For all the frosh coming to York this year, you will be experiencing many new feelings
and attractions in which you might not have been all too comfortable with in high school. You might find a special someone, and you just might be comfortable enough to express certain feelings with them.
Folks, you know what we’re talking about. We’re talking about sex.
Fortunately for everyone at York, no matter who you like or how you identify yourself, this is a place for inclusivity and safe expression. It just so happens that there is an assortment of resources and information available to everyone on campus.
“You are now in a situation where you may be comfortable expressing your feelings and wishes more than when you were previously in high school,” says Michael Gilbert, the chair of SexGen and a professor here at York. SexGen at York is a committee comprised of faculty and students who aim to protect the rights and increase the services to those who are sexually or gender diverse.
“Here you can be who you are and you can do so safely.”
SexGen is inviting students who are transgender or are interested issues related to.gender diversity to meet directly with counselors. The goal is to have students learn about campus resources and associations that are available to them such as the Centre for Human Rights and TBLGAY.
“Part of what keeps a student safe is the idea of knowing where to go and who to contact if there are problems,” says Gilbert
Additionally, Health Education in conjunction with Student Community and Leadership Development is also taking part and hosting many workshops, while offering up resources to new students who are interested in sexual health and wellness.
They will be working with many different colleges at York, developing condom training and games that are both inclusive and factual. The SCLD is also teaming up with each college to teach students about consent, alcohol, and sex, with Condom Olympics being held at the college level.Leah State, coordinator for Health Education, also mentions a unique collaboration with Winters College called Sex On The Couch.
“People can ask any question by putting them on paper and sticking them in a jar,” she says. “We answer whatever questions come up, and if people have questions about sexual pleasure, we really try to educate people on healthy behaviour and healthy choices.”
“We try to focus on communication, knowing yourself and doing what feels right for you and engaging in activity that is as healthy as it can be.”
While students begin to transition from one phase of their lives to the next, the most important thing State says for new students is that if they are confused, need help or want more resources, all they need to do is ask.
Michael Burton, Editor-In-Chief
Illustration by Erika Madsen
