Welcome back to the SSIS column, where we answer any and all of Brandeis students’

questions about sex, sexuality, identity, and relationships. If you have a question you’d like answered in our next column, email ssis@brandeis.edu or leave a question in the Google Form link on our Facebook page. (Note: These answers are good-faith attempts by SSIS to be helpful to the Brandeis community, and are by no means exhaustive or to be taken as universal. If these answers don’t resonate with you, either pay them no mind, or reach out to us with suggestions for improvement!)

How do I safely sext?

Thank you for asking SSIS! This is a great question. Sexting and phone sex can be great ways to feel connected to a partner during a time of separation. For this reason, we created a resource for safer sexting and phone sex for our “Kiss Me Through the Phone” workshop! In this resource we provide tips on establishing boundaries, expressing desire, figuring out what to say and deciding how to say it. Establishing boundaries can help all parties feel safe and comfortable in the virtual space and figuring out what you want to say and how to say it ahead of time can help you feel more confident and allow you to explore what turns you on. To access our “Sexting & Phone Sex 101: Keeping the spark alive during long distance” resource visit this link: https://tinyurl.com/slqahz6.

How are you able to sell condoms and other products for so cheap? Are they safe?

Thank you for your question! All of the products sold by SSIS are subsidized by the university, which allows us to sell them at a lower price. We reduce our prices because we want our products to be accessible to more students at Brandeis! Products sold at SSIS are all made of body-safe materials. Regarding efficacy, our barrier methods and pregnancy tests are equally as effective as those sold at convenience stores and pharmacies. Though some lubricants may have potential allergens, we provide disclaimers for these products. All of the products we sell are as effective as their full price equivalents. For further questions about our products, please visit us during office hours (either in person or virtually) or text us anonymously at (586) ASK-SSIS (586-275-7747).