Sex Positivity Forum Held by Student Organizations

On Thursday, December 11, a sex positivity forum called Sexperts was presented by members of the Burg Peer Education Network, the Students for Women’s Issues (SWI), and Spectrum, Frostburg State University’s LGBT+ student organization.

At the forum, student speakers from these organizations gave presentations about sex positivity. Sex positivity is a growing movement that promotes sexuality and emphasizes the importance of safety and consent.

Johana Gourdin, SWI president, said she didn’t know what sex positivity was at first, but now knows what it means and how influential it can be. “Sex can take your relationship to a whole new level, and sex positivity helps you explore that level.”

SWI member Janet Adesina said that sex positivity isn’t limited to those who are sexually active. “Sex positivity doesn’t have to mean that you are having sex,” she said, emphasizing the importance of respecting people of all sexual orientations, including those who identify as asexual.

Adesina also addressed the place of “kinks” like bondage, sado-masochism, dominance, and submission in sex positivity. “Sex positivity is not the same for everyone,” she said, noting that people experience sexual pleasure in different ways. “Everyone has the right to do with their body what they want.” She noted that it’s crucial for partners to give consent for sexual acts.

“The whole point of sex positivity is having consent from everyone involved,” said Matty Nairn. “It’s a conversation you should have before sex or foreplay,” Nairn continued, adding that partners should also communicate during and after sexual activity.

The issues of sex negativity and “slut-shaming” were confronted by Hailey McDonald, who served as SWI president in Fall 2014. She categorized the issues as “ignorant” and “harmful.” McDonald explained that sex-negative attitudes perpetuate unsafe sexual practices and beliefs.

“[Sexuality] should never be something people put on you,” said Evellyn Hubbard, explaining that society socializes certain aspects and negative connotations of sexuality. “Sex positivity is for everyone and it should be embraced.”