The weather is heating up and the coming of Pride is a natural aphrodisiac for most of us. Less clothes, more parties and summer loving! However, as a community we need to be more observant of what we do and, by that, I mean who we do, as well. The days of hooking up in the park have been replaced, at least partially, with alternative hook ups that are, a lot the time, not face to face. This type of hook up appeals to those who like and understand the build up of not knowing fully who or what you are getting into. It also allows not even having to leave the house if you choose not to. While meeting on the internet has become one of the hot beds for hooking up, it really functions a lot like a bar or bath house for that matter. It can be used for the same outcome, if that outcome is what you are seeking. Before we go any further, we have to say that we are not condemning any type of hooking up. This is just to let those out there in the community know to play safe and care enough about you to take the proper precautions. We have known a few people in the community that have had uncomfortable things happen to them while hooking up. With all the different technologies involved with getting it on, one scares us a little bit more than the rest. It is Grinder. If you are unfamiliar with this product the basic run down is this. It can tell a person your exact location within feet and it lets them know you want to hook up. I do not know about you, but hey, we are a bit uncomfortable with a satellite following me around and someone tracking our every step. It just seems creepy. However, to each their own! It does seem, though, if the wrong person had this and was tracking someone who did not want to be tracked, a one night stand could turn into a stalker rather quickly. The other worry is if the person being tracked or doing the tracking is underage. While some of this might sound preachy, it is not meant to be that way. It is just saying; look out for yourself and your friends. The other more popular way of hooking up is, of course, the bar. It is fun and a great place to be with your friends. But, a few drinks can turn into a few more and before you know it you’re drunk and getting helped down the street to goodness knows where. This could all just end in a bad headache and a “never again” or, on the other hand, it could go in a very different way. Unsafe sex is just one of the potential dangerous by-products. In our community these types of things happen and many times get pushed under the rug. Apart from drinking less, one way to try and prevent this from happening is having a trusted friend or friends watch your back. So, when you swear up and down that you’re fine and steady, they are good enough and patient enough to say no for you and get you home safe. Also, watch your drink! Yes, it happens to more than just drunk frat girls. Keep your eyes on it, not only when you put it down, but when someone buys you a drink, watch that it doesn’t travel anywhere between the bartender and you. If you meet someone on the computer, meet them somewhere public first. A place that is well populated, well lit and preferably with a friend. If you cannot bring a friend, call one and say this is where I am going to be. Note, you don’t have to say what you are doing! Lastly, for those of you who like park hook ups. While we live in one of the more accepting cities in our country, we also live in a city with over twenty white supremacy groups, who prey on those who are gay. There is the potential to get beaten, robbed, set up or arrested. Not fun! So in closing, play safe, have fun, live sex positive lives, play naked, experiment, never be ashamed of who you are, know that you are a sexual being and enjoy the summer and Pride.