Sex, or rather safe sex, was the topic of discussion Thursday at the Cronkite Theater, which was filled with approximately 100 giggling students, all of whom attended to hear from Dr. Sex-Talk.
The importance of safe sex and the acceptance of diversity in sexual taste were both stressed by sex educator, author and speaker Lori C. Ebert in her presentation, “Fun Love Health Education Talk,” sponsored by Fascinations, an erotic boutique with locations all over Arizona, including on Mill Avenue in Tempe.
“When it comes to sex, pretty much everything is considered normal,” Ebert said, adding that two things must be present when it comes to sex: consent and safety so no harm occurs.
Ebert, with her black fishnet stockings and cherry red boots, had an unconventional approach when it came to her sex-talk. This talk was not your average high school sex-ed course, but then again, there are different expectations from a professional like Ebert, whose business cards describe her seminars as “sex-tacular.”
The presentation began about 30 minutes late since Ebert wanted as many students to show up before she started. Once there was a good number in the theater, Ebert began by thanking the students in attendance, explaining that college students are her “absolute favorite audience.”
Ebert’s demeanor was casual and energetic and even familial. Ebert’s 7-year-old niece was handing out tickets to students at the door for a raffle at the end of the presentation. Ebert’s brother even sat in the audience.
Ebert expressed that she wanted the audience to feel comfortable asking questions and sharing intimate details with her, adding, “There isn’t anything you could tell me that would shock me.”
On the screen behind her, Ebert presented a slide-show about the different topics she covered. One of the slides donned the title “six sexy things to learn tonight.” Another few slides were dedicated to paraphilia, the different sexual fetishes that exist, followed by anatomical slides.
The audience did sporadically burst into laughter as Ebert cracked jokes and made a few innuendos. In the presentation, she emphasized understanding your own body and accepting yourself.
“I was a college student too. I’ve had experiences. Some really good, and some really bad,” Ebert said, explaining that she just wants to teach healthy sex habits to students.
The second part of Ebert’s presentation focused on health. Those with weak stomachs were out of luck.
“Hopefully you won’t throw up because I have some gnarly pictures to show you,” Ebert said of her slides on sexually transmitted diseases and their side-effects.
The audience groaned and turned away from most of the gruesome pictures, many of which were picked for shock value, Ebert said.
“I want to scare you so you wear condoms,” Ebert said.
Danielle Reeves, a nursing sophomore, said she thought the presentation was helpful in educating her about STDs as well as the importance of wearing a condom and getting tested for STDs.
“A lot of people don’t know about this sort of thing,” Reeves said. “Sex-ed is especially important here at ASU, with ASU being seen as crazy and all.”
Alex Tripp, a nursing junior, explained that there were a lot of random facts he learned, like how oil-based lubricants do not mix with latex condoms. Tripp also appreciated the humor injected in the presentation and the importance of going over sexual education when older.
“College students think they know about sex, but that’s only from what they’ve learned first-hand,” Tripp said.
Ebert concluded the presentation by answering written questions that the audience submitted, as well as the audience’s answers to her question about the last time they had unprotected sex. Free condoms were handed out at the end.
Contact the reporter at carolina.m.lopez@asu.edu
