There is a new lifestyle that has been adopted and flaunted throughout the local scenes.  It’s a life that has no limitations but many risks; a life of attraction and vulnerability; a life of sexual desire and encounters.  No wonder vanity and lust are two of the deadly sins because this lifestyle can lead you straight to the grave.  This is the new age of casual sex.  No love, no strings attached, and no commitment.  This is the road taken by many individuals who feel the concept of being with someone is a bit overbearing, but the benefit of getting the goods is definitely a plus.  Each lifestyle has its glamorous moments and the negative images that come with the territory.

Casual sex is steadily rising in the black community.  The hook-ups at parties, one night stands, even sexual relationships with people “you know”, but “don’t know” are all examples of living this life.  With both hetero- and homosexuals, having casual sex has become more prevalent.  One reason is the fact that society has accepted it more as oppose to 40 years ago when sex before marriage was a disgrace.  Another reason is the common “band wagon” concept—everyone’s doing it. You see it in movies, TV, and music videos. Having random sex with individuals is ok, from what society shows us.  Of course, it is a decision everyone has the right to make.  It’s your body and your life, but one has to understand that every action has a consequence, good or bad.

According to the CDC HIV/AIDS statistics, African-Americans have the leading number of AIDS cases in the United States.  Sexual contact being the primary method of transmission is far above drug usage.  Again, there is nothing wrong with having casual sex, if that’s what you choose to do.  But there is something wrong with not being responsible and being aware of the diseases that exist in our world.  So many times, we choose to ignore what we know can happen to us and even convince ourselves that it can not and will not happen.  The truth of the matter is if you are having sex, you are at risk.  You are at more risk if you have casual sex with people you really don’t know.

Do You Really Know?

You do not bring someone home if all you caught over the loud music while dutty wining was, “my name is Eric, and I live on the East Side”.  I mean, really, there could be four guys named Eric living on the east side of town and who knows if his name is really Eric anyway. You do not really know someone if you've only been conversing with them for a week over the phone, even if it feels like you've known him for years. You really know someone when you know their HIV and STD status.  However, when you are having casual sex, taking the time to know someone’s status rarely comes up and that is a risk you take when you don’t inquire about it.  In an event, you would like to really know someone, these questions may be helpful:

• How many sexual partners have he or she had?
• Have you ever had unprotected sex?
• When was your last HIV or STD test?
• Will you take a HIV test?

Some people are very careful especially when they know casual sex is a part of their life, so they are prepared by having condoms and getting tested on a regular basis and providing proof.  In addition, they do not deal with anyone who refuses to take a test. If he or she doesn’t want to follow your guidelines, you don’t have to stick around. Having casual sex is not for everyone, but if it is for you just make sure your safe. Unsafe sex in any type of relationship comes with many prices to pay, if you are not responsible.  Is it worth your life? end

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