Remember health class in high school? The uncomfortable teacher pacing in front of the class trying to think of a way to say “intercourse” without an eruption of laughter from students. Or the awkward silence between everyone when masturbation was discussed.
Nurse Practitioner Rosemary Prentice has a different approach to discussing sex with college students: She makes it fun! Prentice held a Queer Safe Sex talk in Portland Hall recently to a modest crowd. The safe-sex education programs are held every year to both a heterosexual and gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning crowd.
Prentice’s approaches to the programs are fun and lighthearted.
“It’s a lot easier to talk about these things when it’s fun and not like health class,” Prentice said.
Students were vocal with many questions, which often times would be hard to discuss freely. Topics ranged from genital warts, types of lubrication, female-to-female oral sex, and the use of glide dams vs. dental dams. This specific talk was targeted for a
GLBTQ crowd, whereas future talks will discuss heterosexual concerns such as pregnancy and birth control.
To every question, Prentice offered answers directly and humorously.
During the talk Prentice took a plastic penis out of her pocket to demonstrate the correct way to put a condom on.
“It’s a party hat for your penis!” Prentice said.
She also discussed the correct way to wear a glider dam, and the proper way to take off a condom.
While the talk was full of laughter and funny anecdotes, the tone turned serious when questions were addressed.
Steffan Morin, freshman art major, said he was a little concerned for himself and felt it was “definitely a priority to be here.”
Prentice will be holding a safe sex talk for the heterosexual community later in the week. Prentice believes information should be presented in a fun and uninhibited way. She could be saving someone’s life, yet her attitude always remains upbeat.
“Sex is supposed to be fun. You’re supposed to be having it, because if you don’t, you’ll be 40 and watching JAG on Tuesdays.”