|| ||
Page 1 of 1

The Art of Condoms

So-called condom fatigue and blasé attitudes toward sexual health have presented American rubber companies with their biggest challenge since Vaseline—namely: How to make the humble sheath fashionable again?


So-called condom fatigue and blasé attitudes toward sexual health have presented American rubber companies with their biggest challenge since Vaseline—namely: How to make the humble sheath fashionable again? Instead of finger-wagging and doom-mongering, the most progressive manufacturers are appealing to our finer senses, following Japan’s lead (kitschy anime-inspired condom graphics are commonplace there) and rebranding prophylactics as desirable objets d’art. And we’re not talking glow-in-the-dark latex or piña colada flavorings.

One Condom | Advocate.com

1 One condoms As a company catering directly to gays, One has fully embraced the possibilities of condom packaging, with more than 120 different designs, from urban themes to its popular Pride Pack, with 12 whimsical wrappers (including one featuring an image of Alexander the Great with the words “He was One”). One plans to launch a line of dental dams for the ladies in 2009. Available at OneCondoms.com; $13.49 for a dozen

Barack Condom x395 | Advocate.com
2 “Election Protection” condoms When dating a Republican, whipping out an Obama condom could be a deal breaker. Better keep an emergency supply of McCain jimmy hats on hand. Also available are condom wrappers bearing portraits of Ronald Reagan, Hillary and Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Richard Nixon. Available at Condomania.com; $11.95 for a dozen

Ron English condom x395 | Advocate.com

3 Ron English condoms Ron English’s subversive art has graced album covers (the Dandy Warhols’ Welcome to the Monkey House), films (Super Size Me), and now rubbers. English’s creepy alien paintings may not be everyone’s cup of tea in the bedroom, but you’ll definitely score valuable points with the indie crowd. Available at Condomania.com; $11.95 for a dozen

Click here to follow The Advocate on Twitter. Page 1 of 1
Reader Comments
  • Name: Rachael
    Date posted: 7/13/2008 1:18:00 PM
    Hometown: Northern Virginia

    Comment:

    These are stupid. In the heat of the moment does one really care if it has an alien or rainbow on it? Seriously, I think my sex drive would drop if I saw John McCain on my condom.

  • Name: Jesseca
    Date posted: 7/10/2008 11:27:00 PM
    Hometown: Las Vegas

    Comment:

    FYI - Lesbians use condoms too! Not just dental dams.

  • Name: kerri
    Date posted: 7/10/2008 2:53:00 PM
    Hometown: new jersey

    Comment:

    mmm obama condoms! wonder what thoose taste like....

  • Name: Robin
    Date posted: 7/7/2008 8:44:00 PM
    Hometown: Houston, Texas

    Comment:

    WOW Not that I need any, but I do however have teenagers. What a brilliant way to start a conversation about safe sex with your kids. Funny condoms!!! I am on an online hunt to find some RIGHT NOW!!!

  • Name: Ashley
    Date posted: 7/7/2008 5:38:00 AM
    Hometown: San Francisco

    Comment:

    Now that's brilliant.



More Online Only
  • Commentary What Marriage in Maine Meant for Me

    Dana Hernandez is a straight white married mother of two young children. But in campaigning for No on 1 and reporting Election Night outcomes for Advocate.com, defeat hit her like a ton of bricks.

  • Marriage Equality Video Content Flag Terri White Stages Her Leather Encore

    Last year, acclaimed stage performer Terri White was homeless and living in a public park. On Sunday, she and her partner held a leather-themed commitment ceremony onstage following her triumphant Broadway turn in Finian’s Rainbow. 

  • Music Ghost Story

    Out singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile discusses working with her childhood mentor, coming out publicly, and joining next year's Lilith Fair.

  • News View From Washington: GOP Upheaval

    Now that the only pro-marriage equality candidate in New York's 23rd Congressional district, Republican Dede Scozzafava, has dropped out of the race, Tuesday's election holds any number of political lessons for both the GOP and the LGBT community.

  • Books Hot Sheet: Ditto Knocking 'Em Dead

    This week might not bring anything to the screen other than a Boondock Saints sequel, but there are plenty of reasons to sit at home on the couch or head to your local concert venue.

  • News Features Sailor Speaks Out

    Sailor Joseph Rocha endured years of hazing until he spoke out — then he was discharged for revealing his homosexuality. Nonetheless, the 23-year-old is itching to suit back up.

  • Music Rainbow High

    Busy Broadway heartthrob, gay rights activist, and former Advocate coverboy Cheyenne Jackson chats about his Finian’s Rainbow revival, his politically charged cabaret CD, and laying around in his underpants (pic on page five).

  • Television Another Tough Broad

    After being outed by a Nazi and locking lips with a hook-up three times in one episode, Christine Woods's tough-talking FBI agent Janis Hawk on ABC's FlashForward might just be prime time's best gay offering — who isn't in Glee club, that is.

  • Books Video Content Flag In Sickness and in Health

    Mary Cappello’s memoir Called Back takes readers on a white-knuckle journey through the experience of cancer treatment in America — especially disorienting to navigate as a woman and a lesbian.

  • Books An American Crime

    Best-selling novelist Patricia Cornwell made headlines last week when she filed suit against a New York investment firm for losing $40 million of her money. But she'd much rather talk about her new book, hate-crimes legislation, and Angelina Jolie.

  • Comedy Gilded Lily

    After conquering Broadway, movies, and television, out funny lady Lily Tomlin prepares for the final frontier — Las Vegas.

  • Entertainment News Ricky Martin, No Shirt and a Baby

    Ricky Martin knows how to get the camera's attention. Take a look at the many pictures of Ricky uploaded to his Twitter account in the past three months, always shirtless, frequently carrying one (or both) of his babies.

  • Television Fresh Blood

    With True Blood a bona-fide cultural phenomenon, producer Alan Ball offers tantalizing hints about what to expect on season 3.

Most Popular Stories