Students open up for frank sex talk

The students sitting in the lobby of the Arch last night were feeling the love. What do you consider cheating? What's the origin of the double standard between men and women when it comes to sex? These questions, among others, were hot topics at last night's Sex at Penn discussion, co-sponsored by Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Senoritas Latinas Unidas and La Unidad Latina/Lambda Upsilon Lambda. The event began with an icebreaker. The approximately 25 students in attendance formed a circle in which they stepped into the center upon answering "yes" to a love- or sex-based question, both humorous and serious. The energetic group of predominately Latino students then got comfortable on the couches -- and about opening discussion on the hard questions. President of Sigma Lambda Upsilon Marcela Poveda moderated the event. "Our intentions were to create a dialogue between Latinos and other people of color -- where they felt comfortable to ask questions that they wouldn't otherwise," the College senior said. Indeed, the discussion provided a forum for students to talk about issues that can be both highly personal and contentious. Topics of particular debate included how homosexuality is dealt with in the Catholic Latino community and the issue of interracial dating. "I thought the issue of religion -- Catholicism as a basic fundamental of [our] culture -- was interesting," College freshman Chris Padilla said. Interracial relationships were also discussed in depth. Latino participants had much to say, as did the handful of representatives from other ethnic groups. "The way they addressed [interracial dating] was new to me -- it was good," Temple University junior Keisha Battle said."That shows character and individuality." Added Engineering senior Hai Ton, "I just came out because I wanted to learn more about other communities than my own and also about issues that we share." "We have a lot of common ground -- issues, problems, stereotypes -- between the Latino and Asian/Pacific-American community," he added. Poveda was happy to have a turnout that included students who were not of Latino heritage. "It served to enlighten us on the African-American, multi-racial and Asian communities... because there were people here who represented those groups." Still, the main focus of the event was the effect of sex-related issues on Latino college students. Along these lines, gender roles were an important part of the discussion. "Gender plays a part in how people create relationships -- both sexual and non-sexual -- at the University of Pennsylvania, particularly in the case of Latinos," Lambda Upsilon Lambda Vice President Ramon Marmolejos said. "These gender roles confine both sexes into thinking that they have to act a certain way, and now we're coming to terms on how to break away from those roles," the Wharton senior added. Conversation shifted from moments of laughter to ones of intense debate about Latino gender roles. Students shared stories and provided personal insights about traditional expectations of the Latina woman, and how such expectations are being reshaped by a new generation. Shortly after 9 p.m., students began to filter out of the Arch, armed with colorful goodie bags stuffed with everything from condoms to lollypops. Drexel sophomore Julio Garcia summed it up: "I enjoyed this event. It was very sexually charged -- and intellectually stimulating."