Sex can be a difficult topic to both learn about and discuss. For many, it’s an awkward and uncomfortable beast of a conversation, which becomes a major issue if sex is a part of your life at all. Questions about safe sex, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and contraception can be difficult to find answers to. The University of Connecticut’s solution to this struggle is a team of Sexperts.
The Sexperts Student Health and Wellness Peer Health Educators are a group of UConn students working together to promote sexual well-being at UConn. The duty of a Sexperts involves hosting drop-in hours for students, answering questions to their confidential “Ask the Sexpert” form and help with the gloveBOX condom-delivery program.
“We offer many services to the students at UConn, so it’s really up to what the person is looking for!” Ira Sunderraj said about the organization’s drop-in hours. A sixth-semester allied health sciences major, Sunderraj is one of multiple Sexperts who help run drop-in hours. “We are trained to explain the medical side of sexual health, including a variety of contraception methods, abortion, STIs, and so forth, but we are also attuned to the emotional and mental aspects of sexual health as well.”
Drop-in hours for the Sexperts are held in room 106 of Nellie Louise Wilson Residence Hall at various times throughout the weekday.
“We want students to feel comfortable and we understand that sex can be uncomfortable to talk about,” Sexpert Coordinator Ari Fandozzi said. Fandozzi is an eighth-semester student double majoring in psychology and women’s gender and sexuality studies. “We also acknowledge that people are being very vulnerable when sharing their personal experiences so we want to do whatever we can to make them feel safe.”
The room for the drop-in hours in Wilson Hall is both comfortable and filled to the brim with supplies related to sexual health. There are armchairs on one side and condoms on the other, as well as a stand stocked with pamphlets related to various sexual topics, including consent, kink and safe sex.
“First, we have worked to create an environment that is very welcoming,” Fandozzi said. “Our room is very private as well. As a Sexpert, we are friendly, open and inviting. We want to get to know the student we’re talking to and make them feel like they matter.”
In terms of the questions students tend to ask, both Fandozzi and Sunderraj noted that contraception is an often-discussed topic. “When asked these questions we work with the student in educating them about the options they have while also providing resources if they want more information or are looking to pursue a form of contraception,” Fandozzi said.
While not a Sexpert herself, another important member of the Sexpert team is Cassy Setzler, the program manager for sexual health and peer education initiatives at Student Health and Wellness (SHaW). “The Sexperts are there to provide support for whatever the student needs in that moment,” she said about the program. During drop-in hours, Sexperts may refer a student to specific programs, offer guidance, education or simply listen to students.
“I think the drop-in hours can be appreciated simply because it acts as an open environment without any expectations on what “should” be discussed,” Sunderraj said.
Both Sexperts expressed enthusiasm about their involvement with the program. “[The Sexpert program] has been the most rewarding thing I have been a part of,” Fandozzi said. “I have learned so much being a part of this group. The people are all extremely passionate and caring and have become good friends of mine which is not common when it comes to coworkers.”
The Sexperts have recently opened applications for student employment, which can be found on JobX.