up in the early 1970s when high numbers of adolescent pregnancies started showing up in major cities. This fear of pregnancy quickly shifted when the HIV/AIDS epidemic swept the nation, killing thousands of LGBTQ+ lives. This epidemic increased hate crimes and the inevitable lack of education in our school systems on safe sex in the LGBTQ+ community. A lack of acceptance, empathy and education has led thousands of people to practice unsafe sex. Here are some of the major lessons I have learned as a gay male that wasn’t taught to me in the classroom but in the bedroom.

1. Anal Sex. The art and the pleasure of the anus is something many don’t fully understand and can be looked down upon. To quote the former First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump, “any hole is a goal.” Many states, including New York, don’t inform cisgender men and people assigned male at birth that they do indeed have a “G-spot.” This refers to the prostate, a gland that produces sperm and gives powerful orgasms if stimulated. When attempting to have anal sex, full consent with your partner is necessary. If it hurts, say no. When preparing for this intimate act, people tend to think about how to properly clean that area and prepare for the inevitable to happen. This is a misconception. The key components to having an enjoyable time is to eat a fibrous diet and shower before and after the deed is completed. No supplements or other activities are needed, but for those

who still don’t feel comfortable with eating a loaf of whole-grain bread, I recommend purchasing an anal douche. To ensure you’re using the safest product, buy one that is made from silicone as it is a non-porous material. Always remember to use purified water when douching because tap water can cause an imbalance of PH, which can lead to health issues like infections. Once prepared, all you need is a waterbased lube and condoms to proceed with your night. Beyond physicality, there is a mental component never addressed in sex education programs. When having anal sex for the first time, make sure there is an appropriate amount of comfort with you and your partner. Going slow and steady wins the race. Make sure to breathe and communicate with your partner to ensure they aren’t going too fast. The more relaxed you are, the better the feeling and the orgasm. Anal sex can be intimidating but if you follow these steps, a whole new world of pleasure is waiting for you.

2. Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Every college student in the United States knows what I’m talking about, but do you take it seriously? According to the Center for Disease Control, one in eight men who seek other men (MSM) have had or will have an STD. This number is large considering gay males only represent one percent of the nation. The most common types of STDs transmitted through MSM is gonorrhea or chlamydia in the throat or anus. There are ways to prevent this and the simplest answer is safe sex. Condoms may not be a person’s cup of tea, but they can save you a trip to the nearest Planned Parenthood. Most STDs don’t have symptoms which can lead people to have a blind eye towards their health and further transmit the disease. STDs can be traced with proper health screenings, which is why it is important to put your sexual health first and get your rectum to the nearest Planned Parenthood once a year at least. The LGBTQ+ community are at a higher risk of HIV/AIDS, which is why doctors recommend what is basically birth control for the non-heterosexual person, PrEP. Preexposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) can reduce the stop of HIV/AIDS by up to 99%. Truvada is the only medication approved for PrEP by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and has been tested safe to use. Most insurance plans cover PrEP, but if yours doesn’t, talk to your physician on the many ways you can get PrEP. So, if you’re engaging in sex with other people, take the time to get tested, and necessary actions to be safe. You’re not only saving yourself but others as well.

3. Sex Toys. The gift that everyone wants on Christmas or Hannukah. Sex toys are the world’s gift to pleasure-seeking individuals. From the anal plug to the 10-inch dildo, there is something for everyone in all shapes and sizes. By yourself, or with your partner, sex toys are helpful in finding your own sexual desires and helps create comfort in the act of sex. Knowing what your body wants and likes is important, so investing in a brand-new sex toy can be just the trick to finding your kink. The variety of toys can be daunting, but I’m here to help navigate you through this new world. The wand vibrator, the most classic of sex toys, offers high vibration and intense stimulation. For my cis women, if you’re looking for more direct stimulation, the clitoral vibrator and the clit suction toy are ideal. Dildos, arguably the most known sex toy, is always a great option to achieve orgasms and maximum pleasure. Taking that information in, it is very important to understand what your sex toy is made out of and how it can affect your body. The FDA does not regulate sex toys, which means some can be made with materials unsafe to the human body, which can lead to major health problems. The safest and most recommended material is silicone, a non-porous material as stated before. We all know you’re not about to walk down to the bathroom to clean your dildos, so make sure you buy a safe non-porous sex toy that not only gives you the orgasm you’re looking for but is safe to use.

Life is mysterious, but your sexual knowledge shouldn’t be. The United States has disregarded sex education and ignored how to properly teach students, especially LGBTQ+ students and anyone who doesn’t fit the heterosexual norm. It’s time to take the dildo by hand and educate yourself on the important issues not presented in the classroom. Anal sex, STDs and sex toys are only the beginning. Once you can spread your mind, sex can be less daunting and more moaning-ful. Stay safe, stay horny and educate the people around you.