vulvalovelovely

A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that the vulva needs to be included in our discussions about body image.

Here is a young woman discussing this very thing. have a look.

Pregnancy Advisory Centre

Do you work with young women that might be in need of support around her pregnancy options. The Pregnancy advisory centre is a fantastic service here in Adelaide, read there blurb below and have a look at their website here

The Pregnancy Advisory Centre provides women in South Australia with information about pregnancy options and a safe, high quality, abortion service.
Within a supportive environment of comfort, privacy, convenience and safety,

the Centre provides:

Pregnancy testing and ultrasound scan;
Abortion services up to approx. 22 weeks;
Counselling;
Emergency Contraception Pill (ECP) or the morning after pill;
Contraceptive advice and provision;
Sexual health care and information; and
Community education and training.

The Centre is accredited by the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards.
Counsellors are trained social workers and provide unbiased, woman centered counselling.

Abortions are provided by qualified, non-judgmental medical staff. Counselling and abortion services are FREE, provided at no cost to clients. Contraception is provided at minimal cost.
The Centre is open Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 4.00 pm.

Young women: Have your say

A GREAT opportunity to for young women ( all women) to be involved in some consultations: Below is a small blurb. Go to this website to see more. One of the special groups to have thier own forum is young women

Consultations 2010
Women in South Australia - Thinking about a Better Future
The Premier's Council for Women wants your views on the issues that affect women - employment and money, family, health, safety, well-being - whatever issues are important to you.

Your participation in this consultation process will contribute to the update of South Australia's Strategic Plan. Hearing your views will also help us continue to provide independent advice on issues of importance to women and advocate for improved opportunities, well-being and services for all women in South Australia.

labiaplasty

Why is it that some women feel the need to have thier labia altered? What is our mainstream media doing to create this need? Why aren't people satisfied with who they are?? Go here to watch a facinating interview and film from Hungry Beast

VIEWER WARNING: This story is rated M for nudity, sexual references and strong scenes of Labiaplasty surgery that may disturb some viewers?
We need to warn you straight up that this story contains footage of genital surgical operations that some may find confronting.
There’s one part of the female body that most of us have seen more in pictures than in real life. But has censorship skewed our idea of what a normal vagina looks like? And could it be contributing to a new trend in cosmetic surgery

wonderful posting from a young woman

I had to post this on this blog. It is an email I recieved from a wonderful young woman who is concerned about all young men and women out there. This is being published with her permission. Feel free to copy and pass it on. Young people rock!!

Let me tell you a little about myself.... my name is Asha and I am 21 years old. I am the first child of Jo & Lud. My parents seperated when I was so young I don't have any memories of them being together. I was brought up between two houses, with my father and his girlfriend in the hills, and my mother by the beach. I have a younger brother and together we spent time with both sides of our family. I was showered with love and support throughout my growing years from both parents and I cannot imagine I could have come from a happier and more loving environment. Both of my parents have always been open and honest with myself and my brother. It is a relationship that is built on trust and friendship.

I don't know if it is because my father works in the youth sector or for any other reason - but to me, having a healthy and SAFE sexual relationship with anyone, just seems common sense. Not so. I am still shocked by how many of my friends, colleagues and peers can be so ignorant. I have had many chats with many different people in the last few months. These people come from all walks of life - different countries, towns, backgrounds and sexual prefences. Most of them are between 18 and 30 years of age. When I brought up the topic of contraception, the most common responses I got from males were "girls are all on the pill these days, I don't need to think about it" and "I'd know if I had something....!" A couple accused me of saying they were "dirty and diseased". I am not accusing you of that, BUT STI's DO NOT ALWAYS PRESENT SYMPTOMS!!!!!!! You may have had a check up 3 months ago, but how many times have you had unprotected sex since then, and are you absolutely sure the people you have had sex with are free of STIs? Not because you assume, but because you know and trust them when they tell you they have been tested.... recently and since having unprotected sex.

And no, not all girls are on the pill. I'm not. That doesn't mean I am going to have sex unprotected. If I am going to have sex with anyone, I will use a condom. I'm not meaning to cause offence by asking a man to wear a condom, but I actually value my health, and that means I don't want an STI! I don't know who you have had sex with, I don't want to know. And really - you don't know who I have had sex with either, so I'm not just asking you to wear one for the hell of it. They are made for a reason..!

Most girls I spoke with, were a bit more aware of the importance of using protection, but still not all practiced it. The reasons for not practicing it, generally were "being too drunk" so not caring at the time (probably more of a reason TO practice it!) and because the guy didn't want to wear one.... well, if you'd prefer to feel the pain and embarassment of Herpes, no worries, but I don't want to share that experience thank you very much.

Almost half of people I spoke with said they have had Chlamydia atleast once. They were all surprised that it is treated with just a tablet - I guess in that sense they are LUCKY that's all they had.. not everything will go away with just a tablet.

I remember afew months ago I was at the pub, I saw a man with his hand down his pants. I asked what he was doing. His reply was "I have Chlamydia, my balls sting, would you like to help by rubbing them better?" Worst pick up line in history, and No, I think I will stay away from your Chlamydia. Strange as it may be, that did not turn me on. At all!

Is this how society is? We see sexual health as a joke and nothing to worry about? I don't know what it will take to get through to these people! Even after talking with them about the importance of practicing safe sex and explaining that STIs don't always show symptoms, and just because you have a check up every three months doesn't mean your safe..... I know that some of them have still had unprotected sex...! Unprotected sex with friends, partners, "fuck buddys" and one night stands.

I'm not going to lie. I have had unprotected sex. You may call me a hypocrite, but we all make mistakes. For the record, it was with someone that I know and trust, and I know he had been tested and cleared. Still, I am wiser now! I wouldn't let it happen again. You just never know.

Whatever happened to prevention? You may have your regular check up, but by then you may already have an STI without knowing it!!! ...They do not all go away. They can be treated yes, but once you have Herpes, Warts or even worse AIDS, you are stuck with them! As well as that, some STIs can cause infertility if left untreated.
What more do we need to do? Seriously guys (and girls), buy some condoms... AND USE THEM!!!! If you can't afford to buy them, duck into your local youth centre or hospital and you can get them for free!!!!!

Oral Sex is the New Goodnight Kiss

I just started reading this. Go to this website and have a look. ShineSA has a copy in the library if you are interested.

Below is an excerpt -

"Some of the prettiest girls from the most successful families are prostituting. They are being targeted at their schools and at malls – places we consider safe. And, the predator is often an acquaintance. “The youngest girl I recruited for prostitution was 10. I didn’t care. I would just bring in all these stupid little girls,” explained Leigha, 15.

Of the high school girls he was prostituting, Luu Dang, 35, says, “White girls don’t really mind having sex with men for money. They’re not like Chinese girls. White girls only care about money”. Girls live in a culture where sexuality is tied to celebrity, status and money.

What happens to young girls who are conditioned to feel empowered only when they are the sexual center of attention? “When you see really hard solid men lose their shell, that’s really a powerful thing and it is all the time whatever kind of sex it is. I never knew I had so much power,” explains Rachael, 16.

“Both my girls crave the spotlight. They love being the center of attention,” explains Gwen, a biologist. “As a mother you really don’t want to think your kid can trade sex, but I knew [Rachael] was engaging in all kinds of sexual behaviors and guys would buy her clothes for sure. It’s interesting that she thought trading sex was a form of being powerful because to me it’s the ultimate in submission – selling your body.”

Here are some of my thoughts:

Suddenly coerecian and sex for favours seems a big deal because its MIDDLE CLASS WHITE GIRLS. However this crap has been going on for a long time for other less powerful groups.

Another thought is that this appears to be made as a warning to girls ( yet again) - dont let yourself get in trouble, dont be a victim etc etc. What I would like to see on top of this is the information about STOPPING THE MEN WHO ARE RESPONSIBLE. Its time to look at ways of changing the culture we live in that supports and allows this stuff. Why the hell do some men believe that forcing young girls to have sex is a good thing?? We need lots more work around this stuff.

Having said that - the DVD that comes with this resource is REALLY powerful and saddening. Get a copy yourself and have a look. Then make some comments.