HARNESS Curriculum: Chapters 8-12

Complete Lesson Plans | Fearless, Aware, and Protected

Chapter 8: Doxy-PEP: A New Tool in your Toolkit

A New Layer Against STIs

📋 Session Overview

Duration: 60-75 minutes | Part: Part III | MATCH: Medications (M)

🎯 Learning Objectives

  • Understand Doxy-PEP as post-sex antibiotic prevention
  • Know >70% effectiveness against syphilis and chlamydia
  • Understand 72-hour window for taking doxycycline
  • Identify who Doxy-PEP is recommended for
  • Recognize limitations (not for gonorrhea, viral STIs)
  • Understand antibiotic resistance concerns
"Doxy-PEP (Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is one of the newest and most promising tools in the safER sex toolkit. It is an antibiotic taken after sex that significantly reduces the risk of acquiring bacterial STIs, specifically syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea."

Core Content

How It Works

From the ebook: "Doxy-PEP involves taking a single, high dose of the antibiotic doxycycline (200mg) within 72 hours (three days) after having condomless sex. The antibiotic works by killing any newly acquired bacteria that cause syphilis and chlamydia before they can establish an infection."

Effectiveness

STIRisk Reduction
SyphilisOver 70% reduction
ChlamydiaOver 70% reduction
GonorrheaNOT effective (recent studies)

Who Is Doxy-PEP For?

Currently recommended for:

Limitations (Critical)

  1. Bacterial STIs only: Does not protect against viral STIs (HIV, HPV, Herpes) or pregnancy
  2. Antibiotic resistance concern: Widespread use could increase resistance, especially for gonorrhea
  3. Regular testing still required: Every 3 months remains standard

From the Ebook:

"Doxy-PEP is a powerful addition to the combination prevention strategy: PrEP for HIV prevention + Condoms for broader STI and pregnancy prevention + Doxy-PEP for targeted bacterial STI prevention."

Activity: Combination Prevention Puzzle

Show how Doxy-PEP fits into MATCH framework as part of Medications. Participants create their own prevention strategy combining M+A+T+C+H pieces.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does Doxy-PEP change the conversation about bacterial STI prevention?
  2. What concerns do you have about antibiotic resistance?
  3. For whom would Doxy-PEP be most beneficial in your community?

Takeaway

"Doxy-PEP is a game-changer for those at high risk of bacterial STIs, offering a new layer of protection. Talk to your sexual health provider to see if Doxy-PEP is right for you and remember that it works best when combined with regular testing and open communication."

Chapter 9: ART: A Work of ART

The Science that Rewrites the Story

📋 Session Overview

Duration: 75-90 minutes | Part: Part III | MATCH: Medications (M) + Awareness (A)

🎯 Learning Objectives

  • Understand ART as treatment for people living with HIV
  • Learn the U=U message: Undetectable = Untransmittable
  • Recognize ART as Treatment as Prevention (TasP)
  • Understand testing as empowerment, not fear
  • Address HIV stigma with scientific facts
  • Know testing frequency recommendations
"ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) is the medical treatment for people living with HIV. It is a combination of medications that, when taken daily as prescribed, suppresses the amount of HIV in the body to an undetectable level. This is the science that has transformed HIV from a death sentence into a manageable chronic condition."

Core Content

The Power of U=U

From the ebook: "The most profound outcome of effective ART is achieving an Undetectable Viral Load. This is the foundation of the globally recognized and scientifically proven message: Undetectable Equals Untransmittable (U=U)."

What U=U Means:

  • A person living with HIV who is on ART and has an undetectable viral load cannot sexually transmit HIV to a partner
  • This is not a theory or a hope; it is a fact confirmed by multiple large-scale studies
  • U=U removes the fear and stigma associated with HIV transmission
  • Allows people living with HIV to have sex with confidence

Taking Your ART: Consistency is Key

Treatment as Prevention (TasP)

ART is both treatment AND prevention. It keeps the person healthy while preventing new transmissions - a public health game-changer.

Testing as Empowerment

"HIV testing is not about fear—it's about clarity. Knowing your status allows you to make informed decisions, protect yourself and your partners, and reduce anxiety."

Recommended Testing Frequency:

Why Testing Matters

Activity: Testing Barrier Brainstorm

Groups identify barriers to regular HIV/STI testing and brainstorm solutions for each barrier. Share out and create community action plan.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does learning about U=U change your understanding of HIV?
  2. What stigma have you witnessed or experienced around HIV testing?
  3. How can we normalize testing as routine healthcare, like blood pressure checks?
  4. What would make YOU more likely to test regularly?

Part III Takeaway

"Modern prevention isn't just about barriers—it's about medicine, technology, and knowledge. Whether it's taking PrEP daily, rushing for PEP or Doxy-PEP after an accident, or understanding that U=U is a fact, we now have more tools than ever to stop HIV in its tracks. Prevention isn't about one choice—it's about layering options to build your strongest safety net."

Chapter 10: Pleasure, Kinks, and Fetishes

Exploring With Boundaries and Care

📋 Session Overview

Duration: 75-90 minutes | Part: Part IV - Real Talk | MATCH: Communication (C) + Tools (T)

🎯 Learning Objectives

  • Distinguish between kink and fetish
  • Understand FRIES consent model (Freely given, Reversible, Informed, Enthusiastic, Specific)
  • Learn safER strategies for specific activities (anal, fisting, watersports, blood play)
  • Recognize importance of hygiene and aftercare
  • Practice negotiating boundaries and communication
"Sex isn't always vanilla, and life isn't always sober. People mix in kink, substances, and situations that don't look like a pamphlet. That doesn't mean safety disappears — it means we get smarter about it."

Core Content

Kink vs. Fetish: Understanding the Difference

Kink refers to any sexual interest, activity, or dynamic that falls outside of what's traditionally considered "mainstream." Kinks may include things like role play, power exchange, sensory exploration. These interests can deepen intimacy and build trust. Most people with kinks can still enjoy sexual activity without them—a kink adds to arousal rather than defines it.

Fetish describes a more specific focus—a strong attraction to a particular object, body part, or material that becomes central to sexual excitement. For some, the fetish itself is necessary for arousal; for others, it simply enhances pleasure.

From the Ebook:

So, basically: Every fetish is a kink, but not every kink is a fetish. Kinks invite exploration. Fetishes anchor desire.

Both can be healthy parts of sexual expression when practiced with consent, communication, and respect for boundaries.

SafER Sex Strategies for Specific Kinks

Kink/ActivityPrimary RiskSafER Sex Strategy
Anal Sex (without condom) HIV, STIs, tears Condom use, PrEP/PEP, U=U status, proper lube (silicone best), slow entry
Fisting Tears, internal injury, infection Extreme hygiene (trim nails, wash hands), lots of sterile lube, clear communication, know limits
Watersports (Urinating) STIs, UTIs, bacterial infections Only engage if both partners are informed & comfortable. Avoid open cuts
Blood Play HIV, Hepatitis, blood-borne pathogens HIGH RISK. Extreme caution, only by experienced, never share blades, sterile single-use gear

Hygiene and Aftercare

Consent and Communication: The FRIES Model

From the ebook: "Consent must be freely given, reversible, informed, enthusiastic, and specific (FRIES)."

FRIES LetterMeaning
Freely givenNo pressure, coercion, or manipulation
ReversibleCan be withdrawn at any time
InformedAll parties understand what they're consenting to
EnthusiasticA genuine "yes," not reluctant agreement
SpecificConsent to one act doesn't mean consent to all

Activity: Negotiating a Scene

Pairs practice pre-scene negotiation conversations. Discuss: limits, safewords, aftercare needs, safer sex strategies. Facilitator provides scenario cards for different kinks.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is explicit communication even MORE important in kink than vanilla sex?
  2. How do you balance spontaneity with safety in kink exploration?
  3. What's the difference between a boundary and a limit?

Takeaway

"Your kinks and fetishes are valid, but they require a heightened level of communication and care. The most powerful tool in any scene is the ability to talk openly about what you need to feel safe, respected, and fearless. SafER sex is the ultimate form of respect for your partner's body and your own."

Chapter 11: Harm Reduction in Action

Meeting People Where They Are

📋 Session Overview

Duration: 75-90 minutes | Part: Part IV - Real Talk | MATCH: Habits (H) + Communication (C)

🎯 Learning Objectives

  • Understand the philosophy of harm reduction
  • Apply the "good enough" standard vs perfection
  • Learn planning strategies for substance use contexts
  • Understand injection safety and needle exchange
  • Practice self-compassion when mistakes happen
  • Navigate real-world scenarios with harm reduction mindset
"Mistakes happen. Desires get messy. Prevention isn't about perfection — it's about planning for the real world, where people drink, forget, or take risks. Harm reduction is the difference between shame and survival."

Core Content

The Philosophy of Harm Reduction

From the ebook, harm reduction is:

Harm Reduction in SafER Sex

The entire framework of this book is rooted in harm reduction:

Harmful BehaviorAbstinence-OnlyHarm Reduction
Unprotected Sex "Just say no." "Use a condom, use PrEP, get tested regularly, know status, or use PEP if a mistake happens."
Drug Use "Stop using drugs." "Use clean needles (needle exchange), never use alone, have Narcan, test for fentanyl."
Sex Work "Stop selling sex." "Provide condoms, offer regular STI testing, ensure safe working, know your rights."

The "Good Enough" Standard

"Harm reduction is about the 'good enough' standard, not the 'perfect' standard."

The goal: Move the dial from high risk to lower risk, one step at a time. A small step is better than no step at all.

Drugs, Alcohol, and Decision-Making

Substances can lower inhibitions, blur judgment, and increase risk. The goal isn't to shame—but to plan.

  1. Set limits in advance: Decide on safER sex boundaries before drinking or using
  2. Buddy system: Have a trusted friend who knows your plan
  3. Prep before: Carry condoms, lube, or PrEP doses so you're not caught unprepared

Injection Drug Use: Harm Reduction Steps

Sharing needles is one of the highest-risk activities for HIV and hepatitis C transmission.

  1. Use sterile, single-use syringes
  2. Never share works (needles, cookers, cottons, water)
  3. Access syringe service programs (SSPs) where available
  4. Carry naloxone for overdose reversal—health isn't only about infection

Real-World Scenarios

  1. Condom broke during sex: Don't panic. If within 72 hours, consider PEP. Get tested and talk to a provider
  2. Partner refuses to use protection: That's a boundary issue, not a technical one. Respect yourself enough to walk away
  3. Exploring anonymous hookups: Keep condoms and barriers in your pocket, and consider PrEP as added protection

Meeting Yourself with Compassion

"Sometimes mistakes happen. A forgotten pill, a night without a condom, a choice made under pressure. That doesn't erase your worth. Prevention is a journey, not a purity test. What matters is the next step you take."

Activity: "What Would You Do?" Scenarios

Present real-world messy situations. Groups discuss harm reduction responses without judgment. Focus on NEXT BEST STEP, not perfection.

Discussion Questions:

  1. When have you experienced judgment (internal or external) for a sexual health decision?
  2. How does shame prevent people from seeking help or protection?
  3. What's one "good enough" strategy you can implement this week?

Part IV Takeaway

"Pleasure, kink, substances, and mistakes are all part of human reality. By layering protection, planning ahead, and practicing compassion, you can live fully without shame while still protecting your health. Prevention adapts to real life—and real life is messy, beautiful, and worth protecting."

Chapter 12: Piecing Together Your Personal SafER Sex Plan

Because prevention isn't one-size-fits-all

📋 Session Overview

Duration: 90 minutes | Part: Part V - Your Perfect MATCH | MATCH: ALL 5 Elements (M+A+T+C+H)

🎯 Learning Objectives

  • Complete the 4-step personal safER sex planning process
  • Apply the MATCH framework to create individualized plan
  • Anticipate and plan for "what if" scenarios
  • Identify resources and keep them handy
  • Create a flexible, adaptable blueprint for safER sex
  • Leave with tangible, personalized action steps
"This is where the theory becomes action. Your personal safER sex plan — simple, flexible, built for your life. Not a lecture, not a checklist of rules. A blueprint you can actually use when the moment comes."

Core Content

Step 1: Know Yourself

From the ebook, reflect on:

  1. What kinds of sex do you enjoy or expect to have?
  2. Do you have multiple partners, or one steady partner?
  3. How comfortable are you with condoms, PrEP, or barriers?

Write your answers down—clarity makes choices easier in the moment.

Step 2: Choose Your Pieces

Combination prevention is like a puzzle. Pick the pieces that fit your life:

  1. Condoms for penetrative sex
  2. Dental Dams for oral play
  3. Toys for pleasure
  4. Lube to reduce friction and prevent tears
  5. PrEP for ongoing protection
  6. PEP for emergencies
  7. Doxy-PEP for emergencies
  8. Testing to stay informed
  9. Communication to set boundaries

Step 3: Plan for the "What Ifs"

From the ebook:

Step 4: Keep It Handy

  1. Carry condoms or dams in a safe case
  2. Set a reminder for daily PrEP or regular testing
  3. Save local clinic and hotline numbers in your phone

The MATCH Framework Self-Assessment

Answer for Each MATCH Element:

M - Medications

  • Am I a good candidate for PrEP? (When will I talk to my doctor?)
  • Do I have a plan for getting PEP if I need it?
  • Am I up-to-date on HPV and Hepatitis B vaccines?

A - Awareness

  • When was my last full STI screening? (Schedule the next one now.)
  • What is my partner's status? (If unknown, what's my plan?)
  • What are the signs of an STI I should be aware of?

T - Tools

  • Do I always have condoms and condom-compatible lube accessible?
  • Do I have a dental dam or a plan to make one if I need it?
  • Do I have a regular routine for cleaning my sex toys?

C - Communication

  • What are three go-to phrases I can use to start a safER sex conversation?
  • Do I feel comfortable asking my partner about their recent testing?
  • Do I practice enthusiastic consent every time?

H - Habits

  • How often will I get tested (e.g., every 3, 6, or 12 months)?
  • What is my self-care ritual after sex?
  • What is one thing I will do this week to prioritize my sexual health?

Main Activity: Building Your MATCH Plan (40 minutes)

Participants create their personalized safER sex plan using worksheets. Address each MATCH element with specific, actionable steps. Share with partner or keep private. Facilitator available for questions.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which MATCH element feels strongest in your life right now? Which needs work?
  2. What surprised you most about creating your personal plan?
  3. What's one barrier you anticipate, and how will you address it?

Course Completion Takeaway

"Plan now, so protection feels natural later."

"Fearless belongs to you now. Protected belongs to you. And so does freedom."

Closing Circle

Go around and complete one sentence:

"After this course, I am committing to..."

Resources & Next Steps

National Hotlines (U.S.):

Trusted Websites:

Apps & Tools:

🎉 COMPLETE CURRICULUM ACHIEVED!

All 13 Chapters | Fearless, Aware, and Protected

Your MATCH Framework | Your Content | Ready to Facilitate

© Christopher Zacharie | HARNESS Project