THE FREEDOM BOOK - Cambridge University Students' Union

20 CUSU LGBT The Freedom Book 2008Sex between menIt is a common stereotype that gay men have a lot of sex or are verypromiscuous. Unsurprisingly, as with people of all sexualities, there aresome people who are having lots of sex, although the majority probablyaren’t. There’s no reason to feel pressured into having sex just becauseyou think you have some gay stereotype to live up to. However, atthe same time if you enjoy having sex then there’s no reason to stop orfeel guilty. The important thing is to not let peer pressure (or even pressureon a personal level) influence your decisions: whether you want towait for the right person or are quite happy with it, the choice is alwaysyours.Unprotected sex between men can carry high risks – just as unprotectedsex between a man and a woman can. Unprotected anal sex can comewith a high risk of HIV infection as well as many other STIs.Never assume that somebody doesn’t have any STIs – itmay be the case that they do not know themselves. Don’ttake a risk because you know the person, or because they‘don’t seem the type’. The key thing is to act responsiblyat all times. The most important thing when having sexis communicating effectively and clearly with yourpartner – this should ease any nerves or worries. Hereare some of the things you can do:In general, kissing, touching, cuddling and holdingare largely STI free. However, cold-sores (a version of theherpes virus) may be passed on through kissing andclose physical contact may help pass on scabies.Mutual masturbation or wanking is masturbatingeach other, often using your hands. It’s fairly safe as long asno semen gets in any cuts or sores. There is a risk of wartsbeing passed on though this is relatively unlikely.Fingering is using the fingers to stimulate the anusor penetrate the anus and stimulate the prostate. It’sfairly safe, but be careful – don’t risk tearing the skin