Indeed, condom consciousness (if not condom use) is present at the convention. In one workshop, “The ABC’ s of Swinging,” condom etiquette is described as bringing “the right safety equipment, just as you would for scuba diving or parachuting.” Another presentation on “Safer
u
Sex” covers new drug therapies for AIDS, information on other sexually transmitted diseases that are increasing among heterosexuals, and “things you should be doing to protect yourself.”
Originally, herpes had caused a certain panic in swinger circles. Some swing clubs closed, though private parties increased. But, paradoxically enough, with the advent of AIDS, new clubs opened, as if the disease were anti-climactic. Currently, there’ s a surge of growth in this subculture—thanks to the Internet—with estimates ranging from 2,000 to three million participants. And, according to Dr. McGinley, “There’ s been very little increase in condom use. It’ s the woman’ s choice.”
Nonetheless, at the Adult Marketplace, a woman in a black lace negligee roams around giving out free samples of condoms. There are also Créme Cookie Condoms for sale. They appear to be vanilla and chocolate
Oreo-style cookies, individually wrapped in cellophane. | ask the vendor
whether these are condoms that look like cookies, or cookies that look like
HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_015200