On Wednesday evening, September 20, a group of four professional panelists gathered at the Wellness Center in the Student Union to discuss everyone’s favorite topic: Sex. The program was entitled “Hooking Up, Having Sex, Making Love: Multicultural Perspectives on College Students’ Sexuality,” and was one offering of Gender Week, which is sponsored by the Institute for Research & Education on Women & Gender. This particular discussion was assembled by the Student Wellness Team and aimed to provide a comprehensive dialogue about sexual health for all college students who are mindful of ethnicity, race, and orientation in addition to and conjunction with gender.

When reached for comment, Director of Wellness Education Services, Dr. Sherri Darrow expressed sincere hope that this panel served as a “kick-start for campus-wide advocacy for sexual health” from freshman to post-graduate students and those of all sexual orientations.

Dr. Darrow explained that all sources, from national research to the response of students here at the University at Buffalo, indicate that sexual health is of great importance to college students. However, they overwhelmingly relate that college is not an adequate provider of information on this topic. While lectures on the perils of alcohol and the evils of “unsafe” sex abound, there are many left in the dark as to how to properly use a condom or how one gains access to emergency contraceptives (whatever that really is).

Especially in light of more recent public controversies, we can almost be sure that students are not learning anything of use about sexual health in high school.

“Abstinence,” Dr. Darrow says, “is one strategy for sexual health. But our belief is that you have to be comprehensive.” Fostering a healthy sexual life includes access to information not only on STDs, but a range of topics from personal relationships to the benefits of sex. This process also entails different strategies for different groups of people, and addressing the spectrum of needs is the focus of the “Hooking Up” program.

The first panelist was Dr. Ingrid Johnston-Robledo, from the Department of Psychology at SUNY Fredonia on the topic of “Hooking Up.” She addressed such questions as “What does ‘hooking up’ really mean?”—A phrase that is most attributable to white college students. She discussed this in terms of the negative stereotyping so commonly affiliated with the sexuality of peoples of color.

Next, Dr. Katherine Morrison, presented information on emergency contraception, in an attempt to dispel the many myths surrounding this form of birth control from the facts. Apparently, confusion over whether emergency contraceptives are classified with birth control or abortion keeps it a part of the ever-controversial debate and out of reach to many whom it would greatly benefit. For example, one article published by the National Women’s Health Network cites that “A recent survey of Catholic hospitals in California found that 70 percent of those surveyed will not provide [emergency contraceptives], even to victims of rape.”

Christopher Spicer, nationally known the Training and Curriculum Specialist for Planned Parenthood followed with a discussion on the often-overlooked roles of men in reproductive health. And finally, Cheryl Stevens, Certified Prevention Professional spoke on the topic of “Connections Between Women’s Substance Use and Sex.” Her discussion of this issue focused on use of prescription drugs in particular, and the issue as pertinent especially to women of color.

The entire program worked well in its intention to be an interactive dialogue between panelists and students, moderated by faculty member Dr. Bernadette Hope from the Department of Women’s Studies here at UB. As this discussion was generated in response to student interest, all were welcome to come listen in, and those who felt saucy had a chance to throw out a question or two.

Dr. Darrow made sure to send me off with an interesting read called “The Benefits of Sexual Expression.” Published by Planned Parenthood, the article is an eight-page outline of scientific research on the subject. From correlation between frequency of orgasm and longevity to that between increased sexual satisfaction and reduced risk of heart disease and stroke. It also emphasizes that sex is indeed a fun way to stay healthy.

The program drew students of all races, orientations, ages, ethnicities, belief systems, and both genders and offered in-depth information on varying ideas concerning what is “good” or “bad” about any aspect of sexuality. It was a great experience for all who attended and a significant success in the celebration of Gender Week.

Anyone with further questions on any of these topics are welcomed to inquire at the Wellness Center for literature or to speak with an actual human being, including Dr. Darrow, at 114 Student Union weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., over the telephone at 645-2837, or through email through links on the Center’s website at www.student-affairs.buffalo.edu/shs/lwc.