Wellness Centre event promotes open dialogue about sexual health
On Oct. 10, the Wellness Centre (part of Student Health Services) hosted an annual event called Sexposé in the courtyard of the University Centre. The focus was on promoting healthy relationships, consent, sexual health and STIs.
“Sexual health has been such a taboo subject for so long that people are often embarrassed to discuss it, but it’s very important to get rid of that stigma so that we can hopefully increase everyone’s comfort levels around getting tested for STIs, reproductive cancers, and other health concerns,” said Eve Lampert, Educator Assistant at The Wellness Centre and Student Health Services. “It’s also important in increasing communication between partners and hopefully making it an easier and more natural conversation to have.”
The event brought together organizations from both on and off campus who offered an interactive approach to sexual health, showcasing a multitude of sexual health resources including sex toys, free condoms, and informative pamphlets. Topics included safe body art, the issue of consent, birth control methods and effectiveness, and information about events such as Slutwalk.
Kara Carder, one of the cofounders of Slutwalk Guelph, spoke about this initiative, inspired by the original Slutwalk started by Heather Jarvis in Toronto. Jarvis started the movement in 2011 in response to a Toronto police officer’s comment that “women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized.”
“For Slutwalk Guelph, our mission is advocating against victim-blaming, slut-shaming and sexual assault, so those who do experience sexual assault are never at fault without exception,” Carder said.
“What you wear, how much you drink, or how you act [are] not the reasons for victimization – it’s the perpetrator, it’s not the victim’s fault. We live in a society that often victim-blames, and women are held responsible if they are drinking, but really, nobody ever asks how much the perpetrator was drinking.”
Teresa Wang, a volunteer at Wellness Centre, and a member of Sexual Assault Free Environment (SAFE), also spoke about the issue of consent and how it pertains to social life on and off campus. One instance where consent becomes complicated, for example, is when alcohol is involved at parties on campus. “A lot of people think that just because someone is drunk, and because they themselves decided to drink, that means that they’re giving their consent, but anyone under the influence can’t properly give consent,” Wang explained.
“It’s really just important to know that if it’s not a definite yes, if no one’s said yes or verbally stated ‘OK, of course,’ that means no. When there’s no yes, it always means no. So don’t assume anything.”
Wang also offered suggestions on how to support a friend who may have experienced sexual assault. Wang said that it’s important to avoid using language that may be offensive or triggering, or may imply that they did something wrong. Instead, offer support and listen to any concerns, or direct them to a professional if there is a crisis situation. “We have counsellors on campus to deal with these kinds of situations,” said Wang.
Lampert also emphasized the importance of being proactive when it comes to sexual health and wellbeing: “When in doubt, get checked out. The doctors in Student Health Services are very well versed in matters surrounding sexual health and are a great resource of information. If you’re worried about something (itchiness, lumps, bumps, a late period, etc.) don’t hesitate to call Student Health Services or go to the drop-in hours to see a doc there,” said Lampert.