Safe Sexplanation

By Laban Pelz

Sex is a topic on the minds of most, but some make it their business as well as their pleasure.

Sex educator Yvonne Fulbright explained to students Thursday night that “safer sex does not mean boring sex.”

“ When I ask students about safer sex, most usually say ‘it’s a drag,’ ” she said. “Students can be knowledgeable about protecting themselves, but not always practice it.”

Fulbright, the author of “The Hot Guide to Safer Sex,” said she wants students to think about contraception and alcohol safety while in the midst of sexual activity.

Fulbright began the talk by leading the audience through some exercises. One of these involved individuals writing down some sexual fantasies. What audience members came up with ranged from “sex in public” to “sex in the shower,” and Fulbright pointed out that “nobody mentioned safer sex.”

“ People don’t always think of safer sex as fun, but it can be,” she said.

To this end, Fulbright passed around sex toys that had pleasurable, protective and contraceptive qualities. Many of these devices, she pointed out, could be used without a partner. She said there was nothing wrong with autoeroticism and less-than-sexual affection.

“ I’m always amazed people don’t mention spanking,” she said, “but maybe that’s just me.”

Fulbright was also concerned with the relationship between students, alcohol and sex.

“ Why do people tend to drink in sexual situations?” she asked.

“ For courage,” and “to feel easier around people” came responses from the audience.

“ Some people think alcohol is an aphrodisiac,” Fulbright said. “As far as I know, it’s not. The most powerful sexual organ is the brain, and alcohol does not help that function.”

She asked the audience what could be done to be safer sexually when drinking.

Some mentioned keeping around a sober friend and watching one’s own alcohol consumption level as precautions.

Fulbright’s journey to making sex her career began early in her life.

“ I became interested in sex back in the sixth grade,” she said. “I gave a presentation on the female reproductive system. Everybody’s eyes were the size of dinner plates.”

She had the same effect on some students Thursday as well.