On Wednesday, Nov. 9, UTSA Wellbeing Services hosted its biannual sexual health education and violence prevention panel in the Denman Ballroom (SU 2.01.28).

“Sex Talk 2.0,” which takes place once every semester, serves to create “a safe space for students to ask questions about sex as it pertains to their health and wellbeing.” Last week’s discussion involved a panel of sexual health experts from San Antonio Metro Health, Planned Parenthood, Kind Clinic, Operation Brave, BAE-B-SAFE and a woman-owned local business, Love Shack Boutique. 

In the weeks leading up to the panel, students had the opportunity to submit anonymous questions through an online questionnaire. Wellbeing Education Coordinator Jamie Singh believes this helps to relieve some of the pressure students may feel when asking questions, especially with the open and honest environment that Sex Talk provides. 

“On the questionnaire itself, we have it written to where [students] can ask us anything, judgment-free and we say this in the beginning before we even start answering questions at the panel [and] if anyone is being disrespectful, they will be asked to leave,” Singh said. “I don’t have any tolerance for that …  I have no problem calling someone out … especially if I let them know beforehand.” 

Singh further explained that although some sex-related questions can certainly generate a laugh, it is important to take them seriously in the context of sexual health and wellbeing. 

“Whether this is a joke or not, I can’t treat it that way because that’s how you get those unhealthy environments,” Singh said. “[We] provide information . . . that’s truly the goal [of Sex Talk].” 

Once the panel finished discussing each of the anonymous questions, they opened the floor to questions and general discussion. Topics discussed during the panel included how and when to use condoms and other contraceptives, STI testing and its stigma, how to talk about sex with your partner and where to access sexual health resources on and off-campus.  

The event also provided students with free STI testing on behalf of San Antonio Metro Health, as well as other resources from the organizations involved, such as condoms and information on where to find long-lasting contraception. For more information about UTSA’s Wellbeing Services and the assistance it provides to students, visit utsa.edu/students/wellbeing.