Sex and erotic empowerment were Thursday's "Ideas for Dinner" at the Christian Association House.
Students and community members gathered to share a meal and their opinions about the differences between what is preached and what is practiced with regard to sex.
Victoria Pearson, minister of interfaith and interracial dialogue, began the discussion by generating a list of words commonly associated with sex.
Next, attendants grouped the words into gender-specific categories.
"Condom," "masturbation," "penis" and "porn" were some of the words associated with the male gender, while "babies," "slut," "morning after" and "virginity" were some of the words placed into the female category.
Participants were then asked to discuss the differences between the words in each category and their feelings about a possible "double standard" with regard to gender roles.
The evening also included a "fishbowl" activity, in which a small group of participants volunteered to sit in the middle of the circle and discuss what they wished they could tell a partner or potential partner, but were afraid to say.
Participants discussed lack of communication in relationships, the breaking down of stereotypes and the view of sex in society.
Although the event was sponsored by the CA, it was not intended to preach the doctrines of any specific faith, organizers said.
"I thought it was interesting to work with people of all different ages, genders and sexual preferences," College sophomore Sandra Wang said.
The event was attended by a predominantly female group of approximately 20.
"My hope is that people will remember this stuff and use it in their relationships," Pearson said.
Executive director of the CA, Rev. Beverly Dale, added that it was "fun, provocative -- I think it stimulated people."
"We need to have this happen more," Dale said. "Intergenerational, interfaith, interracial conversation about what it means to be sexual people."
"The structure, the setting and the dialogue did a wonderful job of recognizing and helping us see our commonalities of sexuality, as well as celebrating our individualities," said College junior Farralon Wilson.
The event was part of a weekly "Ideas for Dinner" workshop held Thursdays at the CA.
