Today at work, we had a luau–or more specifically, we assisted the HSS RA’s in hosting a luau. Staff were invited to wear a Hawaiian print or otherwise brightly colored outfit to work.
What I didn’t mention was why we (or more specifically, the HSS RA’s) were giving this luau. The luau was named the “Latex Luau”–it was a celebration of safe sex.
Those of you who know me, know that I am not at all a proponent of safe sex. In fact, I remember declaring in a conversation with a coworker during one of my first weeks on the job that “I’ll keep my vagina to myself, thank you very much.” The best way, and only way to practice “safe sex” is by abstaining from sex until a mutually monogamous relationship made permanent by a marriage license. Period.
So when two values clash–when I am offered a choice of wearing a brightly colored dress at work or wearing my uniform as a conscientious objector–which do I choose? I chose to wear my bright orange 70’s tropical print dress.
And what I’m wondering is–have I compromised my values or weakened my testimony by wearing a dress that could be taken as tacit approval of the “safe sex” message?