Let me tell you about my whole journey with this topic. It started when I was volunteering at the local youth center last Tuesday afternoon.
First, I saw something that made me stop
There was this group of 15-year-olds giggling near the health supplies cabinet. One kid grabbed a condom packet like it was a stolen cookie, shoving it in his pocket while his friends elbowed each other. The counselor sighed loud enough for me to hear – “Kids always feel like they’re doing something illegal.”
So I decided to test this myself
Next morning, I walked straight to the pharmacy downtown. Asked the cashier in my normal voice: “Can I see what condom brands you carry for teens?” Man, the way she froze! Her eyes darted around like I’d asked for explosives. She practically whispered: “We keep those behind counter… for safety.” Safety from what? Embarrassed teenagers?
The experiment phase kicked in
Visited 6 different stores wearing casual clothes – no fancy adult camouflage:
- At the corner store, old Mr. Jenkins squinted like I’d cursed at him
- Drugstore clerk pointed wordlessly to a dusty top shelf
- Big supermarket? Had to find the “Family Planning” aisle buried near the pharmacy section
Every single place made it feel like some secret spy mission just to buy rubber.
The lightbulb moment hit me at the bus stop
Saw two high schoolers fumbling with broken vending machine near the bathrooms – empty except for overpriced chips and soda. That machine should’ve had condoms right there! Felt angry suddenly. Why make health safety stuff feel shameful? Kids ain’t stupid – they’ll have sex whether we blush or not.
Walked home realizing we’re failing them bad. Condoms aren’t about encouraging anything. It’s like giving seat belts to new drivers – doesn’t mean you want them to crash. Just means you’re not a damn fool pretending accidents don’t happen. Bought a 12-pack on my way back, left it openly on my kitchen counter. Felt like the most responsible thing I’ve done all week.
