Contemporary Sexuality - August 2008 - (Page 9) Self-cutters engage in risky sex Rhode Island researchers believed there might be a link between teenagers who self-mutilate and risky sexual behaviors. In 2005, Larry K. Brown, PhD, and co-authors, found that self-cutters were three times more likely to be “inconsistent” condom users during intercourse, despite having slightly more awareness about HIV/AIDS issues. That study, called “Self-Cutting and Sexual Risk Among Adolescents in Intensive Psychiatric Treatment,” was published in Psychiatric Services. In a follow-up report, published in the June issue of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Brown reveals that frequent self-cutters are even more unlikely to practice safer sex. “There were very real clinical differences among kids who cut habitually — those who really did it as a habit — and those who had done it in ways that they describe as experimental,” Brown says. In the 2005 study, 105 of 293 teenagers who were receiving “intensive psychiatric treatment” answered this question positively: “Have you ever intentionally cut your body using pens, knives, razor blades, bobby pins or other things?” Those who answered “yes” were more likely white (88 percent) and female (53 percent). (Washington Post, June 13 and WebMD, June 12) More info: http://psychservices.psychiatry online.org/cgi/reprint/56/2/216 money, resources and time to fund a continuum of care for commercially, sexually exploitative kids,” said Lisa Goldblatt-Grace, director of My Life, My Choice, an anti-prostitution nonprofit. (Boston Globe, June 15) Kissing OK at ballparks (unless you’re queer) Sibrina Guerrero and a female friend were munching on garlic fries and smooching during a Mariners game at Safeco Field in Seattle. “Seattle is so gay-friendly,” Guerrero says. So she was surprised when an usher asked them to “tone it down.” Guerrero raised a fuss, arguing that heterosexual couples kiss at ballgames all the time. The Mariners say they have a “strict nondiscrimination policy … [but] the women refused to modify their behavior, began swearing at the seating hosts and complained that they were being singled out for their sexual orientation.” Although most big cities are welcoming places for gays and lesbians, public displays of affection still make many people nervous. “It all depends on the degree,” says Mariners fan Mark Ackerman. “Even for heterosexual couples.” (Associated Press, June 6) “This is the first time in our entire country that a childprotective services system has stepped up to the plate in terms of providing money, resources and time to fund a continuum of care for commercially, sexually exploitative kids.” — Lisa GoldblattGrace Thanks, birthday party team! I Norway ratifies gay marriage California isn’t the only place that’s newly legalizing gay marriage. Norway recently voted to approve same-sex marriage; civil unions had been the norm there since 1993. Several other nations allow gays to marry: The Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, Spain, Britain and South Africa. (Agence France-Press, June 15 and Associated Press, June 17) Massachusetts protects teen prostitutes Massachusetts plans to spend $1 million to house girls and young women who are victims of sex trafficking. The Department of Social Services will allocate nine beds at a secret Boston location for the former prostitutes. “This is the first time in our entire country that a child-protective services system has stepped up to the plate in terms of providing August 2008 Vol. 42, No. 8 | www.aasect.org wish to thank the AASECT Development Committee – 40th Birthday Party Team for its efforts at this year's annual conference. Our Silent Auction and Raffle were very successful. Beth Troy-Maris and her team are to be commended. Beth is our auction and raffle “goddess.” Anika Bhatia and Eva Margot Kant gave amazing support to Beth and were our raffle ticket sales stars. I also want to thank Cathy Ravella and the several Board members who took time out to sell tickets to the raffle, too. Our 40th Anniversary Candle fundraiser was profitable and we found an anonymous underwriter for our cake. Michele Sugg and Russell Stambaugh provided guidance during the year leading up to the conference as well as active support during the conference. Michele did a great job coordinating with Serendipitous Masks for our Masque Ball and with the bakery for our 40th Birthday Cake. Christie, of BadMimi.com, contributed generously during the planning phase, and provided a wonderful vulva pillow gift basket. Also thanks to those who donated items and helped in other ways. Thank You! — Joe Starwood, Development Committee chair Contemporary Sexuality 9 http://psychservices.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/reprint/56/2/216 http://psychservices.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/reprint/56/2/216 http://www.aasect.org
For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.