By Zack Downing, Staff Writer
When it comes to university events, Sex Week is one of the ones that piques the most interest among students.
The title itself is meant to capture a strong interest in attending the events, but not a lot of students actually know what the week is about.
According to the Center of Women, Gender, & Sexuality, “Sex Week promotes a climate of sexual literacy by advocating for sexual health and well-being, educating about sexual diversity and marginalization, and initiating an informed, open, and sustained dialogue about human sexuality throughout the campus community.”
In short, not a lot of students know everything about sexuality and the taboo surrounding certain subjects, and Sex Week is looking to change that. The week’s official core values are open-mindedness, inclusivity, sex positivity, and growth & development.
The week started on Monday in the Grand Reading Room with Asexual Spectrum 101, a short seminar on the facts and myths surrounding asexuality, and builds community and awareness around those who are asexual.
On Tuesday afternoon, there was an event called Sex Fest, which consistently builds up excitement among students.
It’s an annual event that aims to educate students about healthy relationships and sexual well-being. It also serves as a reminder for students that there’s a center for sexuality in the campus center, where students can get free condoms and other resources.
Later that day, people visited the Woodland Commons to learn with a character called Voula the Vulva. This character serves as a mascot to teach people about the female body, and was created during a presentation about the clitoris.
There was an informative seminar, as well as arts and crafts, which were as scandalous as you might imagine.
On Wednesday came a very important event, a class on LGBTQ+ inclusivity. It was open for both students and staff, and was an informational lecture on how people can be more open and accepting to those in the LGBTQ+ community who are oppressed.
They learned how to be more inclusive and supportive of the community, and how to share their power with those who are underprivileged.
On Friday night in both the Center for Women, Gender and Sexuality, and on the 2nd floor of Oak Glen, there will be Frisky Friday Film night. Movies will be shown about sexuality and love, some more factual, and others silly and entertaining.
The CWGS will host another event on Monday, this one being important for student’s health. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the CWGS office in the campus center, there will be confidential HIV testing. Those who come should bring their health insurance card.
HIV testing is very important, and even if people getting tested are 99 percent sure you don’t have the virus, it’s best to be safe and make sure, for you and your partner’s sake.
Later that day, at 6:30 p.m. in the Oak Glen multipurpose room, there will be a Peer Health Educator General Interest Meeting. It will be a simple class on sexual health, and will wrap the whole week up.
If you want to learn more about sexuality, look to the CWGS page for more events.