NY Encouraging Unsafe Sex

Sex is an issue that lots of people take interest in. While I think sex is personal and no one should care about or interfere with other people's sexual choices, issues like abortion, birth control, and gay rights remain heated political issues. Some people disagree with the use of birth control, claiming that people should only engage in sexual activity when they want to procreate. Regardless, condoms are fairly accessible and easy to buy, so those who want to use condoms can do so. Sounds good, right?

Not quite. If you're in New York, be careful about carrying around your condoms.

Currently, if you carry around a condom in New York, that can be used against you as evidence of prostitution. You know, because it's not possible that someone might want a condom to avoid pregnancy while having a sexual relationship with their monogamous, committed partner. And all the people having sex with multiple partners and using condoms to avoid getting STDs, they must all be prostitutes.

And for prostitutes in New York, make sure not to carry around condoms anymore. You'll be exposed to STDs and risk your health, but at least you're less likely to get in trouble with the law.

The No Condoms as Evidence of Prostitution Bill is being voted on by the Assembly. Hopefully, carrying around condoms will be decriminalized. Until then, be careful - not just about having safe sex, but also about carrying around your condoms!

Response to Chaz's Transgender Identity

Cher's daughter, Chastity Bono, recently came out as transgender. Now going by the name Chaz, he will be transitioning so that his female body matches with his gender identity.

While I'm impressed that most media sources are respectfully referring to Chaz using his preferred name and pronouns, public response to his transition has been terrifying. (See TMZ article)

While acceptance of gays and lesbians is definitely on the rise, and gay marriage is legal in several states, the fight for transgender individuals lags behind.

Commenters argue that Chaz should not be called he because he is still, and will always be, a woman. They argue that Chaz will always have XX chromosomes. This point is true but irrelevant. Sex and gender are two separate things, and while Chaz does not deny that he is biologically female, he is the only person who can comment on his gender. Gender is complex and a matter of personal identity. Chaz has stated that he is a man, so why would anyone claim otherwise? And if he identifies as a man, and wants to be referred to as a man, why would anyone disrespect his wishes? Do heterosexual, non-transgender individuals somehow have a right to determine for themselves who counts as men and women?

Some claim that Chaz is transitioning because he is homophobic and doesn't want to be a lesbian. This idea is outrageous. Chaz obviously does not have a problem with lesbians - he came out as a lesbian in 1995 in The Advocate. That aside, why would anyone choose being transgender over being a lesbian unless they legitimately felt they were a man? Transgender individuals are well aware that they will be ostracized, discriminated against, and called freaks. Chaz's decision to come out as transgender has resulted in countless nasty comments and negative attention. Instead of looking for excuses, people should accept Chaz's identity.

Even more illogical are the many comments stating that (despite Chaz's claim that he will remain with his girlfriend during and after transitioning) Chaz's girlfriend, Jennifer, is a lesbian and therefore will not be interested in Chaz anymore. How come anyone feels they know more about her sexual preferences and desires than she does? Sexuality can be fluid, and one's sexual preferences are shaped by more than just genitals.

People should stop putting a box around Chaz and other transgender individuals. Calling him "it" is denying any sort of human decency. The inhumane responses to his courageous decision to come out of the closet are pathetic.