V-Day’s Sexuality Awareness Fair took place Tues., May 8, filling Riverview with the music of Regina Spektor and information on many aspects of sexuality. The fair consisted of booths from on- and off-campus organizations, speakers and hands-on activities.
V-Day, who brought “The Vagina Monologues” to campus earlier this year, aims to raise awareness of sexual violence against women and girls.
The fair, like “The Vagina Monologues” itself, confronted the more serious issues of sexual assault and unsafe sex while encouraging participants to explore and celebrate their own sexuality.
While previous V-Day events have been exclusively for women, the fair was open to men as well. “Our goal was to open it up to everyone and I think we succeeded in doing so,” said Brianna Stapleton, secretary of V-Day and co-organizer of the event.
Over 115 people participated in the Sexuality Awareness Fair, while the organizers had only planned for about 60.
The fair contrasted informational booths with light-hearted activities, including naughty origami, a sex quiz, and condom application races judged by sophomore Peter Welch.
Participants in the activities were rewarded with raffle tickets to be turned in for door prize drawings. Door prizes included a gift certificate to a lingerie shop, the ever-popular “Position of the Day Playbook,” and flavored lubricants.
A representative from the sex and party store Pure Romance offered samples of edible lubricants, lotion and body glitter.
Other booths presented information on issues such as HPV, other STIs, and sexual assault. Sophomore Claire Burke spoke on protection from HPV and the newly developed HPV vaccine for women. Other speakers included associate biology professor Nancy Wall.
Other organizations present included the Lawrence Wellness Committee, Sexual Harassment and Assault Resource Board and Sexual Assault Crisis Center of the Fox Cities.
Though Planned Parenthood was unable to send a representative, they did provide condoms and information on services provided by the Appleton Health Center.
Refreshments were provided in the form of an aphrodisiac caf, sponsored by the Class of 1965 Activities Grant. Snacks included avocado, ginseng gum, almonds, strawberries, and, of course, chocolate.
There were also homemade penis cookies and vagina cupcakes.
Given the positive response to this year’s Sexuality Awareness Fair, V-Day is hoping to offer something like it annually.
“Based on feedback, we will probably allow it to evolve and change,” said Stapleton, who is hoping to get more community organizations involved in the future.
Those interested in more information about V-Day are encouraged to e-mail lu.vday@gmail.com.
V-Day sexes up Riverview
