As the two-dozen students in the basement of the Wallace Residence Center unwrapped their Blow Pops Monday night, Erin Chapman, assistant professor in the University of Idaho School of Family and Consumer Sciences, began her presentation titled “Sex Talk and Blow Pops.”
She had written on a diagram “how to make sex good ‘n safe(r),” because she said sex is never fully safe, but can be safer if people take certain steps to make it so. She began her presentation with a “communicate before you fornicate” diagram of bubbles. The first bubble represented consent, so she asked if someone could tell her what consent means.
“It’s a clear and enthusiastic yes,” came an answer from one student in the audience.
Chapman agreed and went on to discuss who is unable to give consent, including men and women who are intoxicated, incapacitated or underage.
Other bubbles were added to the diagram. One was named “talk about it,” emphasizing that communication is key between partners regarding likes, dislikes, wants and boundaries. “Make it mutual” was a point Chapman made clear, to not be selfish during sex.
Another bubble on the diagram indicated something the audience did most of the evening, although in a different context — laugh. Chapman said to laugh when unexpected things happen during sex because things do happen. She said there may be noises or something might slip, but to not be concerned about it.
“I think it’s important to laugh,” she said. “Don’t laugh at your partner though.”
The audience chuckled when she pulled out “Woody” for a demonstration on how to correctly put on a condom. With the help of an audience member the proper technique was demonstrated as she gave some tips along the way.
First she said to check the expiration date, something that doesn’t occur to many people in the heat of the moment. Also, she said to make sure there is an air pocket indicating there is no hole in the wrapper and not to use teeth to tear open the package because it may rip the condom by accident.
Chapman also discussed the physiology of men and women. She spent about 15 minutes discussing the working parts of a woman’s sexual organs and about one minute talking about men.
“Sorry guys,” she said. “Men just aren’t as complicated as women.”
Mary Malone can be reached at [email protected]