Sex Week is a weeklong series of events dedicated to sexual health and well-being, including the topics of consent, dating and relationships, media, contraception and abstinence.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines sexual health as “not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination, and violence. For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, protected, and fulfilled.”
Sex education, which is currently required in only 29 states, provides young adults with the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values to protect their health, make responsible choices, develop positive and respectful relationships, and understand and protect the rights of others (WHO, 2023).
Other benefits of sex education include reduced STIs, reduced unintended pregnancies, improved academic performance, prevention of relationship and sexual violence, greater appreciation for sexual diversity, increased media literacy, increased social-emotional learning, and protective associations against depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation (CDC, 2023; Goldfarb & Lieberman, 2021; Lameiras-Fernández et al., 2021; Proulx et al., 2019).
Check out some of the Sex Week events coming up:
Monday, February 12
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Tabling in the University Center: Catch of the Day-Learn About STIs
10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Wellness Wagon: Protect the Pride
1-2 p.m. Roaring Relationships: A Conversation About Fostering Healthy Relationships, Wellness Center Art Therapy Room
5-7 p.m. inSEXts: Learn About the Wild World of Bug Sex!, Student Life Lounge
Tuesday, February 13
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Tabling in the University Center: Safer Swiping with Latinx Student Union
4-5:30 p.m. Sexual Health Trivia with Hey719, Clyde’s Gastropub
Wednesday, February 14
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Tabling in the University Center: Cupcakes and Condoms with Black Student Union
5-6 p.m.: Healthy Food, Healthy Sex, UCCS Farm
7-9 p.m.: SexEd Bingo with Student Life, Clyde’s Gastropub
Thursday, February 15
9 a.m. – 3p.m. STI Testing, Wellness Center
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Tabling in the Recreation Center: Sex and Media with Sigma Alpha Epsilon
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Tabling in Hybl Center: Consent is Sexy! with the Office of Institutional Equity
4-6 p.m.: Beyond the Pill: Birth Control and Contraception Panel, Kettle Creek
6-8 p.m.: Sex Week Poetry Night, Multiliteracy Center
Friday, February 16
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Tabling in the University Center: The Choice is Yours: A Look at Abstinence Celibacy
1-3 p.m. Intimate Partner Violence and Intersectionality, MOSAIC
3-5 p.m. Tabling in the University Center: Pamphlet Palooza with QTPOC and Two-Spirit