Real life resources. safer experiences.
reduce your risk and party safely
Listed below are steps we can all take to reduce our risk of infection and limit the virus’ transmission while still partaking in the incomparable Deviant experience.
We’ve had two long years with limited community events because of Covid. We think it’s time to get back out there if we can do so SAFELY and RESPONSIBLY and we loved for you to join us!
1) BE INFORMED, BE AWARE
MPOX is transmitted through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact (like during sex or intimate dancing where there’s direct exposure to a person’s monkeypox rash or scabs). MPOX can also be contracted through exposure to bodily fluids of someone infected with the virus (like when kissing or sharing drinks.
2) PLAY DRESS UP ANYONE?
There’s never been a better time to dress from top to bottom in latex or leather Covering up limits your potential for skin-to-skin contact with someone unknowingly infected with MPOX and thus decreases your risk of contracting the virus that’s still sexy and totally in Deviant’s Dress Code. Keeping more of your skin covered is a great way to prevent MPOX exposures.
3) KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Coming to Deviant with people you know, and knowing the people you are planning to have fun with, can be one way to reduce your risk of contracting MPOX. Have open and honest conversations with your friends, and your playmates, about MPOX symptoms, possible MPOX exposures, and their vaccine history ahead of time. This is a great time to also ask about things like HIV, PrEP, and sexual health testing. This is your chance to activate the communication that sex positivity requires and destigmatize your life and language, as it relates to sexual and social health!
4) SOMETIMES LESS IS MORE
Consider skipping crowded areas since there’s no way to control who you’re bumping up against and rubbing skin-to-skin with. This also goes for the dance floor. Keeping a bit of distance throughout the night will reduce your risk of exposure.
5) SO MUCH TO SEE, SO MUCH TO DO
Check out the dance performance, light show, and our amazing DJs. Socialize and use what you see and hear as inspiring fun. You can’t get the Deviant sound or sexy environment of empowering Black and Brown queer people anywhere else.
6) MAKING SELECTIVE SELECTIONS
We do this all the time — there are a ton of factors that go into choosing who you’ll have fun with and what fun will look like for you and that person (or people). Pay attention to how you’re making choices and about who you make them with. Be aware of situations that make you feel uncomfortable or beyond any limits you set for yourself. This advice may be about MPOX, but it’s also a reminder about safety and consent.
NOTE: Condoms can reduce the risk of MPOX, but not eliminate the risk, since monkeypox rashes/lesions can show up all over the body. Condoms still are a great way to prevent other STIs, and also HIV.
7) SLOW YOUR ROLL
With how contagious MPOX is, it hasn’t been widely spread to women and other demographics at dance parties, concerts, and other heavily crowded social gatherings. To reduce your risk, consider detailing your weekend with precautions. Prioritize a few events and go with people you already know and trust. We know it’s tempting to plunge headfirst into your weekend, but making a plan is a really good plan!
GET VACCINATED
Get vaccinated if you can. All the details for how to get vaccinated are posted on our website along with advice directly from the CDC, as it relates to Sex and socializing. We know the Jynneos vaccine can be hard to come by — supplies of the vaccine are low nationwide. Eligibility for the vaccine has expanded to include:
Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men
Trans people who have sex with men if they have had multiple partners in the past two weeks
People who do sex for work
INEQUITY AND HOW IT AFFECTS OUR DAILY LIVES
What we are witnessing is real-time healthcare inequity with MPOX. Black and Brown queer people have widely been unable to access free resources, like vaccines, even in our communities. Deviant is in conversations with the DOH in Atlanta and New York City, to provide equity in healthcare by specially providing health and wellness resources at our LIVE events.
Party with a Purpose
Part of the Deviant Experience is empowering Black & Brown Queer people with the self-esteem to take better care of their health.
In our efforts to reduce harm as people explore their interests and kinks, we provide access to health information, precautions around substance use, and safer sexual practices.
make a difference with us.
It takes a village. Partner with our Deviant Community today to have a profound impact on the lives of marginalized LGBTQIA+ community members, right here in your neighborhood, your city, your hometown. Power - and party - to the people!