For many of us, the kind of sex education we had when we were younger was not queer or trans inclusive. For example, we may have only learned about condoms in relation to preventing pregnancy in the context of heterosexual sex. But pregnancy prevention might also apply to trans men, and there are many sexual health risks that can be avoided through communicating and testing as well as barrier use such as condoms, gloves, and dental dams. 

CrashPad encourages models to have hot, safe sex. We supply several different kinds of safer sex barriers and lubricants, and can provide specific brands at request for models. We generally don’t edit out lube or barrier application from our movies, instead we include the mechanics of how safer sex is practiced, what it’s like to put on gloves, take a break to apply lube, communicate consent, and other actions that make sex more safe and fun. Performers take responsibility for their sexual health, and we strive to provide as many options as we can, whether they choose to get tested, use barriers, have low-risk sex, or a combination. Please note that people may use different names for their sexual anatomy than the words used on this page, we’ll try to use commonly understood vocabulary, and will commit to keeping this page updated as best we can.

QUEER SEX HEALTH QUICKIE

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) refer to many different viruses and bacterial infections. Some of the most common include Chlamydia, Herpes, Gonorrhea, HPV (genital warts), and Syphilis. Infections can be spread even if no symptoms are visible, and you can be infected without knowing it. With higher risk sex, transmission is spread when one person’s vaginal fluids, ejaculate, cum, semen, pre-cum, blood and menstrual blood or breast milk, enter the bloodstream through an open wound, or, absorb through the mucous membranes of the body (such as via the vagina, throat, and anus).

Partners should be tested and treated to avoid transmission and further health risks, including being more susceptible to HIV. To play it safe, get a regular STI check up if you might be at risk, even if you haven’t shown any signs of symptoms. Always discuss your known STI status with sexual partners, and consider practicing safer sex via barriers. Make sure your hands, mouth, and genitals do not have any open wounds. If you’re concerned with your breath, chew gum rather than flossing or brushing your teeth if it’s within the hour before sex. Wash yourself thoroughly with soap and water before any mouth to anal contact. Vaginal douche is unnecessary, but if you prefer it use warm water only because harsh chemical douches can actually increase your risk of transmission by irritating internal tissues. You can use dental dams (or even saran wrap — as long as it’s not the perforated, “microwavable” kind) for oral sex and use gloves for sex with your hands. Finally, condoms work great on shared toys.

It’s also a good idea to keep hydrated and to remember to pee before sex — and after! — as it can help eliminate bacteria and viruses from your urethra, preventing some minor but uncomfortable bladder infection and BV.

While ALL sex is risky, low-no risk sex includes things like: Kissing on the Mouth, Mutual Masturbation, and Dry Humping (grinding your genitals against someone else while wearing clothing, or rubbing someone’s genitals over clothes).

A note about nails: having long nails doesn’t mean you can’t have great sex. (See our blog post from queer femme porn stars dispelling the myth of fake nails meaning fake lesbians.) You can have it all, with pleasurable sex with safety in mind. Here are some tips:

1. Hands must be clean, no open wounds, and nails filed smooth. (This goes for everyone!)
2. For acrylics, get gel polish under the nail to make sure the edge is smooth.
3. For extra long, pointed, or nails with decals, wear a glove and cushion the tips with cotton balls.

Remember, safety is sexy! Don’t let anyone tell you that you shouldn’t protect yourself. Communication is a key component of practicing safer sex! Though it may feel awkward and unfamiliar at first, with practice, things like talking about sexual health, incorporating barrier use and testing regularly can become familiar, and even exciting! Ultimately, having consensual sex, where partners are informed and engaged, creates the best possible scenario for satisfying, healthful sexual experiences.

STD/STI TESTING RESOURCES

Going to the doctor can be intimidating for queer and trans people who may encounter health providers who are unfamiliar and often uneducated about our gender and sexual health needs. Many providers may also hold a very strong bias against sex work as a safe occupation. However, regular testing and check-ups can help keep you healthy and may provide early detection of potential health concerns. Those who would want to consult a doctor may find these Bay Area resources helpful.

• Your health care provider – if you have health insurance, schedule an appointment with your provider.
• Lyon-Martin Health Services – high quality, compassionate and trauma-informed medical, gynecological, and mental health care services for trans, non-binary, gender non-conforming, and intersex (TGI) communities and cis-gender women with specific sensitivity to LGBQA+ sexual orientation, disability, size, race, ethnicity, and language regardless of immigration status or ability to pay.

ADULT FILM INDUSTRY STI TESTING STANDARDS

Not all facilities use the adult film industry’s preferred ELISA test, which detects HIV antibodies in your blood for a shorter window period. The industry-created PASS System protects performers’ privacy and clears performers for a standardized “Performer Panel” which currently includes: HIV-1 RNA, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Trep Sure (syphilis test), RPR, Hep Bs Antigen, Hep C Antibody, and Trichomoniasis. (Find the most up-to-date Pass Protocol here.) Panels cost around $200 and results are provided within 24-48 hours. Please note: clinics charge additional fees (lab, draw, swap, shipping, etc) at $50 and up. Please don’t let the price of a test be a deterrent from getting an industry-standard test. Subsidies are sometimes offered by the industry and many producers offer reimbursements.

Here are some Bay Area options for industry standard performer panel tests. 

• Cutting Edge Tests – A number of Bay Area locations. 
• Talent Testing Service – A San Francisco Bay Area location.
• BasisDx – Affordable at-home kit offering a Professional PASS-Certified STD/STI test panel. 

Outside the Bay Area? Browse PASS certified partners.

Consider Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). Here’s information about PrEP and Truvada.

ADDITIONAL SEX INFORMATION AND HEALTH RESOURCES

Free Sex Education Resources

• SFSI – San Francisco Sex Information hotline (415-989-7374)
• American Social Health Association STD/STI
• SCARLETEEN – information aimed at youth and young adults under 25 yrs old
• O.School – an inclusive website of streaming live sex and relationship workshops
• Planned Parenthood – reproductive and sexual health care for millions of Americans

Health Resources for Adult Performers

• Pineapple Support provides 24/7 online, emotional support as well as free and subsidized professional therapy and advice to all performers and producers who have been active in the adult industry within the past 6 months.
• The Adult Performer Advocacy Committee (APAC) advocates to maintain and improve safety and working conditions in the adult film industry by giving adult performers organized representation in matters that affect our health, safety, and community. We recommend reading the Model Bill of Rights and Performer Code of Conduct.
• The Free Speech Coalition is the national trade association to the adult entertainment and pleasure products industry. Its mission is to lead, protect, and support the growth and well-being of businesses and workers in the adult industry, as well as the communities to which they belong. Thanks to a partnership with NextGen, individual memberships with FSC include discounts on vision, dental, legal assistance, ID protection, vitamins, prescriptions, and other benefits.
• INSPIRE, launched by FSC’s Outreach Coordinator Lotus Lain, is a program created to inform, share resources, provide awareness and guide for adult film performers, especially those who are new or considering starting work and are asking the question, “How do I get into porn?”

COVID-19 Precautions

• Bay Area Worker Support COVID Guide
• CDC
• My Turn (Vaccination notifications for those in California)
• Free Speech Coalition Production Guidelines

Sex Ed Books & Guides

While there’s a lot of great books out there, we like to recommend Girl Sex 101, a sex-ed book with helpful info for ladies and lady-lovers of all genders and identities. It’s queer focused, trans inclusive, and covers everything from consent to squirting to muffing.

Trans Sexuality PDF Guides

• BRAZEN: Trans Women Safer Sex Guide
• Primed: The Back Pocket Guide for Trans Men and the Men Who Dig Them
• STRIDE: St. James Infirmary Guide to Hormones
• Fucking Trans Women (FTW issue #0) by Mira Bellwether

SEXUAL RISK CHART

Here is a clear chart of the likelihood of disease transmission with various types of sex. (You may download and print this chart.)

* You could be at risk if the receiver has just topped someone else.

** Very low risk.

*** Unprotected anal sex is a very high risk activity for a bottom, much more so than for a top. The risk of HIV transmission to a bottom during unprotected anal sex is 15 in 1,000 versus 3 in 10,000 from a bottom to a top.

• Kissing, mutual masturbation, body massage, and frottage or dry humping are considered safer sex activities, with little to no risk of STD transmission.
• Using condoms (both external or internal designs) significantly reduces the risk of contracting STDs during anal, vaginal and oral sex.
• Washing hands and the genital area thoroughly before and after oral-anal sex reduces the risk of transmission of most of the listed STDs and conditions. Condom use reduces transmission risk even further.

Source: SF City Clinic.

This page is periodically updated, however we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provide above. Please take precautions and research thoroughly. If you feel you have more current information that can help us improve this resource, please contact us to let us know.