Sexual wellness is often treated as a private or uncomfortable topic, but a recent event series at Columbia is working to change that.
Hosted by the Student Diversity and Inclusion office, the “Slip On In” series creates space for students to explore sexual wellness, access and joy through workshops and discussions.
Matthew Rillie, education coordinator in the Student Diversity and Inclusion office, said the main goal of these events are to address gaps in how sexual wellness is discussed.
“Sexual wellness and joy is not a monolithic thing, but I think sometimes we talk about it as just one experience,” Rillie said. “Identity comes into play so much when we think about what access to wellness and joy means to us.”
The first part of the series featured a workshop led by Searah Deysach, owner of Early to Bed, a feminist sex shop that focuses on education along with retail.
“In addition to having a retail store, we do outreach in the community, colleges, but also nonprofits,” Deysach said. “We do education in our store, workshops, as well as making the store an education hub in and of itself where we provide education to folks regardless of whether or not they are shopping.”
Deysach said a key part of her work is helping people understand that there is no single way to experience intimacy or sexual wellness.
“Every body is different,” she said. “There is this assumption that our bodies are supposed to react a specific way, that we are supposed to want what our friends want or what social media tells us. And it is so normal to want something different.”
The event aimed to create a space where students felt comfortable asking questions and having conversations that are often considered taboo.
John Reyes, a junior ASL-English interpretation major, said he attended both out of personal interest and because he works with the office that helped organize the event.
“I appreciate even having a space like this at all,” Reyes said. “It is a space where we can discuss topics that otherwise many consider taboo to talk openly about.”
Reyes said the event helped reinforce the importance of normalizing conversations about sexual wellness.
“There are many times where people do not necessarily feel opposed to asking questions, but rather need another person to kind of initiate the dynamic of, ‘this is okay to talk about with me,’” Reyes said.
Isabela Mejia, a senior film and television major, attended the event to support student organizers and said she appreciated the chance to learn in a comfortable setting.
“I did not know that there were multiple versions of lube,” Mejia said. “Something that stuck with me was that your body knows more than what you think you may want.”
Both students said spaces like this are not always common on campus, but they are important.
“I would not say spaces like this are very common, but I appreciate even having a space like this at all,” Reyes said.
Mejia said events like this can help fill gaps in earlier education.
“Coming to college and discussing what my peers and I know or do not know shows how much sexual education we got when we took those classes in middle or high school,” Mejia said.
Organizers said the goal of the series is not for students to leave as experts, but to feel more comfortable exploring the topic.
By creating a space centered on inclusivity, education and openness, the “Slip On In” series encourages students to rethink how conversations about sexual wellness can happen — not in silence, but in community.
For the next part of the series, SDI will host an open discussion on April 15 where students can ask questions regarding sexual wellness, activities and more.
“I hope that they walk away ready to be curious and have fun,” Rillie said. “If you heard one term or experience that helped validate something that you have thought before, wonderful.”
Copy edited by Venus Tapang
