Spooky Scary STDs

Photo Credit: Ursinus Website

     When it comes to sex, you might expect excitement and fun, but then there’s gonorrhea: because nothing says ‘surprise!’ like a little throat irritation! But fear not, Ursinus and the Peer Advocates are bringing an event filled not only with a variety of sex toys, but a variety of information to share on safe sex. Sex Toy Bingo is happening November 8th at 9PM in Upper Wismer, and the Peer Advocates invite students to come participate!

     The intent behind such a seemingly “outthere” event is to be more than just a silly, fun bingo night. “We do sex toy bingo to try to eliminate the stigma around sex. We want to promote safe and healthy sex lives through education,” commented a member of Peer Advocates, Grace Olivo ’27. With this upcoming event, the group aims to educate students about the realities of sexually transmitted diseases, while also creating a fun, light-hearted environment for students to feel comfortable talking about topics such as sex toys. Olivo spoke further about this idea, adding, “Obviously an event like sex toy bingo can bring in people just based on the name, but we really want to emphasize that focus not on promoting sex, but promoting SAFE, educated sex.” Protect yourself – because the only thing you want to catch from your partner is feelings, not an infection!

     Sex toys aren’t the only thing the Peer Advocates will be educating students on. Peer Advocate member Chloe Rivera ’25 offered an overview of how the event will run, stating, “During each round there are trivia questions that we provide the answers to where students can learn about STDs and STIs, and learn openly about what is consent and how can you recognize it.” Condoms and dental dams will also be available throughout the event for students to take home, so if you don’t win you can still have something!

     Rivera also assured that there would be several opportunities to talk to a member of Peer Advocates during the event, “We also state at the beginning if you have any questions or would like more information, please tap one of us on the shoulder or set up a meeting with the Peer Advocates!” There are many ways to reach out to Peer Advocates in addition to this event, and the group provides more than just safe sex advice. “We can offer confidential resources with counseling. We really just want students on campus to make safe choices and know that sex isn’t something that should be hush hush,” remarked Olivo. Students can connect with the Peer Advocates by emailing them directly at peeradvocates@ursinus.edu or reaching out to Dan Kelly by stopping by his office in Student Affairs located in Upper Wismer. Rivera excitedly shared, “Also, if you want to learn more about the Peer Advocates please come to one of our other events or set up a workshop for you and your organization on campus!”

     This Halloween, remember: the only thing scarier than a ghost is an STD—so wrap it up before you go haunting!