The Student Health Center never fails to organize spooktacular events throughout the fall semester. In honor of Halloween week, the “Sexual Health Trick or Treat” occurred in the Lawrence Hall Ballroom on Tuesday, Oct 29. With various activities, this event treated students to information on the many tricks of sexual health.
As a tradition, Sexual Health Trick or Treat started just a few years ago. Initially, it was a small-scale resident educator (RE) event sponsored by Nurse Rebecca Harper. Now funded through the Student Health Center “It’s On Us” Grant, each year the event serves as an environment for students to explore resources on sexual health and violence.
For the Sexual Health Trick or Treat, the Lawrence Hall Ballroom was themed with glow-in-the-dark decor. From blow-up witches, ghosts and pumpkins to multi-colored disco lights, the room transformed into a party. Halloween hits blared over the speakers. There was even a photo booth for students.
Upon entrance, students participated in various activities, such as the “cash cube” where students attempt to grab as many floating “dollars” as possible. This was just one of the opportunities to get tickets. These tickets counted towards a raffle for various items such as water bottles, plushies, blankets and adult toys. Other prize opportunities included guessing games such as “Guess How Many Condoms,” the winning prize being “Peter the Penis.”
This event had many different collaborators. The adult toys were sponsored by “Bellesa Boutique.” More prizes sponsored by “Bellesa Boutique” will be featured in the upcoming Condom Carnival. Coupons for purchasable items by the company are also available in the Health Center.
Nurse Harper said she believes that it is imperative to offer items such as adult toys. While seen by many as taboo, conversing about and having these items available helps remove this stigma. One specific goal of this event was for students to better understand their sexuality and preferences. Harper hopes students will feel comfortable asking questions involving these topics.
The Sexual Health Trick or Treat was able to bring smiles to many participants’ faces. The experience discussed important and potentially serious topics. By bringing light to sexual health in a safe environment, students are willing to become more educated.
Abby Polling, a freshman business major, said that she had a wonderful time attending this event.
“This is a good opportunity for students to get educated and feel like they’re in a safe and welcome space where we can discuss these things,” Polling said.
Multiple tables at the event represented different resources on campus. Specifically, the Gender & Sexuality Spectrum Alliance or Allies club offered information on all things queer sexual health and advertised for upcoming events. Representatives from Title IX were available to talk about what sexual violence is, in terms of identification and reporting. The It’s On Us table enlightened listeners on resources for help and consent. Lastly, the Student Health Center table provided students with physical protection and advice to create healthy sexual relationships.
This event is helping to create a more sex-positive community within Point Park University. The goal of events like this is to make sure students can feel more comfortable seeking help and advice.
“Really the key takeaway is to bring some awareness to sexual assault and sexual violence, but also your general sexual health, and that it doesn’t have to be scary, it can be fun,” Harper said. “It’s a nice space to enjoy Halloween, but to stay safe with all our resources on sexual health and violence prevention.”
