This week is Safer Sex Week, sponsored by the Youngstown State University Office of Housing and Residence Life.
Sophomore Timar Majors weighed in on the seriousness of Safer Sex Week. He said some students view it as a laughing matter, though it’s anything but.
“People laugh a little bit at the fact it’s safe sex week, but it really isn’t something to laugh about,” Majors said. “Some people do; some people don’t. It’s about 50-50.”
Majors also said Safer Sex Week can be a contest for some guys. “Honestly, a lot of the guys go to the events for the different color condoms, but we don’t ever use them,” he said. “It’s kind of like we collect them.”
Whatever the reason students have for participating, Breanne Romeo, residential education graduate assistant, said she hopes they’ll learn something useful. All questions are kept confidential to make students feel comfortable about asking them.
“Our goal is to reach out to as many students as possible. Last year, we had a turnout of about 1,000 throughout the week,” she said.
Even those who take Safer Sex Week lightly can take advantage of valuable resources. For instance, the HIV Clinic will provide HIV testing at the YSU Student Health Clinic from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday.
“We’ve done the STI tests for as long as I’ve been here,” said Jacob Stanley, event coordinator for Safer Sex Week.
Freshman Jenette Morell said getting tested is an important part of sexual health.
“Getting tested on campus is way less taboo and embarrassing than having to pick up medication to treat an STD you have,” Morell said.
In addition, a “passion party” planned for 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Multi-Purpose Room of Cafaro House will feature information about condoms and passion products, along with healthy relationship advice. Consult the “sexpert” from Planned Parenthood from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday in Christman Dining Commons, or join in on a sexuality acceptance discussion in the Presidents’ Suite of Kilcawley Center from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thursday.
“The programs are supposed to be fun and educational.” Romeo said. “We plan them all to be effective and educational.”
The Office of Housing and Residence Life will also give out prizes and gift baskets.
“We will be giving out two health care body care baskets for one female and one male,” Stanley said. “We will determine who gets them by keeping track of the students who come to the events.”
The theme of this year’s events is “The Naked Truth,” compared to last year’s “Jersey Shore”-inspired “Smush Week.”
“This year’s theme is a little less playful than last years’. We tried to make it a little more serious,” Romeo said.
A self-defense class for women will be held Tuesday from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Ohio Room of Kilcawley Center. Participants will learn basic self-defense techniques and useful emergency tips.
“We have some great information out there, and you can never be too careful,” Stanley said.
For a full listing of events, visit http://housing.ysu.edu/indeximages/safersex2012flyer.pdf.
1 comments Anonymous Tue Sep 18 2012 16:56 Pretty boring article… not very well written either.
