Yalies celebrate serious message of sex awareness

By Emily Gold

Many Yalies left the post office on Valentine's Day with something more than just mail: a free condom. To kick off Sexuality Awareness Week, Feb. 14-22, Yale's version of National Condom Week, student AIDS educators were posted in Yale Station to distribute safer sex kits and candy.

Sexuality Awareness Week is focused on healthy sexuality," AIDS educator Erika Fricke, MC '98, said. "People need to have healthy sexual attitudes in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle."

The week offered a wide range of events dealing with sexuality, including a panel discussion of AIDS and a multi-faith AIDS memorial service. Some of the light-hearted events included a free massage lesson and a talk on "Eroticizing Safer Sex," given by Fricke and fellow AIDS educator Bryan Kutner, JE '97. On Sat., Feb. 22, the week will conclude with a Sexual Fantasy Dance, at which condoms will be given out at the door.

Zoe Gerard, CC '98, who coordinated the week along with Demetrios Kapetanakos, SY '98, explained that "we wanted to make National Condom Week into Sexuality Awareness Week in order to draw attention to a wider range of issues." She added, "We want people to think about their definition of sexuality and sex, in order to open communication and get people to practice safer sex. For those who aren't yet sexually active, hopefully this week will alert them to the importance of safer sex. These issues will apply to them someday, too."

"We're trying to show people how to incorporate safer sex into their sexual script," Fricke said. "People see condoms as inherently unsexy--that they're uncomfortable or detract from spontaneity. We try to teach ways to incorporate condoms and safer sex into your entire life, so that showing someone a condom would be a sexy thing."

Although there was fairly small attendance at most of the events, Yalies said they supported the intended message of Sexuality Awareness Week.

"I think it's a really good idea. I don't think you can talk about AIDS and safer sex too much, because obviously a lot of people still have problems with it. The more exposure there is, the more educated people will become," Erika Rosner, ES '99, said.

Campus religious officials also joined in the chorus of support. Reverend Cynthia Terry, associate University chaplain, voiced support for the week's goals. "I know as well as anyone the reality that people have sex, and they should be doing it in ways that are healthy for themselves."

Some students, however, did express reservations about the week. "I believe that it is important for individuals to be aware of safer sex practices, but I think educators should stress the importance of abstinence...that abstinence is the only sure way to protect yourself from AIDS or STD's," one anonymous student said. Back to News...