Q I am attending my first IML in Chicago this year and I was wondering if you could tell me any safety tips you have so I can have the best weekend possible!
A Whether this year is your twentieth International Mister Leather or your first, it never hurts to refresh yourself on safer leather sex and some of the hot, hard basics!
IML has many leather activities, parties, and events during the weekend and the website SAFERSANER.org gives us some words to play by: "safer, saner and always consensual!"
SAFER
It's important to practice leather sex as safely as possible. All parties need to take the necessary precautions to prevent psychological and physical damage to themselves and their partner(s).
SANER
All parties need to be in possession of their mental faculties and aware of any risks that may be a part of the activity they are about to experience. Safer+Saner recommends not using alcohol or mind-altering drugs (illicit or prescribed) before or during a scene. Be careful of engaging when your guard is down due to loneliness, depression, anger, or other emotional states that may impair your decision making.
ALWAYS CONSENSUAL
Leather sex encounters are built on trust, pleasure, and mutual exchange. All partners need to discuss limits and boundaries prior to engagement, and agreements need to be clear and concise. Leather sex is not rape or abuse and if a scene starts to go there you need to identify a way to get out!
For more information on how to play safe, visit www.safersaner.org .
Be well,
Peter Pointers
Peter Pointers is an online, gay health educator and is assisted by a group of qualified health specialists who work as a team to answer your health questions. Check out Peter's Question/Answer forum at www.lifelube.org/experts.php for more pointers and to ask your own questions.
