22.04.2024 Views

Women who have Sex with Women:2024 Sex and Sexuality Calendar

Sex and Sexuality Calendar for Women Who Love Women Introducing the 8th edition of the captivating and empowering “Our Space, Our Face” Sex and Sexuality Calendar For Women Who Love Women. As the proud owner of this publication, brought to you by In Our Own Voices, Inc. (IOOV), get ready to indulge in a world of sensuality and strength. With a wide range of services provided by In Our Own Voices, Inc. (IOOV), including training, HIV prevention, health services, support groups, youth engagement, legal assistance, visibility and outreach, organizing and community engagement, anti-violence services, LGBTQIA+ support line, and emergency assistance, IOOV is committed to making a positive impact in the Capital Region of New York and beyond. Get ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and celebration with this remarkable calendar. Let the pages unfold and embrace the beauty of love, desire, and empowerment. Enjoy!

Sex and Sexuality Calendar for Women Who Love Women

Introducing the 8th edition of the captivating and empowering “Our Space, Our Face” Sex and Sexuality Calendar For Women Who Love Women. As the proud owner of this publication, brought to you by In Our Own Voices, Inc. (IOOV), get ready to indulge in a world of sensuality and strength.

With a wide range of services provided by In Our Own Voices, Inc. (IOOV), including training, HIV prevention, health services, support groups, youth engagement, legal assistance, visibility and outreach, organizing and community engagement, anti-violence services, LGBTQIA+ support line, and emergency assistance, IOOV is committed to making a positive impact in the Capital Region of New York and beyond.
Get ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and celebration with this remarkable calendar. Let the pages unfold and embrace the beauty of love, desire, and empowerment. Enjoy!

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

IN OUR OWN VOICES, INC. PRESENTS<br />

<strong>Women</strong> <strong>who</strong> <strong>have</strong> <strong>Sex</strong> <strong>with</strong> <strong>Women</strong>:<br />

<strong>Sex</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Sex</strong>uality <strong>Calendar</strong><br />

<strong>2024</strong>-2025<br />

IN OUR OWN VOICES, INC.


<strong>Sex</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Sex</strong>uality <strong>Calendar</strong><br />

for <strong>Women</strong> Who Love <strong>Women</strong><br />

8 th edition<br />

Introducing the 8th edition of the captivating <strong>and</strong> empowering<br />

“Our Space, Our Face” <strong>Sex</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Sex</strong>uality <strong>Calendar</strong> For <strong>Women</strong> Who<br />

Love <strong>Women</strong>. As the proud owner of this publication, brought to<br />

you by In Our Own Voices, Inc. (IOOV), get ready to indulge in a<br />

world of sensuality <strong>and</strong> strength.<br />

With a wide range of services provided by In Our Own Voices, Inc,<br />

(IOOV) including training, HIV prevention, health services, support<br />

groups, youth engagement, legal assistance, visibility <strong>and</strong> outreach,<br />

organizing <strong>and</strong> community engagement, anti-violence services,<br />

LGBTQIA+ support line, <strong>and</strong> emergency assistance, IOOV is committed<br />

to making a positive impact in the Capital Region of New York <strong>and</strong><br />

beyond.<br />

Get ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery <strong>and</strong> celebration<br />

<strong>with</strong> this remarkable calendar. Let the pages unfold <strong>and</strong> embrace the<br />

beauty of love, desire, <strong>and</strong> empowerment. Enjoy!


why our space, our face?<br />

As fierce advocates for a sex-positive movement, we are here to amplify the<br />

voices of <strong>Women</strong> Who Have <strong>Sex</strong> With <strong>Women</strong> (WSW) <strong>and</strong> Sapphic individuals,<br />

fiercely <strong>and</strong> unapologetically. The l<strong>and</strong>scape of discourse surrounding WSW<br />

is often constrained by social constructs like homophobia <strong>and</strong> sexism, which<br />

reduce conversations to outdated debates on lifestyle, morality, <strong>and</strong> fixed ideas of<br />

gender roles <strong>and</strong> sexuality. When entwined <strong>with</strong> racism <strong>and</strong> the historical sexual<br />

objectification of women of color, these discussions are frequently marginalized,<br />

confined mostly to academic circles.<br />

Our initiative, “Our Space, Our Face,” is a radical Behavioral Health Intervention<br />

aimed at tackling the social determinants of health <strong>and</strong> dismantling the<br />

oppressive impacts of stigma, shame, sexism, racism, transphobia, homophobia,<br />

ableism, <strong>and</strong> other systemic barriers. This program champions the sexual health<br />

<strong>and</strong> freedom of women, empowering them to reclaim their narratives <strong>and</strong> bodies<br />

against a backdrop of systemic suppression.


Our Theme “Our space our face” embodies our<br />

commitment to justice, radical change, <strong>and</strong> a<br />

sex-positive ethos. We thank everyone involved,<br />

especially our calendar participants, for their<br />

bold contributions to this vital cause.<br />

Empowering <strong>Women</strong>, Celebrating Diversity: A Commitment to Inclusivity <strong>and</strong> Advocacy<br />

• Unity in Diversity: We bring together women of all ethnicities, races, ages, sexual orientations, gender identities,<br />

abilities, <strong>and</strong> faiths. Our goal is to celebrate our differences <strong>and</strong> similarities, enhancing visibility <strong>and</strong> advocacy for<br />

issues critical to WSW sexual health.<br />

• Cultural Specificity in Action: We champion culturally tailored interventions to dismantle the enduring stigma faced by<br />

Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, <strong>and</strong> Questioning <strong>Women</strong> of Color, promoting underst<strong>and</strong>ing <strong>and</strong> acceptance.<br />

• Amplifying Silenced Voices: We strive to bring visibility to WSW issues often ignored by mainstream narratives by<br />

sharing inspiring role model stories that reflect true-to-life experiences.<br />

• Celebration of WSW Diversity: We honor the rich <strong>and</strong> varied dimensions <strong>with</strong>in WSW communities, celebrating the<br />

beauty inherent in our diversity.<br />

THANK YOU!<br />

IOOV would like to thank all the calendar participants <strong>who</strong> showed up by taking control of their sexual health <strong>and</strong> choosing<br />

to share part of their journey <strong>with</strong> other WSW communities, in order to promote self-love, empowerment, safer sex, HIV/STI<br />

testing <strong>and</strong> treatment, PrEP <strong>and</strong> other risk reduction tools.


support groups<br />

Our WSW program at IOOV proudly promotes justice, radical inclusivity, <strong>and</strong> a sex-positive atmosphere through a series<br />

of engaging support groups:<br />

Regular Gatherings: We facilitate monthly <strong>and</strong> bimonthly support groups that offer a space for members to connect<br />

<strong>with</strong> peers <strong>and</strong> access a variety of social health resources.<br />

Our Space, Our Face (OSOF): Join us every first <strong>and</strong> third Thursday to unwind <strong>and</strong> engage in open discussions ranging<br />

from current affairs to sexual health. Meetings are held at Cafe Euphoria in Troy, NY, <strong>and</strong> Uncommon Grounds University<br />

Plaza in Albany, NY, respectively. OSOF is designed to be a relaxed, brave space for all participants.<br />

Kinky Conversations at <strong>Sex</strong>versations: For those interested in exploring deeper, more provocative topics, our monthly<br />

<strong>Sex</strong>versations event offers a space to delve into kinkier discussions in a safe <strong>and</strong> stimulating environment.<br />

For more details on exact locations <strong>and</strong> dates, please visit our website at www.ioov.org. Join us to find support,<br />

empowerment, <strong>and</strong> community in spaces where your voice <strong>and</strong> experiences are valued <strong>and</strong> celebrated.


JUNE Is<br />

PRIDE MONTh<br />

Black LGBT individuals are repeatedly erased <strong>and</strong><br />

denied existence, trapped in a societal narrative that<br />

equates Blackness <strong>with</strong> heteronormativity <strong>and</strong> falsely<br />

associates queerness exclusively <strong>with</strong> whiteness. This<br />

is not just a misconception but a denial of history;<br />

queerness has thrived in African cultures long before<br />

colonial-imposed homophobia ever took root. From<br />

ancient tribes led by figures across the spectrum<br />

of sexual <strong>and</strong> gender identities to the vibrant Black<br />

LGBT communities of today, we <strong>have</strong> always been<br />

here. Yet, despite our enduring presence, Black LGBT<br />

folks face significant barriers in accessing healthcare<br />

<strong>and</strong> insurance compared to their peers, making<br />

services like those provided by In Our Own Voices not<br />

just helpful, but essential.<br />

“In order to be visible,<br />

we need to be safe <strong>and</strong> healthy...”<br />

We dem<strong>and</strong> recognition, not just as a matter of<br />

identity but as a crucial step towards securing our<br />

health <strong>and</strong> safety. Visibility for Black LGBT people<br />

means having the healthcare infrastructure that<br />

recognizes <strong>and</strong> meets our specific needs. This isn’t<br />

about special treatment; it’s about equal access to<br />

resources that ensure we can live safely <strong>and</strong> healthily.<br />

It’s time to dismantle the myths that harm us <strong>and</strong><br />

build systems that uplift us. Free <strong>and</strong> accessible<br />

healthcare isn’t just a service—it’s a right, <strong>and</strong> it’s<br />

pivotal to our survival <strong>and</strong> resistance against a<br />

system that often overlooks us.


JUNE <strong>2024</strong><br />

SUNday monday tuesday wednesday thursday friday saturday<br />

1<br />

First Day of Pride<br />

2<br />

3<br />

6<br />

5<br />

HIV<br />

Long-Term<br />

Survivors<br />

Awareness Day<br />

OSOF<br />

Cafe Euphoria<br />

6:30-8pm<br />

6<br />

7<br />

8<br />

Say It Loud!<br />

BI POC Pride<br />

Washington Park<br />

Albany, NY<br />

12:00pm-5:30pm<br />

9<br />

10<br />

11<br />

12<br />

13<br />

14<br />

15<br />

IOOV<br />

Closed<br />

IOOV<br />

Closed<br />

16<br />

17<br />

18<br />

19<br />

20<br />

21<br />

22<br />

Juneteenth<br />

IOOV<br />

Closed<br />

OSOF<br />

Uncommon<br />

Grounds<br />

6-8pm<br />

23<br />

24<br />

25<br />

26<br />

27<br />

28 29<br />

30<br />

<strong>Sex</strong>versations<br />

for Her<br />

6-8pm<br />

National HIV<br />

Testing Day<br />

LGBTQIA- Pride Month<br />

-


WISDOM<br />

“There is no<br />

one-size-fits-all<br />

way to experience pleasure...”<br />

One thing that I heard in the earlier years of my sexual<br />

journey is that lubricants are only for older women or<br />

people <strong>with</strong> sexual problems. I consistently heard from my<br />

peers that they didn’t need lube because they naturally<br />

produced what was needed to enjoy sex; some peers<br />

didn’t even know lube existed! Although my health classes<br />

informed me of what it was <strong>and</strong> how it could be of use,<br />

I was never taught that there were different kinds of<br />

lubricants <strong>and</strong> various factors to consider when choosing<br />

them. I would feel a little ashamed when I wanted to<br />

use lube during intimacy. This stigma was the catalyst<br />

to painful experiences that I kept quiet about. As I <strong>have</strong><br />

gotten older <strong>and</strong> more confident in myself as a sexual<br />

being, I don’t hold that shame or self-consciousness when<br />

it comes to advocating for my own pleasure. I <strong>have</strong> also<br />

been properly informed on how helpful lube is <strong>and</strong> all<br />

of the different types at my disposal. I wish that I didn’t<br />

<strong>have</strong> to experience pain because of such a petty stigma.<br />

There is no one-size-fits-all way to experience pleasure <strong>and</strong><br />

there is so much information out there that normalizes a<br />

plethora of experiences. People deserve to <strong>have</strong> thorough<br />

knowledge <strong>and</strong> confidence while embarking on their<br />

sexual journeys. Using lube is completely normal, it can<br />

make sex more pleasurable as well as be a great tool for<br />

safe sex practices. For example, using lube <strong>with</strong> condoms<br />

increases their effectiveness by decreasing the chance of<br />

breaking or slipping off. Lube opens up the possibilities of<br />

pleasure <strong>and</strong> safety for all parties involved. Use Lube!


JULY <strong>2024</strong><br />

SUNday monday tuesday wednesday thursday friday saturday<br />

1<br />

2<br />

3<br />

Independence<br />

Day<br />

IOOV Closed<br />

4<br />

5<br />

6<br />

7<br />

8<br />

9<br />

10<br />

11<br />

12<br />

13<br />

14<br />

15<br />

16<br />

17<br />

18<br />

19<br />

20<br />

International<br />

Non-binary<br />

People’s Day<br />

OSOF<br />

Uncommon<br />

Grounds<br />

6:30-8pm<br />

21<br />

22<br />

23<br />

24<br />

25<br />

26<br />

27<br />

<strong>Sex</strong>versations<br />

for Her<br />

6-8pm<br />

Disability<br />

Independence<br />

Day<br />

28<br />

29<br />

30<br />

31<br />

National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month


Franshelis<br />

“...<strong>Sex</strong> can look<br />

<strong>and</strong> feel however<br />

is best for you.”<br />

I <strong>have</strong> had multiple people insinuate that<br />

since I <strong>have</strong> not had sex <strong>with</strong> a man, I<br />

<strong>have</strong> not had sex, period. This is because<br />

these people believe that penetrative sex<br />

<strong>with</strong> a penis is the only way to <strong>have</strong> sex.<br />

Penetration being the end goal of sex is a<br />

heteronormative concept; the reality of it<br />

all is that sex can be whatever you consider<br />

it to be. There are so many different ways<br />

to <strong>have</strong> sex that I honestly feel bad for<br />

people <strong>who</strong> think penetration is the end<br />

all, be all. Ultimately, the goal of sex is to<br />

experience pleasure; as long as you do<br />

that in a safe & consensual way, as well as<br />

getting tested regularly, sex can look <strong>and</strong><br />

feel however is best for you.


AUGUST <strong>2024</strong><br />

SUNday monday tuesday wednesday thursday friday saturday<br />

OSOF<br />

Cafe Euphoria<br />

6:30-8pm<br />

1<br />

2<br />

3<br />

National Girlfriend<br />

Day<br />

4<br />

5<br />

6<br />

7<br />

8<br />

9<br />

10<br />

11<br />

12<br />

13<br />

14<br />

15<br />

16<br />

17<br />

OSOF<br />

Uncommon<br />

Grounds<br />

6:30-8pm<br />

18<br />

19<br />

20<br />

21<br />

22<br />

23<br />

24<br />

Southern<br />

HIV/AIDS<br />

Awareness Day<br />

25<br />

26<br />

27<br />

28 29 30 31<br />

<strong>Sex</strong>versations<br />

for Her<br />

6-8pm<br />

National Faith<br />

HIV/AIDS<br />

Awareness Day


El <strong>and</strong> Alisya:<br />

Get Who Gets You<br />

As service providers, we are acutely<br />

aware of the challenges voiced by our<br />

clients <strong>and</strong> community members—many<br />

recount negative experiences <strong>with</strong> various<br />

service sectors, ranging from housing<br />

<strong>and</strong> healthcare to employment <strong>and</strong> food<br />

pantry services. These difficulties often<br />

stem from discrimination, stigma, <strong>and</strong><br />

oppression, making it hard for people to<br />

access <strong>and</strong> maintain the support they<br />

need. Despite these daunting barriers,<br />

we want to assure you that there are safe<br />

<strong>and</strong> supportive service providers <strong>who</strong> are<br />

deeply committed to the well-being <strong>and</strong><br />

thriving of this community.<br />

“We want you to feel<br />

seen <strong>and</strong> supported<br />

through the process.”<br />

Here at In Our Own Voices, we take<br />

great pride in our dedication to traumainformed,<br />

client-centered care. This<br />

commitment extends beyond our office<br />

<strong>and</strong> into our networks, ensuring that every<br />

interaction is conducted <strong>with</strong> empathy<br />

<strong>and</strong> underst<strong>and</strong>ing. We encourage you not<br />

to lose hope—continue to seek out <strong>and</strong><br />

connect <strong>with</strong> those of us <strong>who</strong> are here to<br />

support you. We are here, eager to help<br />

you access the services you need <strong>and</strong> to<br />

ensure you feel seen <strong>and</strong> supported every<br />

step of the way.


SEPTEMBER <strong>2024</strong><br />

SUNday monday tuesday wednesday thursday friday saturday<br />

1<br />

Labor Day<br />

IOOV<br />

Closed<br />

2<br />

3<br />

4<br />

OSOF<br />

Cafe Euphoria<br />

6:30-8pm<br />

5<br />

6<br />

7<br />

8<br />

9<br />

10<br />

11<br />

12<br />

13<br />

14<br />

World Suicide<br />

Prevention Day<br />

15<br />

Hispanic Heritage<br />

Month Begins<br />

16<br />

17<br />

National<br />

HIV/AIDS<br />

<strong>and</strong> Aging<br />

Awareness<br />

Day<br />

18<br />

OSOF<br />

Uncommon<br />

Grounds<br />

6:30-8pm<br />

19<br />

20<br />

21<br />

22<br />

23<br />

24<br />

25<br />

26<br />

27<br />

28<br />

Celebrate<br />

Bisexuality Day<br />

<strong>Sex</strong>versations<br />

for Her<br />

6-8pm<br />

National<br />

<strong>Women</strong>’s Health<br />

& Fitness Day<br />

National Gay<br />

Men’s HIV/AIDS<br />

Awareness Day<br />

29<br />

30<br />

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month<br />

National <strong>Sex</strong>ual Health Awareness Month


Ary<br />

“You can live a healthy,<br />

polyamorous, sexually liberated life!”<br />

Since coming out as polyamorous, I’ve noticed<br />

there’s a stigma around sexual health <strong>with</strong>in<br />

polycules. People on the outside assume<br />

your partners are just to hook up <strong>with</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />

that there is no way to maintain sexual<br />

safety as a polyamorous person. However,<br />

there’s so much that goes into a healthy<br />

sexual relationship while being polyamorous.<br />

Polyamory is not inherently dirty or unsafe.<br />

Folks in polyamorous relationships should<br />

(<strong>and</strong> do!) regularly get tested, especially<br />

before <strong>and</strong> after the introduction of a new<br />

partner, as well as practice consent <strong>and</strong><br />

negotiation <strong>with</strong> all parties involved. These are<br />

just two important things you can do to take<br />

care of yourself <strong>and</strong> others while engaging<br />

in polyamorous relationships. You can live a<br />

healthy, polyamorous, sexually liberated life!


OCTOBER <strong>2024</strong><br />

SUNday monday tuesday wednesday thursday friday saturday<br />

1<br />

2<br />

OSOF<br />

Cafe Euphoria<br />

6:30-8pm<br />

3<br />

4<br />

5<br />

6<br />

7<br />

8<br />

9<br />

10<br />

11<br />

12<br />

International<br />

Lesbian Day<br />

National<br />

Coming Out<br />

Day<br />

13<br />

Metastatic<br />

Breast Cancer<br />

Awareness<br />

Day<br />

14<br />

Indigenous<br />

People’s<br />

Day<br />

IOOV<br />

Closed<br />

15<br />

National Latinx<br />

HIV/AIDS<br />

Awareness Day<br />

National Hispanic<br />

Heritage Month<br />

Ends<br />

16<br />

International<br />

Pronouns Day<br />

OSOF<br />

Uncommon<br />

Grounds<br />

6:30-8pm<br />

17<br />

18<br />

National<br />

Mammography<br />

Day<br />

19<br />

20<br />

21<br />

22<br />

23<br />

24<br />

25<br />

26<br />

<strong>Sex</strong>versations<br />

for Her<br />

6-8pm<br />

Intersex<br />

Awareness Day<br />

27<br />

28 29<br />

LGBT History Month National Breast Cancer Awareness Month National Domestic Violence Awareness Month


Cole, Fran, Alisya:<br />

We All Love <strong>Women</strong>!<br />

We must radically confront <strong>and</strong> dismantle<br />

the harmful myths circulating <strong>with</strong>in our<br />

communities: “Bi/Pan women can’t be loyal.<br />

They don’t like women like lesbians do. They<br />

need to choose a side,” <strong>and</strong> “Lesbians are<br />

mean <strong>and</strong> gatekeep. Lesbians don’t respect<br />

Bi/Pan women. Lesbians are TERFs.” These<br />

divisive statements perpetuate injustice <strong>and</strong><br />

sow discord among women <strong>who</strong> love women,<br />

<strong>who</strong> should instead st<strong>and</strong> united in diversity<br />

<strong>and</strong> solidarity.<br />

“All women <strong>who</strong> love women<br />

are valid.”<br />

Every woman <strong>who</strong> loves women is valid, <strong>and</strong><br />

their experiences are integral to the fabric<br />

of our community. Such a community must<br />

be inclusive, rejecting TERF ideology <strong>and</strong><br />

supporting all its members regardless of how<br />

their identities intersect. In Our Own Voices<br />

is committed to this principle, offering free,<br />

open, <strong>and</strong> supportive monthly group sessions<br />

for LGBT women. These gatherings are not<br />

just meetings; they are bridges to greater<br />

health equity <strong>and</strong> communal solidarity,<br />

affirming that everyone’s well-being is crucial.<br />

Let us move forward together, advocating for<br />

a just <strong>and</strong> accepting space for all women <strong>who</strong><br />

love women.


NOVEMBER <strong>2024</strong><br />

SUNday monday tuesday wednesday thursday friday saturday<br />

1<br />

OSOF<br />

Cafe Euphoria<br />

6:30-8pm<br />

2<br />

1<br />

2<br />

3<br />

4<br />

5<br />

6<br />

7<br />

8<br />

9<br />

Transgender<br />

Parent Day<br />

10<br />

11<br />

12<br />

13<br />

14<br />

15<br />

16<br />

Veteran’s<br />

Day<br />

IOOV Closed<br />

OSOF<br />

Uncommon<br />

Grounds<br />

6:30-8pm<br />

17<br />

18<br />

19<br />

20<br />

21<br />

22<br />

23<br />

<strong>Sex</strong>versations<br />

for Her<br />

6-8pm<br />

Transgender<br />

Day of<br />

Remembrance<br />

24<br />

25<br />

International<br />

Day for<br />

Elimination of<br />

Violence Against<br />

<strong>Women</strong><br />

26<br />

27<br />

Thanksgiving<br />

Day<br />

IOOV Closed<br />

28 29 30<br />

National Family Caregivers Month


December is HIV/AIDS<br />

awareness month!<br />

It’s crucial to confront <strong>and</strong> dismantle the<br />

harmful myth that HIV/AIDS does not<br />

significantly affect women, especially<br />

women of color. This dangerous<br />

misinformation ignores the stark reality:<br />

women are increasingly impacted by<br />

HIV, <strong>with</strong> women of color experiencing<br />

disproportionately high rates of new<br />

infections. Such trends highlight the<br />

urgent need for accessible HIV resources,<br />

treatment, <strong>and</strong> testing specifically<br />

designed to meet their needs.<br />

“When you know your status;<br />

you keep yourself <strong>and</strong> your community<br />

safe <strong>and</strong> healthy.”<br />

Knowledge is power—being aware of<br />

your HIV status not only protects you but<br />

also strengthens the overall health <strong>and</strong><br />

safety of your community. We strongly<br />

encourage you to take charge of your<br />

health <strong>and</strong> your future by scheduling a<br />

FREE <strong>and</strong> confidential HIV test <strong>with</strong> In<br />

Our Own Voices at 518.432.4188. Claiming<br />

knowledge of your status isn’t merely<br />

a personal decision; it’s a profound act<br />

of radical community care <strong>and</strong> a step<br />

towards justice for all.


DECEMBER <strong>2024</strong><br />

SUNday monday tuesday wednesday thursday friday saturday<br />

World AIDS<br />

Day<br />

1<br />

2<br />

3<br />

4<br />

OSOF<br />

Cafe Euphoria<br />

6:30-8pm<br />

5<br />

6<br />

7<br />

8<br />

9<br />

10<br />

11<br />

12<br />

13<br />

14<br />

HIV Cure<br />

Research Day<br />

15<br />

16<br />

17<br />

18<br />

19<br />

20<br />

21<br />

OSOF<br />

Uncommon<br />

Grounds<br />

6:30-8pm<br />

22<br />

23<br />

24<br />

25<br />

26<br />

27<br />

28<br />

<strong>Sex</strong>versations<br />

for Her<br />

6-8pm<br />

Christmas<br />

IOOV Closed<br />

29<br />

30<br />

31<br />

New Year’s<br />

Eve<br />

IOOV Closed


COLE<br />

“Masterbation is a natural<br />

exploration process<br />

that people should not be denied.”<br />

When I was a preteen, I was told that<br />

masturbation was a sin; that self-pleasure<br />

was an unnatural <strong>and</strong> filthy act. It never<br />

made sense to me because it’s one of the<br />

ways to make yourself happy <strong>and</strong> relaxed.<br />

Why would I deny myself that serotonin?<br />

Masterbation is a natural exploration<br />

process that people should not be denied.<br />

There are so many ways to masterbate, the<br />

only catch is how to do it safely. Washing<br />

toys <strong>and</strong> h<strong>and</strong>s before touching your<br />

genitals as well as ensuring the toys you<br />

use are safe for your skin is key for safe<br />

self-pleasure!


JANUARY 2025<br />

SUNday monday tuesday wednesday thursday friday saturday<br />

New Year’s<br />

Day<br />

IOOV Closed<br />

1<br />

OSOF<br />

Cafe Euphoria<br />

6:30-8pm<br />

2<br />

3<br />

4<br />

5<br />

6<br />

7<br />

8<br />

9<br />

10<br />

11<br />

12<br />

15<br />

14<br />

15<br />

16<br />

17<br />

18<br />

OSOF<br />

Uncommon<br />

Grounds<br />

6:30-8pm<br />

19<br />

20<br />

21<br />

22<br />

23<br />

24<br />

25<br />

Martin Luther<br />

King Jr. Day<br />

IOOV Closed<br />

26<br />

27<br />

28<br />

29 30 31<br />

<strong>Sex</strong>versations<br />

for Her<br />

6-8pm<br />

Cervical Health Awareness Month National Stalking Awareness Month National Human Trafficking Awareness Month


Pharaoh<br />

“...declaring your right<br />

to live in a body<br />

that matches your soul,<br />

to take courage,<br />

is the utmost self-love.”<br />

Self-love is overlooked in a myriad of ways. In fact, the<br />

terms “self-love” <strong>and</strong> “loving yourself” seem to only follow<br />

examples of the safe, “PC”, <strong>and</strong> honestly, superficial, when<br />

discussed <strong>with</strong>in the general public. Self-love messaging,<br />

in my experience, is often framed as toxic positivity where<br />

we are ignoring, repressing, <strong>and</strong> completely dismissing<br />

our feelings <strong>and</strong> mental health. I wish that unconventional<br />

methods of self-love were explored <strong>and</strong> talked about<br />

more <strong>with</strong>out shame or fear of retaliation <strong>and</strong> ridicule.<br />

For example, I’ve been bombarded <strong>with</strong> the message that<br />

gender-affirming care is a form of self-mutilation; however,<br />

through my own lived experiences, as well as viewing the<br />

lives of others, I realized that message couldn’t be further<br />

from the truth. It isn’t a thought fueled by a lack of selflove<br />

but the very opposite – declaring your right to live<br />

in a body that matches your soul, to take courage, is the<br />

utmost self-love. Our body is the only thing we truly own<br />

<strong>and</strong> so it’s important to take care of it; mentally, physically<br />

<strong>and</strong> sexually. Gender affirming care is self-care <strong>and</strong> so is<br />

sexual health!


FEBRUARY 2025<br />

SUNday monday tuesday wednesday thursday friday saturday<br />

1<br />

National<br />

Wear Red<br />

Day<br />

2<br />

3<br />

4<br />

7<br />

OSOF<br />

Cafe Euphoria<br />

6:30-8pm<br />

6<br />

National Girls<br />

& <strong>Women</strong> in<br />

Sports Day<br />

7<br />

National Black<br />

HIV/AIDS<br />

Awareness Day<br />

8<br />

9<br />

10<br />

11<br />

12<br />

13<br />

14<br />

15<br />

Valentine’s<br />

Day<br />

16<br />

17<br />

18<br />

19<br />

20<br />

21<br />

22<br />

Presidents Day<br />

OSOF<br />

Uncommon<br />

Grounds<br />

6:30-8pm<br />

23<br />

24<br />

25<br />

26<br />

27 28<br />

<strong>Sex</strong>versations<br />

for Her<br />

6-8pm<br />

BLACK HISTORY MONTH<br />

National Teen Dating Violence Awareness <strong>and</strong> Prevention Month American Heart Month


EL<br />

Until I was 22, I identified as a lesbian. Often, especially as<br />

a teenager, when I told this to others (family, friends, even<br />

strangers) they would say something like “well at least<br />

you don’t <strong>have</strong> to worry about pregnancies or STIs, women<br />

can’t do that to each other”. Due to these remarks, I did<br />

not think I needed sexual health information or HIV <strong>and</strong> STI<br />

testing, it did not affect me. Additionally, my sexual health<br />

classes never talked about sex-ed for women interested<br />

in other women; all of the sexual health information<br />

given was for straight people <strong>and</strong> gay men <strong>who</strong> practice<br />

penetrative sex. This was because my sexual health classes<br />

focused on external condoms as the catch-all safe sex tool;<br />

anything outside of penetrative sex was not important<br />

or was thought to not transmit HIV or STIs. In reality,<br />

there are so many safe sex tools for various types of sex<br />

because all types of sex <strong>have</strong> the potential to transmit STIs.<br />

Furthermore, women can absolutely give other women<br />

STIs or even get them pregnant. This misinformation<br />

shaped the way I viewed sexual health for a long time. Now<br />

I know better <strong>and</strong> so I do better; I work to educate others<br />

on safe sex practices for all sexual orientations <strong>and</strong> gender<br />

identities! Everyone deserves safe, secure <strong>and</strong> great sex!<br />

“Everyone deserves safe,<br />

secure <strong>and</strong> great sex!”


MARCH 2025<br />

SUNday monday tuesday wednesday thursday friday saturday<br />

1<br />

2<br />

3<br />

4<br />

7<br />

6<br />

7<br />

8<br />

National<br />

Endometriosis<br />

Awareness Day<br />

OSOF<br />

Cafe Euphoria<br />

6:30-8pm<br />

International<br />

<strong>Women</strong>’s Day<br />

9<br />

10<br />

11<br />

12<br />

13<br />

14<br />

15<br />

National <strong>Women</strong><br />

& Girls HIV/AIDS<br />

Awareness Day<br />

16<br />

17<br />

18<br />

19<br />

OSOF<br />

Uncommon<br />

Grounds<br />

6:30-8pm<br />

20<br />

21<br />

22<br />

National Native<br />

HIV/AIDS<br />

Awareness Day<br />

23 24<br />

25<br />

26<br />

27 28 29<br />

International<br />

Transgender<br />

Day of Visibility<br />

30 31<br />

<strong>Sex</strong>versations<br />

for Her<br />

6-8pm<br />

LGBTQIA Health Month <strong>Women</strong>’s History Month National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Bisexual Health Awareness Month


LAUREN<br />

I am Lauren Simone Prosper, <strong>and</strong> I identify<br />

<strong>with</strong> a myriad of descriptors: Black, Haitian,<br />

Queer, Pansexual, Fairy, Parent, <strong>with</strong> loc’d<br />

hair, embracing a sex-positive, pro-pleasure,<br />

consent-focused, <strong>and</strong> anti-rape activism stance.<br />

Reflecting on my journey, I realize how my<br />

initial misconceptions about sex <strong>and</strong> pleasure<br />

evolved from religious <strong>and</strong> heteronormative<br />

perspectives influenced by my environment<br />

<strong>and</strong> a lack of inclusive sex education. Originally<br />

viewing sex merely as a duty <strong>with</strong>in marriage<br />

<strong>and</strong> for reproduction, I’ve learned to redefine it<br />

as a personal experience where pleasure is selfderived,<br />

not just provided to others.<br />

“Caring for myself is not<br />

self-indulgence, it is<br />

self-preservation <strong>and</strong> that is<br />

an act of political warefare.”<br />

-Audre Lorde<br />

Today, I advocate for everyone to define<br />

<strong>and</strong> pursue their own pleasure safely <strong>and</strong><br />

<strong>with</strong> intention. This shift has been crucial in<br />

how I experience intimacy <strong>and</strong> express my<br />

sexuality, both individually <strong>and</strong> <strong>with</strong> partners.<br />

By promoting regular sexual health practices<br />

<strong>and</strong> self-awareness, I aim to foster a life rich in<br />

love, joy, <strong>and</strong> pleasure. It’s a lifelong journey of<br />

evolution towards intentional <strong>and</strong> innate actions<br />

in all aspects of life, embracing continuous<br />

growth in self-love <strong>and</strong> personal fulfillment.


APRIL 2025<br />

SUNday monday tuesday wednesday thursday friday saturday<br />

1<br />

2<br />

OSOF<br />

Cafe Euphoria<br />

6:30-8pm<br />

3<br />

4<br />

5<br />

6<br />

7<br />

8<br />

9<br />

10<br />

11<br />

12<br />

International<br />

Asexuality Day<br />

National Youth<br />

HIV/AIDS<br />

Awareness Day<br />

Black Maternal<br />

Health Week (ends<br />

April 17th)<br />

13<br />

14<br />

15<br />

16<br />

OSOF<br />

Uncommon<br />

Grounds<br />

6:30-8pm<br />

17<br />

Good Friday<br />

18<br />

National<br />

Transgender HIV<br />

Testing Day<br />

Nonbinary<br />

Parents Day<br />

19<br />

20<br />

21<br />

22<br />

23<br />

24<br />

25<br />

26<br />

Easter<br />

Lesbian<br />

Visibility Day<br />

27<br />

28<br />

<strong>Sex</strong>versations<br />

for Her<br />

6-8pm<br />

29 30<br />

<strong>Women</strong>’s Eye Health <strong>and</strong> Safety Month STD Awareness Month <strong>Sex</strong>ual Assault Awareness <strong>and</strong> Prevention Month


Alisya<br />

Shortly after getting my period at age 13, my gr<strong>and</strong>mother told me<br />

that I should wear pads instead of tampons. Although she is a doctor<br />

<strong>and</strong> pharmacologist, aware of the risks <strong>and</strong> benefits of different<br />

menstrual products, I suspect she was less concerned about the<br />

risk of toxic shock syndrome in tampon usage <strong>and</strong> more about<br />

the potential of tearing my hymen. Where I am from, Southeast-<br />

Asian archipelago nation Indonesia, the concept of virginity is often<br />

culturally tied to a stretched or torn hymen, even though it was<br />

widely accepted that you can stretch your hymen in ways outside of<br />

sex, like riding a bike or, yes, using tampons.<br />

Growing up, the concept of virginity, <strong>and</strong> therefore; sex <strong>and</strong> sexual<br />

pleasure, was tied to cis- <strong>and</strong> heteronormative penetrative sex.<br />

Friends <strong>and</strong> relatives talked about how avoiding penetration <strong>with</strong><br />

their partner meant they did not <strong>have</strong> premarital sex. Penetration<br />

was acknowledged as the ‘default way’ to <strong>have</strong> sex, <strong>and</strong> everything<br />

else before was simply foreplay; oral is third base, penis-in-vagina is<br />

a home run.<br />

“<strong>Sex</strong> looks different for<br />

everyone, <strong>and</strong> sexual<br />

pleasure isn’t just tied<br />

to penetration.”<br />

With the lack of access to comprehensive, queer-friendly sex<br />

education, as a high schooler I turned to social media platforms like<br />

Tumblr. Despite the risk of encountering even more misinformation,<br />

or worse, harmful content, I genuinely learned a lot about sex<br />

positivity <strong>and</strong> started to unlearn the shame I felt around ‘premarital’<br />

sexual pleasure! Even then, it wasn’t until I researched more<br />

comprehensive sex education after high school that I fully accepted<br />

that sex looks different for everyone, <strong>and</strong> sexual pleasure isn’t just<br />

tied to penetration (whether <strong>with</strong> penises or dildos or anything else!)<br />

Now, I destigmatize sexual pleasure beyond penetration by talking<br />

<strong>with</strong> my friends about our sexual health, continuing to learn about<br />

sexual pleasure on my own <strong>and</strong> <strong>with</strong> my partner, <strong>and</strong> keeping upto-date<br />

on testing <strong>and</strong> sex education opportunities! The more we<br />

<strong>have</strong> open conversations <strong>and</strong> increased access to sexual wellness<br />

resources, the more we can embrace–<strong>and</strong> explore–sexual pleasure in<br />

all its expansive ways.


MAY 2025<br />

SUNday monday tuesday wednesday thursday friday saturday<br />

OSOF<br />

Cafe Euphoria<br />

6:30-8pm<br />

1<br />

2<br />

3<br />

4<br />

5<br />

6<br />

7<br />

8<br />

9<br />

10<br />

International<br />

Family<br />

Equality Day<br />

Cinco<br />

De Mayo<br />

Mother’s<br />

Day<br />

11<br />

12<br />

Fibromyalgia<br />

Awareness Day<br />

National <strong>Women</strong>’s<br />

Health Week<br />

(ends April 15th)<br />

13<br />

National <strong>Women</strong>’s<br />

Check-up Day<br />

14<br />

OSOF<br />

Uncommon<br />

Grounds<br />

6:30-8pm<br />

15<br />

16<br />

17<br />

International<br />

Day Against<br />

Homophobia,<br />

Transphobia, <strong>and</strong><br />

Biphobia<br />

18<br />

19<br />

20<br />

21<br />

22<br />

23<br />

24<br />

National Asian &<br />

Pacific Isl<strong>and</strong>er<br />

HIV/AIDS<br />

Awareness Day<br />

25<br />

26<br />

27<br />

28 29 30 31<br />

Memorial Day<br />

IOOV Closed<br />

<strong>Sex</strong>versations<br />

for Her<br />

6-8pm<br />

Menstrual<br />

Hygiene Day<br />

World No<br />

Tobacco Day


THANK YOU<br />

from In Our Own Voices, Inc. Intervention Services Team!


We extend our deepest gratitude to an incredible collective of visionaries <strong>and</strong><br />

activists <strong>who</strong> dedicated their time <strong>and</strong> creativity to make this calendar a triumph<br />

of revolutionary spirit! Our role models deserve special recognition for their<br />

vulnerability, flexibility, <strong>and</strong> profound insights—they <strong>have</strong> made a transformative<br />

impact on our communities, <strong>and</strong> for this, we are forever grateful.<br />

We also thank our photographer, Jayana Lafotos (Jayana LaFountaine), for bringing<br />

our artistic vision to life <strong>with</strong> perfection <strong>and</strong> sensitivity, making each model<br />

feel empowered <strong>and</strong> acknowledged. Our thanks to Cafe Euphoria in Troy, NY,<br />

for opening their stunning space to us, <strong>and</strong> to our graphic designer, Kristy from<br />

Fifteen Blue, LLC, for crafting such a visually striking calendar. A salute to our<br />

WSW Program Coordinator, EL, <strong>and</strong> Director of Intervention Services, Vanessa, for<br />

their meticulous organization of the calendar’s production <strong>and</strong> distribution.<br />

A profound shout-out to In Our Own Voices <strong>and</strong> our CEO, T<strong>and</strong>ra LaGrone, for<br />

fostering an inclusive space where LGBTQIA+ BIPOC community members can fully<br />

express <strong>and</strong> explore their identities—particularly in the realms of sex <strong>and</strong> sexuality.<br />

Finally, to you, the reader, thank you for your support <strong>and</strong> for engaging <strong>with</strong><br />

our work. Your involvement is invaluable in this ongoing, collective journey of<br />

empowerment <strong>and</strong> visibility. We cherish your support.

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!