The London Dungeon has released a ‘Sex-entials Kit’ designed to ensure information on STIs are always at hand when the moment strikes. The kit, created in partnership with sexual health charity Brook for Sexual Health Week (October 10 to 16), combines products commonly used when spending ‘quality time’ with a sexual partner, or alone, with useful information about sexual health – with the aim to help destigmatise talking about (and practicing) safer sex.
This is the second year that Brook and London Dungeon have collaborated to use humour and history to encourage people to learn from the mistakes and misinformation of the past, break down barriers when it comes to talking about sexual health and get tested and practice safe sex.
Stuffed to the brim with sexual aids, the ‘Sex-entials Kit’ contains tissues in a box covered in educational information such as how to spot an STI and where to find the answers to any burning questions about your body or burning sensations under your underwear. All while dispelling the Victorian myth that too much self-pleasure may make you go blind.
It also contains lube rather than lard, which was commonly used by the Victorians, and a condom branded with the London Dungeon and Brook logos - to replace animal intestines used in the past.
Those keen to get their hands on the kit can win one in a competition on the London Dungeon’s socials or by visiting the London Dungeon during Sexual Health Awareness Week - on a first come, first served basis.
Dougie Boyd, Director of Education and Wellbeing at Brook, said: “While we have thankfully all moved on from outdated Victorian contraception methods, outdated attitudes towards sexual health can still be all too common. Shame and stigma are major barriers that prevent people from taking control of their sexual health. When people are too embarrassed to talk about their own bodies, they are less likely to seek support when they have concerns.
“The aim of this year’s Sexual Health Week is to break these barriers. Alongside the London Dungeon we are using humour to destigmatise conversations about pleasure and safer sex and empower people to confidently manage their sexual health.”
A London Dungeon spokesperson said: “When it comes to safe sex, there is a lot we can learn from the Victorians. Namely - what not to do. Frankly, they were riddled with STIs and saw it as a punishment from God for giving into their desires - but we have the power to stop history repeating itself.
“With access to comfortable, safe and sometimes surprisingly flavoured condoms, as well as simple and free testing, there is no reason for us to be ashamed or concerned. That’s why we’ve created this educational and informative sex kit - to ensure that people can have all the sex they want (the Victorians sure did) but that they are reminded in the throes of passion to do it safely. Don’t go back to the dark ages when it comes to your sexual health.”
