Sex.

American culture has placed a taboo on anything related to sex. Most people talk about it in hushed voices, behind closed doors—or not at all.
This is not the case at Everett Community College. EvCC celebrated Sex Week from February 9th to the 12th, holding seminars on controversial topics such as BDSM and Sexuality, and invited representatives from Planned Parenthood and the Seattle Erotic Art Festival to answer questions and provide information for students.

EvCC kicked off Sex Week on February 9th by holding a Sex Fair in the Parks Student Union. Student Life and Planned Parenthood had their own tables at the event, and handed out condoms, personal lubricant, and brochures to promote safe sex for EvCCs students. Representatives from the Seattle Erotic Art Festival showed up with the intention of promoting sexual freedom and removing the negative stigma from sex. Their organization focuses on expanding people’s horizons through art, “sexy parties,” and by providing access to Sex-Ed and support groups.

The Providence Intervention Center for Assault and Abuse’s table focused on sexual abuse, and handed out brochures with information designed to point victims and survivors of abuse to places and people who can provide support and medical services.

EvCC also invited guest speakers Tynan Fox, David Bayless and Dr. Diane Brown as well as a representative from the Providence Intervention Center for Assault and Abuse to campus to hold seminars on topics such as BDSM, sexuality, the sexual revolution in America, and recovering from abuse.

According to Fine Arts and Lecture Coordinator for Student Life Gianna Sabini, the decision to hold a Sex Week at EvCC resulted from a desire to “bring attention and awareness to various [sexual] topics.”

“Education about sex is important,” explained Gianna. “Students shouldn’t feel ashamed for talking about sex.”