28. Dating with Herpes: Everything You Need & Want to Know feat. Tricia Wise aka Safe Slut

Hey, Bestie! We are back with another epic guest interview! Today, I sit down with Tricia Wise, who you may know as Safe Slut on social media. Tricia is a NYC-based writer, Reiki Master, Herbalist, Esthetician, content creator, sex positivity goddess, witch, and queen of the best memes. In this episode, 5 years post-diagnosis, Tricia shares why she created Safe Slut and all things Herpes, STIs, and being sexually liberated. We dive deep into destigmatizing Herpes and just how common Herpes is. Grab your AirPods and listen to this on your next commute or while you're on your hot girl walk. Don't forget to give Tricia a follow (on IG) and share this episode with your besties! This link will take you to all things Safe Slut! Time Stamps: 1:00: Introduction 2:21: Where to find Tricia 2:56: The birth and mission of Safe Slut 5:08: How Tricia contracted Herpes - this story is juicy AF 7:18: Getting tested post exposure 8:00: Getting diagnosed with Herpes 8:34: The difference in transmission between HSV1 and HSV2 9:50: The low down on cold sores 11:06: Confronting the person that transmitted Herpes 11:16: Using the right language to share and disclose STI results 11:46: Tricia's outbreaks and evolution with time 12:20: Tricia's symptoms during her first outbreak 12:50: Medical management of Herpes 14:06: The emotional toll of Tricia's diagnosis and finding empowerment 15:00: Disclosing and communicating Herpes status for the first time (and now 5 years later) 17:51: Why knowing and disclosing your status is sexy AF 19:55: Why you have to ask for a Herpes test 21:48: Managing and recognizing Herpes triggers 22:29: Tricia's homemade tinctures and potions for Herpes 23:13: How Herpes 'moves around' in your nerves 24:00: What sex is safer with Herpes? Anal, oral, or vaginal sex? 24:55: How to have sex with an outbreak 25:55: Tricia's parents and her social media and OF 26:57: The 'STI' kink and monetizing Herpes 28:09: Can you get Herpes from drinking after people? 29:40: The stigma and understanding what Herpes really is 30:04: Why doctors don't automatically test for Herpes 31:23: Affording Herpes medications 32:05: The importance of being tested regularly and communication when having casual sex 34:25: Getting rejected because of Herpes 35:12: The most common type of HSV and oral sex 37:58: Herpes vaccine 38:37: How Herpes can lead to sex positivity 39:16: Tips to help you feel confident in your Herpes diagnosis 40:15: Tricia's Herpes offerings and resources Get 100+ of my best dating tips, advice, and a little tough love, Download The Dating Playbook now! ---- Hang with me on Instagram! https://www.theyolandarussell.com