By Joshua James
This article contains explicit content that is not appropriate for children. Read with caution.
A month or so ago, the Virginia congress was debating whether or not pro-choice license plates should be allowed. There were already pro-life plates, which had become rather successful means of raising money for pro-life organizations. The Republican Virginia lawmakers were extremely hesitant to allow pro-choice plates; however, citing their fear of giving more money to Planned Parenthood.
I thought the lawmakers were being unfair. I thought if pro-life groups get the fund raising plates, than it’s only fair that pro-choice groups would get them too.
Now I see where they were coming from.
Last week Shellie posted a blog that exposed the rhetoric of International Planned Parenthood at CSW, and just yesterday I got my hands on a brochure that seemed to magically appear in my stack of collectibles (hand outs). The brochure is called “Healthy, Happy and Hot—a young person’s guide to their rights, sexuality and living with HIV”.
Before I tell what is found in this brochure, I want to remind you that Planned Parenthood receives over $300 million in aid from countries around the world and is heavily involved in the Sex Education movement in America and abroad. This officially printed content exposes what they like to call “comprehensive sex education.”
Brace yourself; this is when this blog post gets explicit. I am going to take specific snippets from the brochure.
This particular brochure was made for young people with HIV, so it begins by addressing them:
Young people living with HIV may feel that sex is just not an option, but don’t worry—many young people living with HIV live healthy, fun, happy and sexually fulfilling lives. You can too, if you want to! Things get easier (and sex can get even better) as you become more comfortable with you status (this is just the beginning).
Over the next two pages, the brochure emphasizes the point that “young people with HIV have the right to decide if, when, and how to disclose their HIV status.” It does explain some of the benefits of disclosure, like the shared responsibility of ensuring sex is safe, but the decision is still up to the HIV carrier.
A few pages down, the words “Sexual Pleasure” are printed at the top. Below it reads:
Young people living with HIV have the right to sexual pleasure (what a right, huh?). Sex can feel great and can be really fun! Many people think sex is just about vaginal or anal intercourse…but there are lots of different types of sex.
Then, yes, the brochure explains different options that are too inappropriate for this blog.
The next page suggests people start masturbating, suggesting that is a great way to find out what you find stimulating. Then it says, “Don’t stop there: Find out how your partner’s body works,” then the brochure explains exactly how to do that.
The brochure does admit to some of the risks of sexual activity, including HIV and STIs (sexually transmitted infections), but ensures readers that they have a right to health services that will help them monitor their sexual and reproductive health.
If this is a brochure made specifically for young people with HIV, I couldn’t imagine that Planned Parenthood would have a more reserved education for young people without HIV.