By Alba Galvan 

As they walked into the Kate Buchanan Room, students were greeted by two volunteers handing out raffle tickets for the annual Sexland event hosted by Peer Health Education on April 16, with prizes ranging from dildos, to vibrators, to nipple pasties and more. 

Sexland featured booths where students could ask health educators questions and learn how to use barrier methods like condoms to prevent sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy. Students were also provided with free resources like plan B and condoms, and were educated about topics like STIs, sex and vaginas. 

“It’s a space for students to come in and get resources and support they need, also just destigmatize it, it’s also just fun,” said sophomore kinesiology major and Peer Health Educator  Delano Savage. “People like to come by, and we have lots of people bid on our raffles. I think we had like 500 students last year — it’s definitely Peer Health Education’s big event of the year.” 

The event aimed to destigmatize topics that might be considered sensitive or taboo to some students, and created a safe space for those who had any questions or concerns.  

“I think learning about sex is really important, especially in college. A lot of things happen, and I think that sex is something that is so shameful amongst teenagers, especially in this generation, when we’re trying to find ourselves and find who we are as people,” said sophomore psychology major Violet Kiki. “I think that the fact that we can all come together and learn this together and not be ashamed and not be embarrassed, that’s really great.” 

Peer Health educator Malloy Fitzsimmons, a junior wildlife major, wants students to learn about sexual health in a judgment-free space. 

“I don’t believe in things that are taboo,” Fitzsimmons said. “I truly believe that knowledge is power, and the more that we give people information, the more sound decisions they can make for themselves. Sexuality and how you choose to engage in that is such a diverse field. I just want to be able to equip everyone to engage in it the way that’s safest for them.”

Sophomore English major Ileana Novoa notes how important it is to have an open discussion about sexual education. 

“I’m someone who really believes in sexual education and sexual liberation as well, and I don’t think these are topics that should be kept hush and hidden. I think these are topics we should be talking about so that people can have safe and educated sex,” Novoa said.

Alba is a journalism major and reporter for The LumberJack and El Lenador. She’s very passionate about sharing and listening to different opinions and loves self-expression. Contact her at: agg83@humboldt.edu