Chloe Has Chlamydia is a ‘slightly inappropriate, super accessible story about sexual health and STD awareness’. | Photo: Chloe Has Chlamydia/Kickstarter
As STDs are on the rise, there is a bisexual koala helping destigmatize them and spark the conversation on sex ed.
Chloe is the bisexual koala protagonist of the illustrated book Chloe Has Chlamydia.
Canadian author Jackie Prince and illustrator Liesje Kraai teamed up for this project which received praise online.
After a successful Kickstarter campaign launched in 2017, the duo was finally able to publish the book earlier this year.
Their aim is to educate on sex ed and STDs in a fun, empathetic way. They did so in the form of an illustrated book catered to adults.
‘Let’s mate, mate!’ | Photo: Chloe Has Chlamydia/Kickstarter
Chloe is a bisexual koala
As the title suggests, Chloe contracts chlamydia and goes on a quest to educate her friends about safe sex.
While non-fictional koalas actually die from chlamydia – reportedly one of the greatest causes of death among the Aussie cuties – Chloe’s life is not at stake.
However, just like any other woman, she risks infertility as this STD can damage her reproductive system if it isn’t found early.
To Chloe’s dismay, Dr. Honeyeater explains symptoms are often invisible, so whoever gave her chlamydia might not even know they have it.
Significantly, Chloe has had both male and female partners: Tim, Susanne Martin, and Corey.
Prince wanted her book to be as inclusive as possible, therefore the choice of having a protagonist belonging to the LGBTI community.
Chloe even celebrated Bi Visibility Day with a post on her Instagram feed.
STDs are on the rise
As Prince and Kraai explained on their Kickstarter page, there were more reported cases of STDs in the US last year than ever before.
According to the latest Sexually Transmitted Diseases Surveillance report by the Center for Disease Control, ‘teens and young adults (15-24) are being hit the hardest, but 25-39 year-olds are at high risk too’.
‘Even retirees are feeling the burn more than ever before (thanks, Viagra!),’ reads their appeal.
10% of the book’s profits will support STD screenings at Planned Parenthood.
Chloe Has Chlamydia is the first of a series of illustrated books tackling adult issues in an honest way. The Animals for Adults series will also include DeeDee Is Depressed, Angus Is Addicted, and Billy Can’t Get a Boner.
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