GAY ATHLETES HOP ABOARD THE CONDOM MOBILE

Ooh, it's so big!

To encourage condom use and safer sex practices, the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health is now distributing its official “L.A. Condom” in a 40-foot long condom mobile that made its debut at Long Beach Pride.

With the goal of distributing 1,000,001 condoms by the end of 2013, the "Game On. Suit Up, L.A." campaign has partnered with local LGBT intramural sports leagues, including the LA Flag Football League, Lambda Basketball, and the Greater L.A. Softball Association. Members of these organizations have volunteered to be featured in the new campaign ads.

The condoms distributed feature new L.A.-branded wrappers designed by local residents as part of last summer’s “L.A. Condom” wrapper design contest, which was organized by L.A. County Public Health’s Division of HIV and STD Programs.

“Gay athletes have always been in sports and we're delighted some professional athletes have made steps to live their life honestly in the public's eye. We’re hopeful that this recent attention can help Lambda Basketball shine a light on causes important to us,” said Garsten Bergquist, Lambda Basketball's vice president. “Health education and community service are a part of our mission, so we’re happy to help promote a healthy lifestyle — whether it’s staying active by playing in a team sport or by using condoms and getting tested regularly for HIV or STDs.”

For a full list of locations distributing free condoms in L.A., visit LAsexsymbol.com.

SOURCE: GAY DOT NET