On Friday, Feb. 9, the UConn Sexperts put on “Sex and Sweethearts” in the spirit of Valentine’s Day. The event took place in the Student Union, where people were able to make condomgrams. Participants created this by taping a condom to a Valentine. There were a variety of condoms to choose from; some were colored, some were ribbed, something for everyone. Also up for grabs was flavored lubricant. Sexpert Abby Wiersma, an eighth-semester history major, showed me both an ultra-ribbed condom and a studded condom. She also let me taste-test mango lube, which was much better than the strawberry I’d previously tried.
Also included on the table was a giant wheel with different topics relating to sex and relationships. Students could spin the wheel and answer questions about the category; if they got it right, they would win a prize. The questions asked were related to relationships, consent and more. Each answer was followed up by an explanation, allowing students to learn things they may not have known before in a judgement-free zone.
They also held a contest in where students could guess how many conversation hearts were in a jar. Participating gave students the chance to win a prize-pack including the candy itself, a SHaW water bottle stuffed with condoms, lubricant and other items. If you missed last Friday’s event you can go to the Sexual Health Showdown happening on Feb. 12 and enter there for a chance to win.
“I love the mission of spreading safer sex information. Our goal is to create a sex-positive campus,” said Wiersma, in her seventh semester with the Sexperts..
The Sexperts are now hiring, and when asked about any requirements to become one, she said, “You have to be passionate about safer sex.” The Sexperts also offer gloveBOXes, which are free boxes filled with various safer-sex materials. On their website, students canpick which box theywant; if they live on campus, it will be delivered to their mailbox. If students live off campus, they can pick it up on campus. Wiersma says, “It’s a great service, and I wish more people knew about it.”
The UConn Sexperts website The UConn Sexperts | Student Health and Wellness provides more information including the application Sexpert application, its drop-in hours and an “Ask the Sexperts”online forum— which is anonymous. Students can also visit their office, alone or with their partner, for any questions they may have.