Dr. Ruth talks about sex Dispelling myths that "the penis is created only for urinating" and "masturbation makes hair grow on your palms," "Dr. Ruth" Westheimer addressed a group of nearly 500 students last night in Irvine Auditorium. But before she began speaking, a Philadelphia group called BiUnity protested the speech, explaining that Westheimer told Dateline NBC in February that she did not believe in bisexuality. Members of the University's Lesbian Gay Bisexual Alliance attended the protest. Inside the auditorium, the petite sex therapist stepped up to the podium --Eafter climbing onto a foot stool -- and proceeded to expound on sexuality in American culture. Within the presentation, Westheimer stressed the importance and impact of Judaism upon sexuality--the topic of her new book Heavenly Sex. "I want to explain why I think that I have an easier time talking about sexuality," said Westheimer. "In Judaism, sex has never been obscene, but rather a duty. "The Talmud states that a lesson taught with humor is a lesson retained," Westheimer said. As a sex therapist with a private practice, Westheimer maintains that sexual illiteracy is equivalent to ignorance because it contributes to the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies. Westheimer said she believes that openly discussing traditionally taboo issues is the only way to end this ignorance. Despite Westheimer's liberal attitude toward abortion, homosexuality, experimentation and masturbation, BiUnity member Karen Snelbecker said before the speech that the bisexual community aimed to expand Westheimer's knowledge through an "educational action." While the protest continued outside, College junior and Facilitating Learning About Sexual Health member Sue Lee stood in the foyer distributing condoms and educational pamphlets about sexuality. "I know that there is controversy about Dr. Ruth being here because she doesn't believe in bisexuality," Lee said. "But we also feel that any discussion on health and sexuality issues should be promoted." First-year Social Work graduate student Josh Gold said he found Westheimer's speech to be "interesting and informative." "Dr. Ruth is Dr. Ruth -- she lived up to her name," he said. But Westheimer did not share this opinion, readily accepting the information offered to her by representatives from BiUnity. Before completing her speech, Westheimer added that everyone's sex life should be cultivated and nourished. "You shouldn't always be in the same position," Westheimer said. "Keep it interesting." Westheimer's speech, followed by a reception at Hillel, was sponsored by Connaissance, Hillel, the Jewish Freshman Social Council, the Greek Jewish Council, the Steinhardt Jewish Heritage Foundation and FLASH.
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