The movie "The Secretary" is older now, yet it is still a provocative film that puts BDSM (power based relationships) to the big screen. I first watched it with a large group of fellow perverts when it first debuted in Vancouver in 2002.
I highly suggest either renting the movie to watch at home while you play with yourself or your lover, or coming out on February 22 to see it again in a public theater.
The Rio Theatre & Black Dog
Video present an 11pm Friday night screening of Steven Shainberg's
SECRETARY starring James Spader & Maggie Gyllenhaal.
Admission is $6
in film related costume ($8 without). Dress up in costume for $1 off the $8 ticket price and join the fun!
Licensed screening with bar
service (19+ only; 2 pieces of ID required).
A young woman, recently released from a mental hospital, gets a job as a
secretary to a demanding lawyer, where their employer-employee
relationship turns into a sexual, sadomasochistic one.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
HIV Testing in BC
HIV TestingHow can I get tested and where? |
Who should get tested and why?
HIV testing can be considered part of your regular care. HIV can be transmitted by vaginal, anal, or even oral sex (especially unprotected sex), sharing drug equipment, or during pregnancy, birthing, or breastfeeding. This means that just about everyone should think about getting an HIV test!
The sooner someone gets a test, the sooner HIV can be detected and treatment can begin. Treatment protects your immune system and lowers the chances of passing HIV on to others. Treatment is simpler and more effective than ever and means many people can live strong, healthy lives.
- Ask for a test at your next doctor’s appointment or visit a drop-in medical clinic.
- Find a public health clinic - testing is easily available, often with a drop-in visit. Find a clinic in British Columbia organized by city, service, or days of the week open, at SmartSexResource.com or call HealthLinkBC toll-free, 24/7, at 8-1-1.
- Drop-in for a rapid “point-of-care” test at select Fraser Health clinics on select days (not open on statutory holidays). Test results are available within minutes and no CareCard is required.
- Abbotsford Health Unit, 104-34194 Marshall Rd, Abbotsford. Tel: 604 864-3400
2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month, 4:30pm to 6:00pm - New Westminster Health Unit, 218-610 Sixth St, New Westminster. Tel: 604 777-6740
3rd Thursday of the month, 4:30pm to 6:00pm - North Surrey Health Unit, 220-10362 King George Blvd, Surrey. Tel: 604 587-7900
3rd Monday of the month, 4:30pm to 6:00pm
Monday, January 28, 2013
Dirty Girls Play Party Sat. February 2
Imagine your best sleepover pajama party when you were younger. Without pajamas. As you arrive,you will step inside a place where the cares and the stresses of the day are left at the door. The lighting is soft, the colours are soft, the bedding and furniture are all soft. (The girls are soft too)
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 2
7 - 8:30 PM & 9 - 1 AM
Coquitlam (and not transit accessible)
(2500 sq foot home, two floors, three restrooms, hot tub, parking, fully catered, multi media room porn and sound)
$40 party / $50 workshop+party $25 workshop only
Bring your own toys & towel.
RESERVATIONS: jennifer@libidoevents.com
No experience necessary - just a desire to hang out with lovely women
The best part about a DIRTY GIRLS party is that it's a light, fun, carefree evening where almost anything and everything goes; a place to explore your voyeuristic or exhibitionist side (or both). If you're just at the beginning of your adventurous journey, it's a great place to dip a toe into the water and decide if you want to dive in deep or wade gently into the shallows. You can be naked as the day you were born, decked out in lace, satin or silk, wrapped in leather, shiny and sparkly in glitter, or festooned in feathers. Choose something that makes you feel beautiful, because by the end of the evening it will be pulsing through you. Beauty. Softness. Laughter. Joy.
No two women are the same and no two DIRTY GIRLS parties are the same. There will surely be massage oil at some point, and the chocolate fountain might well be bubbling in the kitchen. Anything is better dipped in chocolate.
A DIRTY GIRL'S party is a feast for all the senses. Delicious appetizers, fragrant candles and massage oils, giggles and whimpers, touches as bountiful as you might desire or none at all if you're merely a contented voyeur, and pretty girls of all ages, shapes and colors everywhere.
It's like a secret sorority with no particular pledge and no particular uniform. The only expectation is that you leave your inhibitions at the door and venture boldly where no man has gone before. It's a girl thing. Try it. You'll like it.
++Our Sex Machines the Monkey Rocker and the Sybian will be set up with attachments on sale; they range in price from $35-$75 CASH and once you buy it, you just continue to bring it back to LL so that you can ride each and every visit on your own personal insertable. The ride is free; it is the attachment piece you must buy. We have a number in stock, both singles and double insertables.
TICKETS: Send an E-Transfer done directly from your own banks home page for the amount due, plus $3 as a service charge to jennifer@libidoevents.com This is secure between you and your bank, the money is sent to my email address and it is fast, done in minutes from you to me. Payment is non refundable and non transferable. Email back once payment has been made, including your full legal name/s and the event paid for, then I will add you to the guest list and on the Thursday before your event, you'll be sent the rest of the relevant event particulars.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
SULTRY bath house party February 23
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2012
8:30 - 11:30 PM
SULTRY, COUPLES & WOMEN ONLY BATH HOUSE PARTY
ADVANCE TICKETS ONLY: jennifer@libidoevents.com
This event is open to couples, women & only 3 single men, no membership is required.
Libido Events presents Sultry, our hot, wet, sensational bath house party.
You DO NOT need to be a Libido Lounge member to attend SULTRY.
Tickets are $80 for General Public couples and non refundable.
Tickets are $65 for Lounge Member couples and non refundable.
Tickets are $35 for Single Women and non refundable.
Tickets are $10 for a Lounge Members Life Time Member and non refundable.
(PAYMENT NOW DUE, NO TICKETS AT DOOR)
SULTRY Steam, Sauna, Sex - Couples & Women Only
We make a private rental of an Original Style Bath House in Vancouver.
~~~~~ SULTRY ~~~~~
An evening for the playfully adventurous: Just you, your partner...and twenty-four other couples, locked in for an evening of debauchery. With saunas, showers, play rooms, and massage tables, the stage is set for sensual, sexual, and fun games.
Get lathered up with countless other people in the shower (the lathering is mutual, of course); have a water fight; pair up (or triple up) for intimate play -- or watch other people while they do. Relax in the sauna between activities while Jennifer runs her version of Show & Tell (not quite the game you remember), Anal Ring Toss and Whipping Cream Get To Know You, have a snack or a cold drink, then dive back into the steam for more.
Once payment is received, the address and other relevant party info will be sent to you. Be sure to include your email address and your full legal names.
* All inclusive: Entrance to the event, finger foods, non-alcoholic beverages, lounge room entertainment, fun, play stations, safer-sex supplies...
* ...Social lounge with TV and refreshments, play rooms (with recovery beds and massage tables), two large shower rooms, two large steam rooms
* Games that will leave you hot and bothered, amused, educated, respected and feeling alive.
* Opportunity to ride the Monkey Rocker (a sex machine) *at an additional charge
* You and your partner must arrive and leave together.
* Our own masseuse for couples massages (there is an additional charge of $20 for 15 minutes). Sign up when you arrive!
AS A SPECIAL OFFER FOR THREE VERY LUCKY SINGLE MEN:
TICKET 1 - $150 Ticket To Attend Sultry
- A Fluffer will greet you and do your introductions all swank like.
- You will be One Of Only Three Single Men Attending (Sultry averages 70% women)
- You will be introduced to everyone by name, as one of our Special Guest
TICKET 2 - $250 Ticket To Attend Sultry
- A Fluffer will greet you and do your introductions all swank like.
- You will be One Of Only Three Single Men Attending (Sultry averages 70% women)
- You will be introduced to everyone by name, as one of our Special Guest
- You will receive a 15 minute body massage, done by our in house nude masseuse (she's hot)
TICKET 3 - $350 Ticket To Attend Sultry
- A Fluffer will greet you and do your introductions all swank like.
- You will be One Of Only Three Single Men Attending (Sultry averages 70% women)
- You will be introduced to everyone by name, as one of our Special Guest
- You will be the centre of attention by a clan of naked women beauties in an erotic game, that will have all of them atop of you at some point for what we have in store for you
** the first three men to purchase this, will be the winners of this hedonistic prize package
GENERAL INFORMATION
There are plenty of spaces for sex with your sweetie or for hooking up with someone new. People talk, they are very social and gracious and easy going, everyone is beautiful at Sultry, you'll feel it as soon as you walk in the door. Sexy is everywhere, come join us.
Our Provocative Massage Girl will greet you at some point shortly after you arrive to Sultry and invite you to schedule an appointment on her massage table to bliss out under her touch. Do it, she'll treat you like royalty.
Jennifer is available for two sessions of G-Spot Exploration for women or couples during the evening. The consult is $50 and is a hands-on interactive appointment. When making your payment for Sultry, please add this cost to your total and a time slot will be made available to you for our time together.
~~Special: "The Monkey Rocker" sex machine will be at Sultry and anyone wanting to ride may do so. (there will be new insertables available at a low cost for those riding, $35) What a thrilling machine to ride or to witness someone riding. If you like to be fucked, this is a dream machine and there are some party goers coming who plan on riding the machine "hard". Yay!
TICKETS: Send an E-Transfer done directly from your own banks home page for the amount due, plus $3 as a service charge to jennifer@libidoevents.com This is secure between you and your bank, the money is sent to my email address and it is fast, done in minutes from you to me. Payment is non refundable and non transferable. Email back once payment has been made, including your full legal name/s and the event paid for, then I will add you to the guest list and on the Thursday before your event, you'll be sent the rest of the relevant event particulars.
Sunday, December 09, 2012
Saturday, December 08, 2012
Sultry Sexy Party, Vancouver BC, Sat. Dec 15
This SATURDAY DECEMBER 15th is Libido's last party of the year -- Tickets Are On Sale Now, including tickets for only three single men. SULTRY is Vancouver's longest running, kinky bath house night for discerning adults. You should know, that every single person who attends our events is shiny gorgeous, beautiful and ripe with passion ... we all see this as our parties are filled with curves, lines, bellies, scars, breasts of all sizes, asses and the legs go on forever. Make a naked person laugh and the whole room relaxes with ease and try your best not to get hit by a nerf bat or a pool noodle.
There were TWO G-Spot Exploration appointments available at Sultry for women wishing a session with Jennifer, and now there is only 1 remaining. This is of course, a hands-on interactive appointment.
* Sultry is simply incredible, for everyone. An evening for the playfully adventurous: just you and a whole posse of other exciting people, locked in for hours of debauchery and being silly.
* Couples of any orientation, women and ONLY 3 SINGLE MEN
* Cool area's to chill out in and to play in, you won't be overheated, not to worry.
* With two massive saunas, four showers, two play rooms, and massage tables, the stage is set for sensual, sexual, and fun games.
* There are plenty of spaces for sex with your sweetie or for hooking up with someone new.
* People talk and mingle (while naked, gasp, they are very social and gracious and easy going, everyone is beautiful at Sultry, you'll feel it as soon as you walk in the door. Sexy is everywhere, come join us.
This month we have a group of young women joining us for the evening to act as our Fluffers. Their role is to cheer you all on, make you giggle, show you around and to make everyone has a chance to shine. Partake in the games Jennifer runs, at least in one or two, you'll thank yourself afterwards for the permission to do so.
SATURDAY DECEMBER 15, 2012
8:30 - 11:30 PM
SULTRY, COUPLES & WOMEN ONLY BATH HOUSE PARTY
ADVANCE TICKETS ONLY: jennifer@libidoevents.com
This event is open to couples and women only, no membership is required.
Libido Events presents Sultry, our hot, wet, sensational bath house party.
You DO NOT need to be a Libido Lounge member to attend SULTRY.
Tickets are $80 for General Public couples and non refundable.
Tickets are $65 for Lounge Member couples and non refundable.
Tickets are $35 for Single Women and non refundable.
Tickets are $10 for a Lounge Members Life Time Member and non refundable.
(PAYMENT NOW DUE, NO TICKETS AT DOOR)
SULTRY Steam, Sauna, Sex - Couples & Women Only
We make a private rental of an Original Style Bath House in Vancouver.
~~~~~ SULTRY ~~~~~
An evening for the playfully adventurous: Just you, your partner...and twenty-four other couples, locked in for an evening of debauchery. With saunas, showers, play rooms, and massage tables, the stage is set for sensual, sexual, and fun games.
Get lathered up with countless other people in the shower (the lathering is mutual, of course); have a water fight; pair up (or triple up) for intimate play -- or watch other people while they do. Relax in the sauna between activities while Jennifer runs her version of Show & Tell (not quite the game you remember), Anal Ring Toss and Whipping Cream Get To Know You, have a snack or a cold drink, then dive back into the steam for more.
Once payment is received, the address and other relevant party info will be sent to you. Be sure to include your email address and your full legal names.
* All inclusive: Entrance to the event, finger foods, non-alcoholic beverages, lounge room entertainment, fun, play stations, safer-sex supplies...
* ...Social lounge with TV and refreshments, play rooms (with recovery beds and massage tables), two large shower rooms, two large steam rooms
* Games that will leave you hot and bothered, amused, educated, respected and feeling alive.
* Opportunity to ride the Monkey Rocker (a sex machine) *at an additional charge
* You and your partner must arrive and leave together.
* Our own masseuse for couples massages (there is an additional charge of $20 for 15 minutes). Sign up when you arrive!
AS A SPECIAL OFFER FOR THREE VERY LUCKY SINGLE MEN:
TICKET 1 - $150 Ticket To Attend Sultry (SOLD)
- A Fluffer will greet you and do your introductions all swank like.
- You will be One Of Only Three Single Men Attending (Sultry averages 70% women)
- You will be introduced to everyone by name, as one of our Special Guest
TICKET 2 - $250 Ticket To Attend Sultry
- A Fluffer will greet you and do your introductions all swank like.
- You will be One Of Only Three Single Men Attending (Sultry averages 70% women)
- You will be introduced to everyone by name, as one of our Special Guest
- You will receive a 15 minute body massage, done by our in house nude masseuse (she's hot)
TICKET 3 - $350 Ticket To Attend Sultry (SOLD)
- A Fluffer will greet you and do your introductions all swank like.
- You will be One Of Only Three Single Men Attending (Sultry averages 70% women)
- You will be introduced to everyone by name, as one of our Special Guest
- You will be the centre of attention by a clan of naked women beauties in an erotic game, that will have all of them atop of you at some point for what we have in store for you
** the first three men to purchase this, will be the winners of this hedonistic prize package
GENERAL INFORMATION
There are plenty of spaces for sex with your sweetie or for hooking up with someone new. People talk, they are very social and gracious and easy going, everyone is beautiful at Sultry, you'll feel it as soon as you walk in the door. Sexy is everywhere, come join us.
Our Provocative Massage Girl will greet you at some point shortly after you arrive to Sultry and invite you to schedule an appointment on her massage table to bliss out under her touch. Do it, she'll treat you like royalty.
Jennifer is available for two sessions of G-Spot Exploration for women or couples during the evening. The consult is $50 and is a hands-on interactive appointment. When making your payment for Sultry, please add this cost to your total and a time slot will be made available to you for our time together.
~~Special: "The Monkey Rocker" sex machine will be at Sultry and anyone wanting to ride may do so. (there will be new insertables available at a low cost for those riding, $35) What a thrilling machine to ride or to witness someone riding. If you like to be fucked, this is a dream machine and there are some party goers coming who plan on riding the machine "hard". Yay!
TICKETS: Send an E-Transfer done directly from your own banks home page for the amount due, plus $3 as a service charge to jennifer@libidoevents.com This is secure between you and your bank, the money is sent to my email address and it is fast, done in minutes from you to me. Payment is non refundable and non transferable. Email back once payment has been made, including your full legal name/s and the event paid for, then I will add you to the guest list and on the Thursday before your event, you'll be sent the rest of the relevant event particulars.
Friday, December 07, 2012
Birthday Celebration in Disneyland
Today my baby boy turned three years old, this officially makes me the mother of a toddler. We are away for this birthday celebration in Disneyland California for a holiday.
boobie hugs, Jennifer
boobie hugs, Jennifer
Friday, November 16, 2012
CTV Morning Show Edmonton
While in Edmonton, City TV invited me onto their set (Live) for the morning show to discuss ethical non monogamy and my work with Taboo. Here is the link to the archived interview.
Friday, November 09, 2012
The Calgary Journal
Before heading off to work my ass off teaching 22 classes for the 2012 Taboo Sex Show Calgary and Edmonton editions, I was interviewed briefly by phone as part of this lovely little article. Enjoy!
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Alternatives to monogamy - Vancouver Sun Article
Last month a lovely woman by the name of Erika Thorkelson contacted me and asked if she could interview me on non monogamy. Before agreeing to talk further with her, I checked in to see what angle her story was coming from as I wanted to ensure we were discussing "ethical" non monogamy. Seeing as Erika was writing a small article on such a juicy topic, I found myself willing to give her some of my time.
"From her office in Coquitlam, Skrukwa counsels couples on ethically opening up their relationships. She advocates keeping lines of communication open to a partner’s desires without judgment."
Read the rest of this interview here.
The article was written for the entertainment section and led to my being offered a new job contract discussing open relationships in the Post Secondary School System.
Read over what was written and if after reading you become inspired to want to talk with me about your relationship style, non monogamy, opening up a pre existing relationship, or how to move forward to find a partner, this would be a wonderful time to make contact.
Skrukwa counsels couples on ethically opening up their relationships. She advocates keeping lines of communication open to a partner’s desires without judgment.
Currently I am offering 60 minute phone calls for only $50 for Relationship Talk. We can talk alone, or you can have your partner on the line as well.
Deciding to do anything other than monogamy can be daunting, however with a little sexpert help, I can assist you in making the process easier to navigate and understand.
Write: jennifer@libidoevents.com
"From her office in Coquitlam, Skrukwa counsels couples on ethically opening up their relationships. She advocates keeping lines of communication open to a partner’s desires without judgment."
Read the rest of this interview here.
The article was written for the entertainment section and led to my being offered a new job contract discussing open relationships in the Post Secondary School System.
Read over what was written and if after reading you become inspired to want to talk with me about your relationship style, non monogamy, opening up a pre existing relationship, or how to move forward to find a partner, this would be a wonderful time to make contact.
Skrukwa counsels couples on ethically opening up their relationships. She advocates keeping lines of communication open to a partner’s desires without judgment.
Currently I am offering 60 minute phone calls for only $50 for Relationship Talk. We can talk alone, or you can have your partner on the line as well.
Deciding to do anything other than monogamy can be daunting, however with a little sexpert help, I can assist you in making the process easier to navigate and understand.
Write: jennifer@libidoevents.com
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Celebrate Pride Vancouver 2012 w/ Amazing People
Celebrate Pride with These Amazing Weekend Events ....
Saturday, August 4
Sultry Pride
8:30-11:30 PM
Libido Events celebrates Pride in a colorful playful fashion at our monthly sexy bathhouse party. Sex-positive 19 + play party featuring water, massage, "Fluffers", along with plenty of spontaneous laughter. (alcohol, drug and smoke free)
Tickets: jennifer@libidoevents.com
Sunday, August 5
34th Annual Pride Parade
@ Robson - Denman - Beach - Pacific - 12pm
The 34th Annual Pride Parade will flood downtown Vancouver with over 700,000 spectators in the City's largest and most colorful festival. Vancouver is home to the 5th largest Pride Parade in the world and is only event in the world that has spectators and participants outnumbering the host City's population. Join us as 150 floats and thousands of people march through a parade as diverse as our City. Starting on Robson Street in the heart of Vancouver's boutique shopping district, continuing down Denman into the Westend, a stones throw from the Davie Village, finishing along the beachfront with an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean. This is truly one of the most beautiful and diverse parade routes in the world.
Pride Festival and Market
@ Sunset Beach - 11am to 6pm
The Festival and Market is a great place to be, before, after, and even during the Parade. Join us in the park and listen to live music by local performers, and check out the Market. Packed with over 150 booths with a great mix of products, services, and community organizations, the market is a great place to support the people and organizations that support your Pride. Kick back and enjoy an ice cold pint of Vancouver Pride's very own distinctly delicious Golden Ale, G'ALE, at one of Vancouver's only waterfront beer gardens.
Saturday, August 4
Sultry Pride
8:30-11:30 PM
Libido Events celebrates Pride in a colorful playful fashion at our monthly sexy bathhouse party. Sex-positive 19 + play party featuring water, massage, "Fluffers", along with plenty of spontaneous laughter. (alcohol, drug and smoke free)
Tickets: jennifer@libidoevents.com
Sunday, August 5
34th Annual Pride Parade
@ Robson - Denman - Beach - Pacific - 12pm
The 34th Annual Pride Parade will flood downtown Vancouver with over 700,000 spectators in the City's largest and most colorful festival. Vancouver is home to the 5th largest Pride Parade in the world and is only event in the world that has spectators and participants outnumbering the host City's population. Join us as 150 floats and thousands of people march through a parade as diverse as our City. Starting on Robson Street in the heart of Vancouver's boutique shopping district, continuing down Denman into the Westend, a stones throw from the Davie Village, finishing along the beachfront with an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean. This is truly one of the most beautiful and diverse parade routes in the world.
Pride Festival and Market
@ Sunset Beach - 11am to 6pm
The Festival and Market is a great place to be, before, after, and even during the Parade. Join us in the park and listen to live music by local performers, and check out the Market. Packed with over 150 booths with a great mix of products, services, and community organizations, the market is a great place to support the people and organizations that support your Pride. Kick back and enjoy an ice cold pint of Vancouver Pride's very own distinctly delicious Golden Ale, G'ALE, at one of Vancouver's only waterfront beer gardens.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Test for HIV in the Privacy of Your Home
I know I would use a home HIV test and I know that people, many many people, would also welcome this. Finally, a chance to take further responsibility for ones own health and for access to be even more possible to others. A home HIV test is to be celebrated and I am clapping madly right now.
News like OraQuick, the HIV test that was recently unanimously approved by the FDA for over-the-counter use.
OraQuick, produced by the Pennsylvania-based pharmaceutical company OraSure Technologies, is the first rapid HIV testing product available in the United States for receiving instant results at home. Traditionally, to get an HIV test, one would have to go to a doctor’s office or sexual health clinic, have their cheeks swabbed for saliva samples or have a blood sample taken, or else purchase a kit to take their own sample at home and send the results into a lab for testing. Results, depending on the procedure and the sophistication of the laboratory interpreting the results, could take anywhere from sixty seconds to several weeks. OraQuick, however, utilizes similar measures taken in a clinical setting—the test itself is one of the rapid tests used by medical professionals in their offices—but without the visit to the doctor.
To take an OraQuick test, individuals swab their upper and lower gums and insert the sample into a vial of test fluid, all provided by the test. If they test positive for HIV, two colored lines develop on the test strip—similar to a home pregnancy test—after 20 to 40 minutes. Also included in the package is an information booklet that directs test-takers to call the OraQuick HIV support center (available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and bilingual in English and Spanish) for counselling on their test results and referrals to further medical services.
The test has a high rate (99.98%) of specificity, meaning that it accurately produces a negative result when the test taker is HIV-negative almost 100% of the time; its sensitivity—the number of cases where the test will show a positive result when the individual is HIV-positive—is less high with a percentage of 92.98%. In practice, the FDA estimates that this means that the test would come back positive for one person out of 5000 who was actually HIV-negative, while it could show as many as one out of every 12 HIV-positive test-takers as negative for the virus.
While the rate of false negatives is not insubstantial, the FDA reported in their approval that they did not believe this was a reason not to approve the test. They believed that its over-the-counter availability would make the test much more accessible to individuals who might never otherwise choose to get tested, and so could still substantially contribute to determining previously unknown cases of infection.
As a product that could soon be available in such mainstream locations as CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart, this new test has the potential to remove a number of the barriers that currently exist to prevent individuals from getting tested. For many, these include an inability to visit the doctor for a variety of reasons—lack of health insurance, cannot take time off of work, cannot find childcare—and the stigma of visiting a sexual health or HIV clinic.
At the same time, however, there are still a number of challenges individuals might face in attempting to access OraQuick over-the-counter. Because of the intense stigma that individuals with HIV/AIDS are burdened with, and because of the fear and misunderstanding of the conditions and methods of transmission, asking for or even being seen with an HIV test might be too large a feat for many individuals. As well, there are financial issues to consider as the home test is more expensive than the one that is sold to medical professionals; while the latter costs $17.50, the former is expected to be higher in price, up to $60. Though this price increase is stated by the company to pay for the additional costs of the trained, around the clock hotline, it may still be too costly for many of those most in need of the tests.
Additionally, though this point has appeared nowhere in the discussions of this over-the-counter test development, it should be noted that it is conceivable that, as has happened with the over-the-counter availability of emergency contraception, pharmacies might attempt to use “conscience clauses” as a means of not offering the test. Because of HIV’s link with sexual activity and intravenous drug use, as well as its stereotypical ties to the gay male community, religious or conservative providers may decide not to carry the test, thus further limiting individuals’ abilities to access HIV testing.
The OraQuick test is not perfect: the higher rate of false negatives is concerning in that individuals may believe themselves to be uninfected and go on to become sick or infect more people through their ignorance, and the access issues are real. However, if this test can be used to bring more individuals into the doctor’s office, and if it can open conversations between patients and their providers or individuals and their partners, it will be performing a great service. If its availability can normalize this aspect of sexual health even a little bit, or can make individuals less afraid of doing what is healthy for them because they are concerned about who might find out, it will be an important moment in the history of sexual health in this country. Testing is one of the primary means of fighting HIV infection, and this test’s ability to bring more people more knowledge about their status has the potential to identify thousands of additional cases of HIV each year, bringing people towards the proper safer sex and health-promoting strategies they should practice to keep themselves healthy.
To read more about OraQuick and the FDA’s approval, visit the Huffington Post article or see Medpage’s announcement.
News like OraQuick, the HIV test that was recently unanimously approved by the FDA for over-the-counter use.
OraQuick, produced by the Pennsylvania-based pharmaceutical company OraSure Technologies, is the first rapid HIV testing product available in the United States for receiving instant results at home. Traditionally, to get an HIV test, one would have to go to a doctor’s office or sexual health clinic, have their cheeks swabbed for saliva samples or have a blood sample taken, or else purchase a kit to take their own sample at home and send the results into a lab for testing. Results, depending on the procedure and the sophistication of the laboratory interpreting the results, could take anywhere from sixty seconds to several weeks. OraQuick, however, utilizes similar measures taken in a clinical setting—the test itself is one of the rapid tests used by medical professionals in their offices—but without the visit to the doctor.
To take an OraQuick test, individuals swab their upper and lower gums and insert the sample into a vial of test fluid, all provided by the test. If they test positive for HIV, two colored lines develop on the test strip—similar to a home pregnancy test—after 20 to 40 minutes. Also included in the package is an information booklet that directs test-takers to call the OraQuick HIV support center (available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and bilingual in English and Spanish) for counselling on their test results and referrals to further medical services.
The test has a high rate (99.98%) of specificity, meaning that it accurately produces a negative result when the test taker is HIV-negative almost 100% of the time; its sensitivity—the number of cases where the test will show a positive result when the individual is HIV-positive—is less high with a percentage of 92.98%. In practice, the FDA estimates that this means that the test would come back positive for one person out of 5000 who was actually HIV-negative, while it could show as many as one out of every 12 HIV-positive test-takers as negative for the virus.
While the rate of false negatives is not insubstantial, the FDA reported in their approval that they did not believe this was a reason not to approve the test. They believed that its over-the-counter availability would make the test much more accessible to individuals who might never otherwise choose to get tested, and so could still substantially contribute to determining previously unknown cases of infection.
As a product that could soon be available in such mainstream locations as CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart, this new test has the potential to remove a number of the barriers that currently exist to prevent individuals from getting tested. For many, these include an inability to visit the doctor for a variety of reasons—lack of health insurance, cannot take time off of work, cannot find childcare—and the stigma of visiting a sexual health or HIV clinic.
At the same time, however, there are still a number of challenges individuals might face in attempting to access OraQuick over-the-counter. Because of the intense stigma that individuals with HIV/AIDS are burdened with, and because of the fear and misunderstanding of the conditions and methods of transmission, asking for or even being seen with an HIV test might be too large a feat for many individuals. As well, there are financial issues to consider as the home test is more expensive than the one that is sold to medical professionals; while the latter costs $17.50, the former is expected to be higher in price, up to $60. Though this price increase is stated by the company to pay for the additional costs of the trained, around the clock hotline, it may still be too costly for many of those most in need of the tests.
Additionally, though this point has appeared nowhere in the discussions of this over-the-counter test development, it should be noted that it is conceivable that, as has happened with the over-the-counter availability of emergency contraception, pharmacies might attempt to use “conscience clauses” as a means of not offering the test. Because of HIV’s link with sexual activity and intravenous drug use, as well as its stereotypical ties to the gay male community, religious or conservative providers may decide not to carry the test, thus further limiting individuals’ abilities to access HIV testing.
The OraQuick test is not perfect: the higher rate of false negatives is concerning in that individuals may believe themselves to be uninfected and go on to become sick or infect more people through their ignorance, and the access issues are real. However, if this test can be used to bring more individuals into the doctor’s office, and if it can open conversations between patients and their providers or individuals and their partners, it will be performing a great service. If its availability can normalize this aspect of sexual health even a little bit, or can make individuals less afraid of doing what is healthy for them because they are concerned about who might find out, it will be an important moment in the history of sexual health in this country. Testing is one of the primary means of fighting HIV infection, and this test’s ability to bring more people more knowledge about their status has the potential to identify thousands of additional cases of HIV each year, bringing people towards the proper safer sex and health-promoting strategies they should practice to keep themselves healthy.
To read more about OraQuick and the FDA’s approval, visit the Huffington Post article or see Medpage’s announcement.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Couples & Women: SULTRY Bathhouse Party Sat. March 31
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Thursday, February 02, 2012
Polyamory Study Needs Your Input
I met the young woman doing her thesis awhile ago and strongly encourage all poly people to take a few minutes out of your day to make a difference and to really be heard in this study.
Are you currently involved in a polyamorous relationship? Would you be interested in a survey about your relationships?
The goal of this research is to increase our understanding of relationships with multiple partners. The online survey will take about 20 minutes to complete. This study has been approved by the Simon Fraser University Department of Research Ethics.
This survey is anonymous and you will not be asked any identifying information. You must be 19 years or older to participate.
To participate, go to: https://cgi.sfu.ca/~couples/cgi-bin/rws5.cgi?FORM=polysurvey.
Participation will be open until February 21st, 2012.
Please feel free to forward the link to your friends in polyamorous relationships!
Thank you so much!
Melissa Mitchell
Department of Psychology
Simon Fraser University
Friday, December 09, 2011
Thursday Highlights
Yesterday was an unusual day of sorts. Jason who is rarely sick enough to take a day off, spent the day in bed being rather unwell. Of course with my husband home bound my day of work was shot, I just never get anything completed when he's around as he is such a handsome distraction.
In the evening I headed to the Lounge to see a coaching client and then Deviant Dining, a great group gathered to eat and to laugh their asses off. The odd humor we shared last night is partly what made the event so wonderful indeed.
After dinner and late now, at 9, my friend Marilyn packed me into her car and drove me into the city for the grand opening of a new adult store. We arrived to Sweet around 9:30 and it was packed with people eating, drinking and making purchases from the new place. While there we ran into a fantastic bunch of people that we both know so we hung out with them and plotted future kinky encounters.
With luck obviously on my side, I won a huge gift basket as well and even managed to buy a swanky new pair of panties from their new line of clothing the store is carrying thanks to my pal being their buyer.
In the evening I headed to the Lounge to see a coaching client and then Deviant Dining, a great group gathered to eat and to laugh their asses off. The odd humor we shared last night is partly what made the event so wonderful indeed.
After dinner and late now, at 9, my friend Marilyn packed me into her car and drove me into the city for the grand opening of a new adult store. We arrived to Sweet around 9:30 and it was packed with people eating, drinking and making purchases from the new place. While there we ran into a fantastic bunch of people that we both know so we hung out with them and plotted future kinky encounters.
With luck obviously on my side, I won a huge gift basket as well and even managed to buy a swanky new pair of panties from their new line of clothing the store is carrying thanks to my pal being their buyer.
Thursday, December 08, 2011
Sexy Acronym
In an email I received today from a man who was describing to me the sort of woman he and his wife would like to meet for a threeway, he wrote that the woman should be "KVBW".
Unknowing what that acronym stood for, I just had to inquire.
KVBW is short for Kinky Versatile Bi Woman
And that my friends was news to me.
Unknowing what that acronym stood for, I just had to inquire.
KVBW is short for Kinky Versatile Bi Woman
And that my friends was news to me.
Wednesday, December 07, 2011
Participants Needed!
An Anonymous Online Survey on Women’s Online Porn Habits and Masturbation
Sex Educator Jamye Waxman, M.Ed and History and Women’s Studies Professor Hugo Schwyzer, PhD are conducting a short, anonymous survey on online pornography and its impact on women’s masturbation habits.
The survey will take between 10 and 15 minutes to complete, and will be the initial part of what they hope will be a larger study. The answers obtained from this survey will help them determine where to take their research and which aspects to focus on (e.g. body image, self-pleasure, etc.).
To take the survey click here.
Sex Educator Jamye Waxman, M.Ed and History and Women’s Studies Professor Hugo Schwyzer, PhD are conducting a short, anonymous survey on online pornography and its impact on women’s masturbation habits.
The survey will take between 10 and 15 minutes to complete, and will be the initial part of what they hope will be a larger study. The answers obtained from this survey will help them determine where to take their research and which aspects to focus on (e.g. body image, self-pleasure, etc.).
To take the survey click here.
Sunday, December 04, 2011
Glitter In The Air a NYE to Remember
DECEMBER 31, 2011
9 PM - 1:30 AM
DRESS CODE ENFORCED
COST: listed below
Tickets: jennifer@libidoevents.com
9 PM - 1:30 AM
DRESS CODE ENFORCED
COST: listed below
Tickets: jennifer@libidoevents.com
Put on your red shoes and come celebrate the end of 2011 with a bang. Ring in the New Year with a sizzle. Enjoy a saucy evening of sexy party games and just plain old sex games. Our human dessert platter is back and filled with delicious treats all night long, perhaps while watching our provocative slide show. Bring your toys, bring your party hats, be an exhibitionist or be a voyeur. Just be ready to experience a night of glitter, glitz and glamor like no other. Tickets are limited, so book now and guarantee you don't miss out.
(this event does not have alcohol EXCEPT for a toast drink at midnight and we are a smoke free facility)
DOOR PRIZE FOR THE MOST GLAMOROUSLY DRESSED MAN AND WOMAN
Ticket Prices
December 1- 15
members: $40
non members: $50
December 16 - 31
members: $45
non members: $60
Life Time Members $15
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Liberator Products Sale
I just LOVE Liberator Products, so much so that I own oh about eight or so. And you should own a couple as well, they offer something for everyone.
Happy Holidays from me to you. Go shopping with this sweet deal...
25% off Entire Site - Enter gift code “JIVE49” when you checkout.
Liberator Website
Happy Holidays from me to you. Go shopping with this sweet deal...
25% off Entire Site - Enter gift code “JIVE49” when you checkout.
Liberator Website
Monday, November 21, 2011
and life continues on
Wow time flies, it seems I have been negligent in posting for three whole months. Tsk tsk, this was not intentional on my behalf. It happened more due to my being caught up in life, you know how that goes I am sure.
So let's bring you up to speed on where life has taken me, I'll keep it brief and just hit the high points. Then as I start to blog again more often, you'll have some frame of reference for things.
Currently I have a head and chest cold and Jason is over due for his post vasectomy cum in a cup appointment.
Last month I turned 39 years old and celebrated with a trip to Las Vegas. While in Vegas, Jason and I finally were married, it was all previously planned and we even did it live on the internet. The ceremony was progressive and exactly what we wanted it to be for us. Want to watch it, write me and I'll send you the link.
The end of this month Pickle will be two, its rather remarkable how fast he is growing up. My daughter will be eighteen soon and the difference between raising them both is just night and day.
The Lounge turned four this month already, it's kinda crazy. Over 2000 members at this point, this next year is a time of great change for my professionally.
My relationships continue strong and steady. Allena's cancer has been kicked and she made the decision to forgo augmentation and during it all she met someone super special to her. Amy remains a spit fire and so not one to fit into a label and the rest of the tribe are quite seriously more of a handful than I am.
Ben makes me laugh and reminds me to give myself a break now and again, I admire his outlook on life. Marilyn is the friend I wish I had twenty years ago, she has wisdom that I cherish. Sheryl shows me that one woman is capable of so much on her own. Victoria's struggles are an obvious reminder to me to take the time to listen to others, she is a source of strength. Judy is proof that regardless of age, love and a reshaping of ones life is always possible. Lisa has shown me a steady relationship of friendship based on respect. Clive hears me and always has the time, his family values are admirable and his advice is sound.
My health has been on a slow climb out of the depths of hell thankfully, but not without much suffering, piles of money spent on drugs and a lot of medical professionals helping me. To be fair, Jason carried me through the worst of it, and when he was unable to do it any longer, the hospital was there for me to be admitted to.
We did a complete remodel on the outside of our home as well and the renovation process was enough to make me feel like running away. But it's done now and damn, does it ever look fantastic. Both Jason and the companies we hired did a way better job than I ever could have hope for.
My Taboo Sex Show touring schedule for 2011 - 2012 started last week with a four day teaching gig in Calgary. Later this week, I head off to Edmonton to do it all over again, then no more shows till January with Taboo.
It has been a time of great introspection for me these past few months, I feel as though I am coming out of a fog. The rat race had kept me busy for so long, that slowing long enough to check in with me and take care of my family and priorities was just suddenly a must do item for me.
So let's bring you up to speed on where life has taken me, I'll keep it brief and just hit the high points. Then as I start to blog again more often, you'll have some frame of reference for things.
Currently I have a head and chest cold and Jason is over due for his post vasectomy cum in a cup appointment.
Last month I turned 39 years old and celebrated with a trip to Las Vegas. While in Vegas, Jason and I finally were married, it was all previously planned and we even did it live on the internet. The ceremony was progressive and exactly what we wanted it to be for us. Want to watch it, write me and I'll send you the link.
The end of this month Pickle will be two, its rather remarkable how fast he is growing up. My daughter will be eighteen soon and the difference between raising them both is just night and day.
The Lounge turned four this month already, it's kinda crazy. Over 2000 members at this point, this next year is a time of great change for my professionally.
My relationships continue strong and steady. Allena's cancer has been kicked and she made the decision to forgo augmentation and during it all she met someone super special to her. Amy remains a spit fire and so not one to fit into a label and the rest of the tribe are quite seriously more of a handful than I am.
Ben makes me laugh and reminds me to give myself a break now and again, I admire his outlook on life. Marilyn is the friend I wish I had twenty years ago, she has wisdom that I cherish. Sheryl shows me that one woman is capable of so much on her own. Victoria's struggles are an obvious reminder to me to take the time to listen to others, she is a source of strength. Judy is proof that regardless of age, love and a reshaping of ones life is always possible. Lisa has shown me a steady relationship of friendship based on respect. Clive hears me and always has the time, his family values are admirable and his advice is sound.
My health has been on a slow climb out of the depths of hell thankfully, but not without much suffering, piles of money spent on drugs and a lot of medical professionals helping me. To be fair, Jason carried me through the worst of it, and when he was unable to do it any longer, the hospital was there for me to be admitted to.
We did a complete remodel on the outside of our home as well and the renovation process was enough to make me feel like running away. But it's done now and damn, does it ever look fantastic. Both Jason and the companies we hired did a way better job than I ever could have hope for.
My Taboo Sex Show touring schedule for 2011 - 2012 started last week with a four day teaching gig in Calgary. Later this week, I head off to Edmonton to do it all over again, then no more shows till January with Taboo.
It has been a time of great introspection for me these past few months, I feel as though I am coming out of a fog. The rat race had kept me busy for so long, that slowing long enough to check in with me and take care of my family and priorities was just suddenly a must do item for me.
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