Talking about safer sex, baby

Female students who do not feel at ease with sex toys may learn more about them at parties sponsored by Party Gals. Hosting a "sex-toy Tupperware party" with the Philadelphia-based organization -- whose mission is to educate women about sex toys -- is just a sample of what to expect from Safer Sex Awareness Month, according to health educator Kurt Conklin, coordinator of the month's events. Known in past years as HIV/AIDS Awareness Month, the name was changed this year in order to address other problems associated with sex, said Conklin, who also serves as the adviser to Facilitating Learning About Sexual Health. "HIV is still always a concern," he said, noting that previously the month had not focused on issues such as pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. According to College junior Ashley Paine, an active member of FLASH, sex educators are attempting to lessen the negative connotations associated with STDs by calling them STIs -- sexually transmitted infections. Conklin said he hopes the month will allow students to utilize University and other resources related to safe sex and to "encourage dialogue on campus about sexuality." Paine said FLASH -- the student organization that has helped to coordinate the month's programming -- has planned more "creative" events this year than in the past. Paine added that the month is geared toward "eroticizing safer sex" and "trying to make it seem appealing and fun." "Safer sex opens up so many more possibilities," she said, citing activities such as fantasy, masturbation and using sex toys. The first of four "Safer Sex Sundays," where FLASH will provide free condoms and information, will kick off the month's events this Sunday at Chats at 11 p.m. Other events with a safer sex theme include film screenings, speeches, workshops and "The Exotic Erotic Ball," which promises "music, motion, people and prophylactics," according to the calendar of events. FLASH has also published a newsletter, available today, entitled "Let's Talk About (Safer) Sex," which contains articles on condoms, AIDS, sex toys, tattoos and masturbation, along with facts and statistics on AIDS and STIs. Education graduate student Chris Fariello, the newsletter's editor-in-chief, said he liked the shift of the month's focus from HIV/AIDS to safer sex in general. "It allows more individuals to get involved," said Fariello, who is working toward a doctorate in human sexuality education. Conklin said students -- both as individuals and within groups -- have historically expressed interest in the events associated with the month. Fraternities and sororities have called the Office of Health Education in past years, asking to schedule a speaker or workshop, Conklin said. Thanks to the programming, students "may finally come into the office for the first time," Conklin added. Still, Paine acknowledged the difficulty of changing attitudes toward safer sex. "There is only so much that education can do," she said. "It takes something significant to change people's behavior," such as a pregnancy or an STI. Although organizers will be giving out condoms on Locust Walk throughout the month to promote safe sex, Wharton freshman Brian Jobe said he believes condoms do not prevent the spread of AIDS. "The only surefire way is abstinence," he said. Engineering junior Sean Gallagher, who said he knew nothing about Safer Sex Awareness Month, suggested a maxim for sex: "As little as possible, as wisely as possible." Julie Davids, a member of the AIDS activism group ACT-UP! who will be part of a panel discussion next Wednesday entitled "The Future of HIV/AIDS Activism," stressed the need for more student involvement in such causes. "It's really important for students who care about these issues not to blindly donate money," she said, adding that they should instead become directly involved in the community. The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Alliance, The Book Store, Penn Women's Center and Connaissance are sponsoring many of the events throughout the week.