Dear Debbie Does,

You can order pornographic magazines privately through the mail by using catalogs. Buy a title you like over-the-counter and use the subscription card inside. Or, you can go to one of the "safer sex shops" in the city, and look at some titles that may be erotic and sensuous, but not pornographic. Try Eve's Garden at 119 West 57th Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenues, Suite 1201. Their number is (212) 757-8651 or (800) 848-3837. You can call and request their catalog to order through the mail. Another possibility is Come Again at 353 East 53rd Street. Their number is (212) 308-9394.

The live nude shows downtown can be expensive to visit. While twenty-five cent peep shows or "free admission" may be a lure, once inside, there is usually a drink minimum, and you are expected to give money to the dancers regularly. If you aren't keeping up "your end" (i.e., spending enough money), you may be pressured to do so or leave.

What do you mean when you ask if they're safe? In terms of sexually transmitted disease (STD) transmission, as long as there's no exchange of blood, semen, and/or vaginal secretions (and there shouldn't be if it's billed as a show), you're safe from all STDs, including HIV. In terms of security, it varies from club to club. Most have bouncers, and some may have more elaborate security systems. If you mean safety from being arrested, that chance always exists if prostitution is also taking place on the premises.

Alice