Shippensburg University students gathered in CUB 119 to learn about safer and smarter sex at the Pride and Gender Equity (PAGE) Center’s Safer Sex Gab on Thursday at 5 p.m.
The event began with a survey about what the attendees knew about a variety of topics related to sex, sexuality and safety.
PAGE Center Director Miller Hoffman gave an overview of the tone and expectations of the event. He invited students to relax and encouraged them to be comfortable.
“Just give us a little more comfort and a little less discomfort,” Hoffman said.
The discussion began with PAGE Center Peer Educator Emmett O’Bell going over language that might be used during the event. This included terms commonly used in the LGBTQ+ community, as well as words related to sex.
Next was a discussion about consent. Two students from the social work program roleplayed different scenarios and asked the audience if clear consent was given.
Following this, the event shifted to talk about kink and BDSM. This segment went over various terms commonly used in this community while emphasizing the importance of consent and having open conversations about these subjects with one’s partner.
The next topic was an overview of different types of contraception. This included going over both well-known and lesser-known methods, such as using birth control via breastfeeding.
There was also a demonstration on how to use external and internal condoms, as well as a dental dam, which is a small piece of latex that is primarily used during oral sex.
After the demonstrations, there was a segment about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS. This included information about on-campus and off-campus resources for testing.
The on-campus resources included Etter Health Center, as well as the free sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing that the PAGE Center occasionally provides in collaboration with off-campus organizations.
The off-campus resources included GLO Harrisburg, which is a community resource center for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults of color. It offers HIV testing, housing assistance and more.
Another resource was Keystone Health Chambersburg, which offers free or reduced cost STD testing and treatment.
The event concluded with a raffle. The prizes included several stuffed animals as well as Lego sets.
For more information about PAGE Center events, check out their Instagram @shippagecenter.
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