Previous research has indicated that emerging adults are more vulnerable to risky sexual behaviors, increasing the risk of STIs. Although clear communication with one’s sexual partner would promote more responsible sexual behaviors, there are obstacles to achieving this such as the stress, stigma, and social dynamics surrounding sexual conversations. Stress mediates physiological and psychological responses such as a disruption in attention and working memory which can ultimately alter one’s approach to participating in safe sex discussions. This study aims to examine the perceived stress response associated with safe sex discussions among young adults and potential barriers to such discussions, particularly among LGBTQIA+ individuals. We hypothesize that perceived stress regarding discussions of safe sex will be higher among vulnerable population groups including LGBTQIA+ participants and Women in comparison to non-LGBTQIA+ and Men participants. Although participants (N = 168; M age = 20.01, SD = 1.44; 68% female) who identified as LGBTQIA+ (27.5%) reported a higher perceived stress (M = 3.73, SD = 0.12) when discussing safe sex with a partner than non-LGBTQIA+ participants (M = 3.45, SD = 0.16), this was not a significant difference (t = 1.22, df = 150, p = 0.22). Moreover, women reported a significantly higher perceived stress associated with safe sex discussions (M = 4.22, SD = 0.92) than men (M = 3.47, SD = 1.17; t = 3.53, df = 146, p < .001). A clear understanding of the perceived stress response associated with discussions of safe sex can help better guide interventions strategies to increase these types of discussions among young adults, subsequently reducing sexual risk behaviors and their associated health outcomes.