With so much preparation for the weather, the survival, the parties, and the unpredictable, consider safer sex an essential at Burning Man.

I’m researching about BM as it’s my first trip out there. I haven’t been a virgin in a really long time, and my roommates and burner friends have finally convinced me to take the plunge.

However in all my research for preparation, I’ve barely found anything about sex on the playa, save a couple of what-to-bring lists that include “condoms”.

Sexblogger Violet Blue wrote a hilariously snarky article that is 40% informative and 60% “Burning Man is Gross” for SF Gate that talks further about STD testing and some humorous tests you can do at home. I seriously hope that it’s not as nasty as both she and I have been lead to believe, although she’s never been either so I’ll confirm her suspicions, sans kitty litter.

Well, that’s great and all but I hope that this post can provide a little extra… oomph… to any burners (or burn virgins) out there doing some last minute planning. Again, this is my only first time, so everything written here is just an educated guess. Please comment if you have suggestions, and look forward to a post when I return in September to see if I have anything to add about the experience.

How much sex to plan for?
When planning for the unexpected, it’s best to be prepared than to be empty handed. How many sex supplies should you bring? Hmmm… I’m going to consider how much sex I have during the average week, and times by two. (Stop snickering… you know who you are.) It’s not that I’m going to BM as if it’s a vacation in orgy land, but being a sexual person, I know from experience that sex happens even if I’m not expecting it. Probably even more so.

Condoms and Dental Dams
Yes! Bring condoms and dental dams and pack your favorite latex and non-latex (for any partner(s) who may have latex-sensitivities). A condom will work for a human partner, or on a toy. You probably wont have the luxury of boiling your silicone toy to sterilize it, so condom coverings are a must. They will not only protect against disease, but also provide a clean, non-dusty layer. Try to keep them in a cool place… I’ve heard it’ll be a hot and dusty one this year. (Isn’t it always?!)

Gloves
Double Yes!! Talk about playa dust and dirty people! Not even a finger is going inside me unless it’s wearing a clean glove that’s been kept in a Ziploc baggy in my dust-free Tupperware. You heard? Gloves sometimes get labeled as the lesbians’ condom… but they’re really for everybody. No matter what gender the hand, it’s a gloved one. As with Condoms, bring a non-latex option for that special friend who would be very sad… or rashy or yeasty… if you didn’t have them. Very sad… Bring gloves and be happy.

Lube
With all this talk of barriers, lube is a necessity. I think I’m going to go for single packets in this environment — you can pack them in your knapsack and have a stash in your tent as well. Bring a lube or two that’s versatile; as you may not know what kind of sex to expect. HOT! I love that about the unexpected! I suggest one that is non-glycerin, and somewhat thick and long-lasting. I’m going to avoid “stickier” ones, as it will be messy enough out there in the desert. Here are some single packets.

Wipes and Containers
In a Tupperware kept in the sleeping area you’ll have three Ziploc baggies: one with gloves, one with lube packets, one with condoms. Besides that you’ll keep an extra baggy in your knapsack that has gloves, lube, condoms and a wipe or two, so that you can take it on the go. Keep some wipes or a gentle toy cleaner (it’s actually a mild soap mixture, so you can make your own liquid cleaner) with a couple small clothes to wipe down your toys and yourself. I’m packing a cinched or zipped trash bag that you can contain all the used up materials. Be clean — who knows when you’ll be able to shower so do some sponge bathing before, after, at any time you’re out there. Nothing says sexy like crusty lube coated in playa dust. …hm… well some people might think that’s a turn on…

Toys and Batteries
I’m already making a vibrating bike seat, but that’s more for fun. I’m also bringing two different vibrators that I haven’t decided upon yet. I think one of them might be the Cone because I haven’t really gotten a good chance to play around with it and this could be a fun chance. In any case, I’m bringing 2 sets of batteries for each vibe, and will remove them when not in use. I’m also tempted to bring a stainless steal dildo, due to the temperatures out there. It would really add to temperature play — hot hot days and cold cold nights. Or… not. Hmm… It will take some pondering of my toy box. I’ll tell you one thing; I’m not bringing my hitachi — no outlets at our camp, and no internet distractions means I’ll be free to play around with alternative selections. I’ll let you know what I chose.

Massage Oils and Latex
I’ve been hearing a lot about body massages. I’m a huge fan of massage — in fact, a sensual massage might be the BEST way to have safer sex out on the playa — it might be incredibly sexual, and the non genital aspect will keep things strictly safe while still providing a charged interaction with your special someone(s). However if things DO go to a sexual place, don’t forget that massage oils (and some sunscreens and lotions) can include ingredients that will breakdown the materials in condoms and cause them to tear. All that safe sex planning for nothing! Use wipes to clean off oils on your hands before opening condoms or other barriers.

Sanitation
I didn’t read a whole lot out there about Menstruation, but I figure that most folks who bleed know what they’re doing to take care of their blood. I’m guessing that this dusty, dirty environment with zero plumbing, isn’t the best place for skat or blood play, or any other types of activities that involve fluids or materials that would be unsanitary if not cleaned thoroughly.

Intoxication
Just like anywhere else in the world, the combination of drugs and sex should be done with precaution, if at all. `nough said.

Pregnancy
The Burning Man website speaks to pregnancy.

Relationships
I’ve never been a very good listener of the “Don’t Shit where you Eat” motto… Luckily for me I tend to have very sex positive, communicative friends. But don’t listen to me for advice. You know your own agenda, and you can also read this survival guide for singles and Couples, and “swingles?” making the trip.

Safer Sex Camp
Of course, I just discovered that there’s also a safer sex camp:

Safer Sex Camp
Source of all your playa safer sex needs. Safer Sex Kits have condoms, lube, gloves, and plastic wrap for dams. Distributors needed. All orientations most welcome. Participate as part of the gift economy. Drop by Safer Sex Camp early am or e-mail with playa contact info. All kits are free, not for sale, not for barter. Also: Erotic Fetish Wear - Tue & Sat 4:00-6:30 and Women’s Only Liquid Latex Body Painting - Fri 11:00-3:40. Details in the What When Where activities guide.
Hometown: San Francisco, CA
Contact: walkingoak (at) hotmail (dot) com

…

There’s also some other pages of interest, such as a pamphlet How to Get Laid on the Playa (not exactly politically correct…).

The links that I provided to GV are mostly to give you an idea of toys or products that fit the descriptions, which of course you can get at Good Vibrations, or elsewhere, or you may already own. Safer sex can be a pricey endeavor just like your ticket, or, it can be very economical if you take the time to do your research and buy in bulk.

I’m hoping that this trip will teach me a lot about myself, prove that I’m yet again willing to try anything once, and show me the true enlightenment of a solar-powered ice cold margarita.

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