'Smart and Sexy Sex Education' Week Hosted by Students for Gender Equality

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Organizers of the first Smart and Sexy Sex Education week enjoying themselves at last year’s “Climax” event at Nightbird Books.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas Students for Gender Equality will host their second annual “Smart and Sexy Sex Education” week, on campus from Monday, Sept. 23, to Friday, Sept. 27. The final event, “Climax,” will be held on Friday evening at Nightbird Books. The events will focus on teaching healthy, safe sexual practices by providing students with resources to promote lifelong sexual health.

“Being smart about your sexual health is part of being a healthy person, and everyone who is curious or wants to learn more in a space free of judgment is encouraged to attend,” said Andrea Love, co-president of Students for Gender Equality.

The program will feature a number of speakers, including U of A faculty members Lisa Corrigan, associate professor of communication and co-chair of the gender studies program, and Kristen Jozkowski, associate professor of community health promotion. They will discuss the critical role that gender, power, and stigma have in shaping sexuality in their lectures “Gender 101,” “Sex Ed 101,” and “Rape Culture.”

Other events during the week include a film screening of Straightlaced: How Gender’s Got Us All Tied Up; panel discussions about polyamory as a suitable alternative to monogamy and life as a transgender person; a lecture from a local sex blogger about managing sexual pain; and an interactive workshop about how to make a difference in a dangerous situations, specifically one involving sexual violence. A vigil for survivors of sexual assault sponsored by Sigma Alpha Iota, Students Opposing Sexual Assault, and the NWA Rape Crisis Center will be held on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 9 p.m. on the Union Mall. Several campus and community groups will provide students with resources concerning sexual health at an Information Fair from 11a.m.-2 p.m., Friday, Sept. 27 in the Union Connections Lounge.

The week’s events will conclude at Nightbird Books with music, entertainment, giveaways and a performance by members of Violetta Lotus Burlesque. This event is reserved for ages 18 and up.

All other events are free and open to the public. Free candy and condoms will be available throughout the week. Food and drinks will be provided on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

For more information about these events visit www.uarkgender.wordpress.com.