You know what the world can always use? More condoms. And, according to condom startup, Lovability Condoms, the only thing better than regular ol’ condoms are feminist condoms. So they did what any startup would do, launched a new line of feminist condoms, but with a twist: “The F*ckboy Repellent.”
What’s a “f*ckboy?” Well, according to the women behind Lovability Condoms, it’s basically your run-of-the-mill insensitive misogynist who is comfortable in being sexist, thinks slut-shaming is totally cool, and just can’t take “no” for an answer. You know, those guys whom you reject on dating apps or at a bar, and they immediately go batshit crazy with insults, as if you, as a woman, somehow "owe" them something.
The package includes condoms, as well as a delightful, non-toxic glitter spray that you can use to keep any annoying f*ckboys away. But even before they came up with "F*ckboy Repellent", Lovability Condoms was all about putting the power of sexuality in women’s hands. "Condoms are tools for equality,” Lovability’s Co-founder, Claire Courtney, tells Bustle. “I'd love for young women to use condoms with the confidence they bring to the classroom (or the soccer field or the chem lab). Consistent condom use is a path to success. My favorite thing about condoms is my career. Not because I sell them, but because condoms give me the control to plan for my future. I'm a better employee, girlfriend, and daughter because I'm taking care of my body first.”
Sexist jerks aside,t if you’re sexually active, and haven't discussed other forms of birth control with a partner, I think you should never be without condoms. Here’s why.
1. It’s An Assertion Of Power
When you carry condoms you’re showing that you’re not putting the responsibility of your sexual health in the hands of someone else. Instead, you are in control. When we take control of our body, our sexual choices, and make decisions that are right for us, we become the powerful ones. It immediately gives us the upper hand because it says, “Yes, I want to have sex with you. And look at what fun treats I’ve even brought to the party — condoms!”
2. It Proves You Give A Damn About Your Body
I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve been hooking up with a guy and have asked, “Do you have a condom?” Only to be told they do not. Granted, I always have condoms with me, but what does it say about someone who goes into a sexual situation, especially one that is likely to result in sex, and they don’t have condoms? That they don’t use them? That they secretly hope that their partner won’t have any too, so they can play the whole “I’ll pull out and pray” technique? No way.
While many STIs are curable if caught in time, it’s still not something you want to get involved with if you don’t have to. As for STIs that aren’t curable, but manageable, you don’t want those either.
3. It Shows You’re Sex Positive
When it comes to being sex positive, we have come along way. It wasn’t all that long ago that society (and even doctors) were of the thinking that women weren’t sexual creatures and only engaged in sex as a means to please their partner. In being sex positive, you’re essentially saying, “Yes, I’m sexual and I have no shame in it!”
4. It’s An Expression Of Sexuality
You are sexual. Whether you like having sex with your partner three or four times a day or prefer having a one-night stand several times a week, every time you acknowledge this, you are embracing and expressing your sexuality. And you know what? That’s awesome.
5. It’s A Display Of Bodily Autonomy
Although as Americans we’re fortunate enough to live in a country where we can get an abortion, in other corners of the world, women have yet to be granted the basic human right to make choices for their own bodies. As a whole, globally we're still struggling to get full control over our bodies and our reproductive rights.
If some lawmakers had it their way, we wouldn’t even be allowed access to condoms (or any form of birth control for that matter) in the first place. That being said, carrying condoms is making a statement that it’s your body and your choice.
6. It Shakes Up The Patriarchy
Oh, the patriarchy. Every time a woman takes a stand when it comes to her body and sexual freedom, the patriarchy basically goes into panic mode. I mean, if that isn’t reason enough to always have a stash of condoms with you, then I don’t know what is.
7. It’s Not 1950 Anymore
According to my calendar, it’s 2016. What that means is that equality, although it still needs work in certain areas, has actually made some improvement. If that’s the case, why should only a male partner be the one with the condom in his back pocket, as the cliché suggests? He shouldn’t.
You owe it to yourself, your body, your sexuality, and your piece of mind to never be without a condom. Besides, if you find yourself with someone you’re really into and you want to get it on, it’s going to be a real bummer if neither one of you has a condom. Don’t let that happen; always have a few on hand.
Images: Andrew Zaeh for Bustle; Author's own; Giphy (7)
