The research findings which showed that queer women are unlikely to use dental dams, gloves or condoms to protect themselves from STIs have lead the WA AIDS Council and the Freedom Centre to look at what more they can do to encourage safer sex practices in lesbian and bisexual women. So WAAC re-designed the ‘GirlPacks’ to be ‘Clit Kits’ which contain more relevant information, phone lines and online resources, as well as a few important facts… here’s the Clit facts for you;

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• The clit is the most sensitive part of the female genitals, and the only organ in the human body that exists solely for sexual pleasure (aren’t we lucky grrls!!) Stimulating the clitoris is the easiest route to orgasm for many women, whether masturbating or having sex.
• The clit contains 8000 nerve fibres – that’s as many as the male penis, only concentrated into a smaller area! During sexual arousal the clit fills with blood, comes out of the hood, may increase in size, becomes harder, changes colour and the vaginal walls contract.
• The clitoris consist of a head (glans), body (shaft), legs (looks like a wishbone), and hood (protective tissue). Three-quarters of the actual clit is internal!

Some useful tips for safer sex

• Keep your clit (and the rest of your vulva) safe from STIs by using dams, condoms, gloves and lube every time!!
• Keep your hands clean and your fingernails short and smooth
• Get regular sexual health checks and pap smears
• Always use a condom and lube when sharing sex toys!
• Use new gloves, condoms and dams every time when switching between vulvas, vaginas, anus or mouth.
• Don’t brush your teeth or eat sharp (eg. Corn chips) or hot foods before giving oral

Some useful contacts for maintaining your sexual health;

Gay & Lesbian Counselling Services – Telephone peer counselling, info, referrals to LGBT-friendly services, Women on Women course (coming soon, so register now!). Counselling line: 9420 7201. Country counselling line: 1800 184 527

Freedom Centre – Peer support for under 26s, info, referrals to LGBT-friendly services, supply Clit Kits

WA AIDS Council – LGBT counselling, info, referrals to other LGBT-friendly services, manage Freedom Centre, supply Clit Kits. Ph: 9482 0000

FPWA Sexual Health Services – Sexual health Clinic, info, helpline. Sexual Health Helpline: 9227 6178 / 1800 198 205. Admin: 9227 6177

Dani Wright, Freedom Centre Coordinator, GLCS Board Member