29-year-old Kavya* from Bangalore has been in an open relationship for 8 years now. In a committed relationship with her college boyfriend, Kavya and her partner figured that the best way to handle the demands of a long-distance relationship was by being with other people.
“Long-distance relationships are tough. I know many will say that if other people are walking in through that revolving door, then how do you trust each other? For most people, there will be jealousy. Some would even ask if we love each other. But we see it as a way to keep our relationship alive. For us, getting intimate with other people is just sex…a physical need.
“We value “emotional fidelity” and that is the benchmark of our relationship. We have been together for a decade and handled all our ups and downs. We would be in trouble only if either of us develops a bond with someone else outside of that physical intimacy. But every other person who enters our lives, know what they are signing up for. We are honest and transparent right from the get-go!”
Open relationships and polyamory have become the talk of college campuses, Reddit threads and therapy sessions too. Simply explained, if a committed couple is in an open relationship, then each is allowed to experiment with sexual experiences outside the relationship. Whereas, in polyamory partners can engage in multiple sexual relationships with the consent of all the people involved. It is ethical and responsible non-monogamy where no one is in a single committed relationship. But there is considerable stigma and taboo attached to these concepts. In a cultural setup any mention of multiple partners at a wedding function is a “cardinal sin”. Both Rahul and Tarunima from Mumbai feel that individuals should not get judged for their choices.
Tarunima says, “I feel that many people are trapped in this bubble that you can only ever love one person. Society has conditioned us to feel that it is bad and incorrect to be attracted to more than one person when it is only natural.”
Rahul agrees, “Love is love. Being with multiple partners is a personal choice. Why should it affect the love and feelings that we already have for the people we are with?”
Many are discussing these challenges on Facebook groups such as Polyamory India, Bangalore Polyamory, and Egalitarian Non-Monogamy. In solidarity with these communities, yet with the larger purpose of encouraging responsible behaviour, Skore is encouraging them to “#UnCondom” and celebrate the idea of ethical, consensual, and non-monogamous safe sex. But what does #UnCondom really mean? Is it about having sex without a condom? Or with a condom?
Many couples prefer having sex without any barriers or protection. This can be risky for the good health of both partners and others who may get intimate with them. Skore allows couples to participate in safe sex while removing all the reasons that people don’t like using condoms. It can be anything from the rubbery feel/taste of the condom, the thickness of the condom, or simply the loss of pleasure, etc. But what if we told you that with #UnCondom, you can feel the maximum pleasure and still be safe?
Ensuring good sexual health is paramount. How can you #UnCondom maximum pleasure while still being safe? Watch this space to know more!
You can also watch the video here!
{This article is part of a series of articles with Skore which looks at how India discusses changing sexual preferences, safe sex and relationships.}
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