06 February 25
Ending HIV
Wearing condoms is ending HIV transmission
Condoms have been keeping us safe forever, though they came to shine during the HIV epidemic in the 1980s.
Once we knew HIV could be transmitted by anal sex, condoms were the best tool at the time to protect you and your partners from HIV.
Read on to learn about the early years of condoms and why they remain a staple today.
Condoms and the Early Years
When it became clear that HIV was primarily being transmitted by anal sex within our communities, we banded together and started spreading the news: condoms prevent HIV!
ACON was formed from community members looking to care and advocate for their friends, family and lovers in 1985. At around the same time what would be considered our first HIV prevention campaign hit the streets: ‘Rubba Me’ (1985). It spoke the truth, condoms prevent HIV.
Condoms were distributed to community events, like Mardi Gras, which is still done to this day! At a certain parade, a private condom fitting in the back of a convertible was even offered. It was available for those with concerns about not fitting their condoms…imagine!
While humour was an important part of health promotion in some of the darkest times, it’s also true that condoms have prevented countless deaths from HIV and continue to protect many more today.
Condoms are still effective today
Condoms are the OG, they are easy to find and use and can be found for free or relatively cheap and stores everywhere.
If you are using PrEP or undetectable to protect your partner(s) from HIV, it’s also still a good idea to use condoms, given their protective benefits against STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhoea. You could be saving yourself an unnecessary trip to the clinic!
Find your perfect fit
Condoms don’t come in one shape or size, so finding the right fit for your member will go a long way to enjoying sex with a condom. Aside from better pleasure, a better fit also decreases the chance of it tearing or slipping off.
Don’t wait for a prince to slip one on for the perfect fit, learn how to find the perfect fitting condom and enjoy them today!
Find free condoms near you
Did you know you can get condoms for free across the state? Just use our find free condoms tool.
If you couldn’t find one near you, keep in mind you can also often find free condoms in sex on-premises venues for patrons, sexual health clinics and at community pride events.
Wearing condoms is ending HIV transmission.