Many of you might not know that STI infection rates in Australia have skyrocketed over the past few years. Sensing a breakdown in communication when it comes to emphasising the importance of safe sex practices, a small Australian start-up is looking at the humble condom to shake things up and instigate change. Brad Zabow is the mastermind behind Long Johns, a condom brand that aims to break down the stigma and taboos surrounding topics such as contraception and STIs. By encouraging younger generations to be more open and talkative about safe sex, promoting education and awareness.

By utilising aesthetically appealing branding, packaging and marketing, Long Johns cuts a stylish figure amongst the hyper-coloured varieties found in grocery stores with black and white embossed tins. Brad is hoping to get Long Johns into retailers that don’t often sell prophylactics such as barbershops, grooming salons and clothing retailers. Long Johns is currently looking for funding for manufacturing costs with a Pozible campaign. 20 cents from the sale of every product will be donated to sexual health education programs in Indigenous communities and developing countries. Should Long Johns prove to be popular, more varieties will be produced catering for those after large, ribbed and ultra-thin types. Make a donation to the Long Johns Pozible campaign, grab a tin and then, as the branding says, “go get ‘em tiger.”

Be sure to follow the progress of the Pozible campaign through the Long Johns Facebook page.