In Episode 257 of the OHA Series on Something Positive for Positive People, Zia, a 22-year-old diagnosed with genital herpes during the pandemic, explores how her neutral experience with healthcare providers and Planned Parenthood led her to embrace sex positivity. Our discussion highlights the shortcomings of her sex education, which focused on symptoms and testing rather than communication, frequency of testing, and the broader aspects of sexuality. Zia's story underscores the need for comprehensive sex education that separates intercourse from sex, sex from sexuality, and pleasure from sex to better prepare youth for their sexual experiences. Check out her thesis on herpes for more insights.

In Episode 256 of the OHA Series on Something Positive for Positive People, Dr. Evelin Molina-Dacker joins us to affirm the importance of pleasure positivity in sex education. We explore how healthcare providers' discomfort with discussing sex impacts patient care and the necessity of integrating sexuality and pleasure into medical practice. By learning to take a comprehensive sexual history, we can improve treatment outcomes for patients facing STIs or partners with STIs. It's time to advocate for not just sex-positive but also pleasure-positive healthcare. Connect with Dr. Evelin Molina-Dacker on Instagram @sexmeddoc and visit her website at maketimeforthetalk.com.

In Episode 255 of the OHA Series on Something Positive for Positive People, Erin, a 32-year-old cis-gendered heterosexual female, shares her journey with an HSV-2 diagnosis and how it led her to seek sex-positive communication resources. Through her experiences, we learn that sex-positivity involves more than just sexual interactions; it’s about fostering a healthy relationship with oneself. This episode highlights the importance of self-communication as an anti-stigmatizing approach to relationships. Discover how transitioning into sex-positivity can offer valuable lessons often learned through trial and error.

In Episode 254 of the OHA Series on Something Positive for Positive People, Peyton, a 27-year-old monogamous female involved in kink/BDSM and sex-positivity, shares her experiences with chlamydia, HSV-2, and trichomoniasis. Highlighting the importance of disclosure education, Peyton discusses how comprehensive sex education that includes non-sexual aspects of relationships, abuse navigation, boundaries, and conversations about sex could have significantly altered her relationship trajectory. This episode emphasizes the role of sex-positive communities in destigmatizing STIs and promoting open, informed conversations.

In Episode 253 of the OHA Series on Something Positive for Positive People, Marc, a 31-year-old heterosexual male, shares his journey of being diagnosed with HSV-1 orally and genitally after a one-night stand. As a beginner in the Kink/BDSM community who identifies as sex-positive, Marc discusses the road to embracing sex-positivity through support groups, trial and error in disclosure scenarios, and learning the essential non-sexual components of sexual communication. This episode highlights the importance of education and preparation before navigating sexual relationships.

In Episode 252 of the OHA Series on Something Positive for Positive People, we delve into the journey of people diagnosed with STIs and the lack of useful resources from healthcare providers. Highlighting the disconnect between standard prevention methods and real-life lessons, this episode explores how improved communication and self-education can lead to better STI prevention. Through personal stories and experiences, we uncover the importance of integrating these lessons into existing CDC recommendations to create a more effective approach to sexual health and STI prevention.

In Episode 251 of Something Positive for Positive People, host Courtney Brame draws inspiration from Sean Carter's lyrics, emphasizing the need to set boundaries and live authentically. Courtney shares his journey of transitioning SPFPP into a business with clear boundaries, highlighting the impact of social media on identity and the importance of fostering a respectful community. He reflects on his experiences, the positive shift in his social media interactions, and the ongoing changes within himself and the SPFPP space. For inquiries, contact Courtney directly at Courtney@spfpp.org.

In Episode 250 of Something Positive for Positive People, Kevin shares his journey of connection and vulnerability, emphasizing the power of living authentically without labels. Before his herpes diagnosis, Kevin was sexually active with men, but his diagnosis brought about a significant shift in his interactions. What stands out in this episode is Kevin's approach to identity—he lets his existence speak for itself, avoiding the need for labels or explanations. Join us as we explore how embracing one's true self can minimize the need for explanations and foster deeper connections.

In Episode 249 of Something Positive for Positive People, we emphasize the critical importance of donations in sustaining our mission to support individuals navigating herpes stigma. This episode highlights how contributions enable us to offer support groups, restorative yoga sessions, and educational resources, all aimed at challenging misconceptions and promoting stigma-free sex education and STD prevention. Tune in to learn how your support makes a significant impact in creating a more informed and compassionate community.

In Episode 248 of Something Positive for Positive People, I reflect on the need to put my ego aside and start running SPFPP like a business. Recognizing the impact we've had and comparing it to other organizations, I realize the importance of making transformative changes for the betterment of myself and our community. This episode delves into how these changes will challenge us all to remove obstacles and live the lives we choose. Tune in to learn more about the new direction of SPFPP and its positive impact on the community.

In Episode 247 of Something Positive for Positive People, Tricia, the founder of Safe Slut, joins us to share how her herpes diagnosis became a catalyst for empowerment. We explore how leaning into insecurities around sex, sexuality, and sluttiness helped her inspire tens of thousands of women. Our in-person recording session delves into the importance of platonic friendships, the prevalence of herpes in the porn industry, and Tricia's recent experiences with OnlyFans. Tune in for an insightful conversation filled with positive energy and transformative insights. Find more details and support Safe Slut through the links in our show notes. Stay Slutty!

In Episode 248 of Something Positive for Positive People, we explore the transformative power of the sex-positive community with Jamie Cawelti, Executive Director of SexPositive World. Jamie shares how this space helps individuals living with herpes navigate their lives by identifying their needs, practicing consent, and building healthy relationships. We delve into the importance of self-reflection, setting boundaries, and seeking support within a supportive community. This episode is a warm introduction to the benefits of sex positivity, offering valuable insights for anyone looking to improve their overall quality of life. Connect with Jamie and explore the resources mentioned at www.sexpositiveworld.org and www.givenconsent.com.

In Episode 245 of Something Positive for Positive People, I share my experience with sex-positive STI testing at Pivot Health in Portland, Oregon. Join me as I get tested for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and hepatitis C (I recently tested for syphilis). This episode provides insights into the testing process and emphasizes the importance of regular STI testing. Tune in to learn more about maintaining sexual health and the supportive, non-judgmental approach of Pivot Health.

In Episode 244 of Something Positive for Positive People, I dive deep into the creation of my online persona, Honmychest, drawing parallels with Tony Stark's Iron Man journey. This episode explores how Honmychest served as my suit of armor against herpes stigma, helping me cope and navigate life. Listen to understand the significance of the "H" in Honmychest, representing hero, and how I'm now focusing on being my true self. Join me in this reflective and inspiring episode as I transition from relying on my persona to embracing my real identity.

In Episode 244 of Something Positive for Positive People, I dive deep into the creation of my online persona, Honmychest, drawing parallels with Tony Stark's Iron Man journey. This episode explores how Honmychest served as my suit of armor against herpes stigma, helping me cope and navigate life. Listen to understand the significance of the "H" in Honmychest, representing hero, and how I'm now focusing on being my true self. Join me in this reflective and inspiring episode as I transition from relying on my persona to embracing my real identity.

In Episode 242 of Something Positive for Positive People, I reflect on a 10-day visit home and the challenge of balancing my current self with old perceptions. This trip brought empowering experiences that allowed me to revisit family, friendships, and my relationship with myself. Listen to hear about the growth and insights gained during this journey, and how it inspired me to develop new routines and incorporate journaling into my life back in Portland.

In Episode 241 of Something Positive for Positive People, Jessica Werner, an Ohio public health worker, shares her story of being terminated for advocating sex positivity. We discuss the challenges of censorship on social media, the political agendas shaping STD prevention, and the vital role of sex education in empowering individuals. Jessica's experience highlights the urgent need to support and uplift sex educators. Listen to learn more about her journey and the broader implications for sex education and public health.

In Episode 240 of Something Positive for Positive People, Courtney Brame introduces the concept of 'Selfed,' building on ideas from the 'Manifesto' episode. This episode explores the uncoupling of identity from societal labels and associations, offering a transformative approach to the healing process. Tune in to gain insights into achieving a sense of wholeness and self-fulfillment beyond societal expectations. Courtney's words will guide you through understanding this profound concept.

In Episode 239 of Something Positive for Positive People, Courtney Brame pauses regular herpes discussions to focus on the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, a pivotal moment affecting human rights. This episode, originally intended as a journal entry, transforms into a manifesto exploring the silence of men and the necessity for masculine vulnerability to rebuild trust. Courtney shares his reflections on the shift within himself and the importance of reconnecting to the feminine for societal healing. Tune in to understand his profound insights during this critical time.

In Episode 238 of Something Positive for Positive People, Julian opens up about his struggles with addiction and the healing process he experienced within a supportive community. This episode uniquely emphasizes masculine vulnerability, showcasing how men can express their emotions and healing in diverse ways. Tune in to hear Julian's powerful story and gain insights into the significance of community in the recovery journey. Check out the podcast on love addiction mentioned in the episode: Love Addiction with Vic Mensa.