i raise my hand in health class.

"yes, in the red sweatshirt. what's your question?"

"how is protection used between two girls?" i ask. i inquire. i dare the teacher to answer.

a condom is slipped over the tip of the penis before it is inserted into the vagina, to protect against unwanted pregnancy and STIs.

"well," the teacher stumbles.

"why would you ask that?" a student whispers.

i declare, "because i would like to be safe too, and i do not plan on getting aids.

"the gays deserve to be educated and protected too."