Fishing for free condoms in health clinics is hardly fun. But a Milwaukee-based nonprofit is trying to make condoms cool.
LGBTQ-focused nonprofit "Diverse & Resilient" is partnering with ad agency Cramer-Krasselt to launch a new brand of condoms called "Naughty Bags."
With names like "Scuba Gear," "Balloon Tower Defense," "Drip Catcher" and "Pelvic Poncho," the condoms (10 in all) aim to motivate young adults to make safe sexual choices -- minus the awkwardness or embarrassment.
Cramer-Krasselt
Despite dropping to an all-time low of 9% in 2016, the U.S. teen pregnancy rate remains higher than other developed countries. Further, Milwaukee's teen pregnancy rate is three times higher than the national average, with STD rates being equally high.
The makers of Naughty Bags realize that often it is not awareness that's the problem, but the intimidation factor. The fun and colorful condom wrappers are trying to put that at bay.
What's more, the condoms have been created using input from the very group they are targeting. They were developed using insights gathered from focus groups made up of urban teens. Everything from the names to the artwork were developed using the teens' feedback.
The condoms will be available free of charge in neighborhoods with high pregnancy rates, as well as community barbershops and colorful dispensing machines throughout the Milwaukee ZIP codes with the highest rates.
Diverse & Resilient will also distribute Naughty Bags through their existing 414ALL free condom program all around Milwaukee.
