Hello and welcome!
This is Open System, a newsletter by niche internet micro non-celebrity @sti.mulation. I use sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as an entry point for exploring what it means to be in a body in lifelong interaction with other human and non-human bodies.
Before I send out the inaugural transmission from this new virtual space, I want to share a bit about me and what you can expect here.
~Who are they?~
I’m a white Ashkenazi, queer, non-binary writer/creator living in the eastern so-called United States of America. I began my deep dive into STIs following a herpes diagnosis more than a decade ago, and since 2013 I have published my writing on sexual health in a variety of print and digital formats. If you’re reading this, chances are you know me from my memes on Instagram. I have a busy professional life outside of this work, and so for my own safety and peace of mind, I currently keep them separate. A few fun facts about me: I’m a Leo, I love emojis (all-time fav is the poodle 🐩), my music of choice while writing is most often techno, and in fifth grade I won an award for being the “Best Sport” in my school’s chess club. 🤓
What to expect
Open System emerges from the basic premise that, since humans are open system organisms in constant exchange of matter and energy with our surroundings, interdependence is central to being alive. My goal is not to educate people on what STIs are, how they transmit, or how to prevent them. You can visit cdc.gov/std or follow any number of certified sex educators on social media for that. Rather, I’m interested in how we think about STIs.
I’ll be sharing 1-2 posts per month that address sexual health through themes of embodiment, relationality, eroticism, and culture. The first several posts will be freely available. After that, the majority of my content will be exclusively for VIPs with the occasional free post. By signing up as a paid subscriber, you’ll be making my work here possible.
However you’re joining the conversation, I’m glad that you’re here! 😘