Sex Week Programming

Sex Week is an annual set of programs hosted by the Office of Health Education, occurring in the spring.

We are excited to celebrate Sex Week with the Bates community the week of March 11-15, 2024! We believe that even though sex isn’t a part of everyone’s lives, it shouldn’t be seen as shameful. During Sex Week we strive to make sure that everyone feels welcome and comfortable in conversations surrounding sex and sexuality.

Below, you’ll find this year’s, and previous years’ schedules. If you have questions, please reach out to abucciar@bates.edu.

Monday 3/11, Tuesday 3/12, & Friday 3/15

Wrap ‘em, Cats! Safer Sex Supply Deliveries

11:00am – 2:00pm, Fireplace Lounge

Wrap ‘em, Cats! Why not treat yourself to some safer sex supplies? Stop by our table in the fireside lounge to request a special delivery of safer sex essentials wrapped in a sweet little package, arriving in a few days to your campus mailbox. Self-care is always in style, especially when it comes to your sexual health! 

Monday 3/11

The SEXPO: Games, Info, & Prizes

7:00 – 9:00pm, Ben Mays

Have you ever played dildo ring toss? Do you know how to use a condom? And find the right fit? What about a dental dam? Do you have questions about long-acting contraception options at Bates, like IUDs or the implant? Maybe you’re thinking about buying a sex toy, but you’re not sure where to begin? Our exploration tables will have samples and models, games, and other things for everyone to participate in! Each table you visit earns you a raffle ticket to enter a prize drawing!

Tuesday 3/12

Trivia

7:00 – 9:00pm, Chase Lounge

Think you know a lot about sexual health? Think you don’t know anything about sexual health? We’ll ask questions, you’ll guess answers, and everyone will leave knowing more about how to keep your body healthy and ready for safer sex. We will be talking all about sexual health and sex positivity, which includes contraceptives, STI testing at Bates Health Services, and how to have the best and safest sex possible. Not only that but also also forms of sex, kinks, and masturbation! There might even be some prizes and free food!

Wednesday 3/13 – 3/14

Condom Cab

11:00am – 2:00pm, Driving around campus!

Get ready to indulge in a whirlwind of sugary delights and safer sex surprises as we cruise around campus, spreading joy, and laughter! During Sex Week, make sure to be on the lookout for the Condom Cab! We’ve got condoms, lubricants, dental dams, and other safe sex supplies to guide you on your journey to sexual health and happiness. It’s not just about condoms and candy; it’s about improving sexual health and fostering a community of self-care, respect, and empowerment within the Bates community.

Wednesday 3/13

Sexy Liberation

5:00 – 6:30pm, Chase Lounge

“I am sexy!” A simple phrase and it does not always look the same for everyone. Whether it be for yourself or for someone else, feeling sexy, desirable, cute, can really can impact our mood and sense-of-self. Join the SPARQ Peer Mentors in a conversation about to explore different ideas and methods of what makes you feel sexy. This conversation will be rooted in positive affirmations, body positivity, and queer relationship focused.

Queer Dating Relationships

6:30 – 8:00pm, Chase Lounge

Small college community, even smaller queer community. As queer students on this college campus, how do you navigate sexual and/or romantic relationships in ways that feel healthy and true to you?

Thursday 3/14

Aspec Space

5:00 – 6:30pm, Chase Hall Little Room

The Asexual/Aromantic community is filled with a wide variety of experiences. There are common misconceptions and misunderstandings about asexuality, and this space is an opportunity for Ace/Aro students to connect, learn from one another, and seek advice and support from SPARQ and each other. 

VCS Student Showcase: Sex Week

9:00 – 10:00pm, Ben Mays

Introducing The Village Club Series: Sex Week Edition, a spotlight for Bates College students to shine! Join us for an evening of pure talent and creativity as our students take the stage to showcase their skills in a special Sex Week themed edition of the VCS you know and love. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable celebration of student talent at Bates College!

Friday 3/15

A Cappella Concert

9:00 – 10:00pm, Memorial Commons

Back by popular demand, and we are so excited! Join us to close out Sex Week on a celebratory note with the Bates a cappella groups you know and love singing some special, sexy numbers.

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Monday 3/13

‘Feel it Out’ Exploration Tables

7:00pm, Ben Mays

Do you know how to use a condom? And find the right fit? What about a dental dam? Do you have questions about long-acting contraception options at Bates, like IUDs or the implant? Maybe you’re thinking about buying a sex toy, but you’re not sure where to begin? Our exploration tables will have samples and models for you to interact with, hosts to answer your questions, and informational materials for you to take with you! Right inside Ben Mays on your way to Bingo!

Sex Week Bingo

 7:30pm, Ben Mays

Join us for everyone’s favorite big prize game!

Think you know a lot about sexual health? Think you don’t know anything about sexual health? We’ll also ask some trivia questions, you’ll guess answers, and everyone will leave knowing more about how to keep your body healthy and ready for safer sex. We’ll talk about contraceptives, STI testing at Bates Health Services, and how to have the best and safest sex possible. There will be prizes for bingo and trivia winners!

Wednesday 3/15

Touch & Consent Workshop (Presented by Mia Bernstein ’23)

7:00-8:15 PM, Commons 221/222

Have you ever thought about the way we communicate consent in nonsexual areas of our lives? Developed by Mia Bernstein ’23 in partial completion of a dance thesis, this workshop engages in collaborative discussions and physical activities to understand how we encounter touch and consent in our lives. The goal is to explore these heavy topics in an understanding space, raise important questions, and to brainstorm goals and practices to use going forwards. There will be some physical exercises, so please wear things you can move in freely!

Note: there will be no sexual touching in this workshop, nor will participants be asked to discuss sexual consent situations from their personal lives.  

Thursday 3/16

Ace Space (Presented by SPARQ Peer Mentors)

6:00pm, Commons 211

This student-hosted program will provide a space for informal conversation(s) and questions about (a)sexuality and the diversity of sexual orientations. The goal is to increase awareness and understanding amongst students about (a)sexuality and the spectrum of sexuality, and how they are experienced on campus so that (a)sexuality becomes more prominent in conversations, programming, and campus-based initiatives about sex, sexuality, and sexual health. Led by Peer Health Educators and SPARQ Peer Mentors.  

Friday 3/17

Sex Week A Capella Concert

5:00pm, Gomes Chapel

Back by popular demand, and we are so excited! Join us to close out Sex Week on a celebratory note with the Bates a cappella groups you know and love singing some special, sexy numbers.

Monday 3/7

‘Feel it Out’ Exploration Tables

7:00pm, Chase Hall Lobby

Do you know how to use a condom? What about a dental dam? Do you have questions about long-acting contraception options at Bates, like IUDs or the implant? Maybe you’re thinking about buying a sex toy, but you’re not sure where to begin? Our exploration tables will have samples and models for you to interact with, hosts to answer your questions, and informational materials for you to take with you! Right outside Memorial Commons on your way to Sex Trivia!

Sex Week Trivia

 7:30pm, Memorial Commons

Think you know a lot about sexual health? Think you don’t know anything about sexual health? We’ll ask questions, you’ll guess answers, and everyone will leave knowing more about how to keep your body healthy and ready for safer sex. We’ll talk about contraceptives, STI testing at Bates Health Services, and how to have the best and safest sex possible. There might even be some prizes and free food.

RSVP form available soon!

Tuesday 3/8

Exploring the Spectrum

6:00pm, OIE Lounge

This program will provide a space for informal conversation(s) and questions about (a)sexuality and the diversity of sexual orientations. The goal is to increase awareness and understanding amongst students about (a)sexuality and the spectrum of sexuality, and how they are experienced on campus so that (a)sexuality becomes more prominent in conversations, programming, and campus-based initiatives about sex, sexuality, and sexual health. Led by Peer Health Educators and SPARQ Peer Mentors.

Wednesday 3/9

Sexual Health Experts Panel

7:00-8:15 PM, Commons 221/222

What questions do you have for professionals who work in the sexual health field? Join us for an expert panel comprised of doctors, nurses, therapists, and other professionals to answer questions about pleasure, healthcare, and anything else you have questions about! Bring your curiosity! 

Take-home STI Test Kits

Available throughout campus

When was the last time you got tested? Routine STI screenings are an important part of maintaining your sexual health, if you are sexually active and especially if you have multiple partners. The CDC recommends yearly testing for those under age 25, so Peer Health and Bates Health Services are making it easy! Pick up one of our at-home tests, read the instructions, and drop off your sample at BHS to be tested. 

Thursday 3/10

Welcome to the ‘Masturbation Station’

7:00pm, Commons 221

This student-hosted presentation will discuss all things self-pleasure! From the history of masturbation, to the many ways our society has stigmatized self-pleasure, to the ways our modern culture handles porn and other depictions of sex, this program will get it all out in the open.  

Friday 3/11

Sex Week A Capella Concert

9:00pm, Memorial Commons

Back by popular demand, and we are so excited! Join us to close out Sex Week on a celebratory note with the Bates a capella groups you know and love singing some special, sexy numbers. Co-hosted by CAT, RSVP on Bates Engage.

Wednesday 4/7

Not Your High School Sex Ed

7 -8 PM, Pettengill G52

What did you learn in high school sex ed? More to the point, what did you not learn? Join the Peer Health Educators in a conversation about pleasure, anatomy, and all the different ways you can have sex with yourself and with a partner! The goal of the program is to not only normalize conversations about sexuality and different sex practices, but to also provide a safe space where these conversations can happen openly and honestly. Submit your questions anonymously ahead of time through this survey. Prizes will be available for participants!

What Is Sex Positivity?

Social Media Spotlight

Follow us on Instagram @batespeerhealth for information about what sex positivity means and how to practice it! Also keep an eye out for stickers and posters throughout the week!

Thursday 4/8

(A)Sexuality: An Informal Conversation

4 – 5 PM, Ronj Thunderdome

This program will provide a space for informal conversation(s) and questions about (a)sexuality. The goal is to increase awareness and understanding amongst students about (a)sexuality and the spectrum of sexual orientations, and how they are experienced on campus so that (a)sexuality becomes more prominent in conversations, programming, and campus-based initiatives about sex, sexuality, and sexual health. Led by Peer Health Educators.

Take-home STI Test Kits

All day, Underhill Testing Center and Pettengill Lobby

When was the last time you got tested? Routine STI screenings are an important part of maintaining your sexual health, if you are sexually active and especially if you have multiple partners. The CDC recommends yearly testing for those under age 25, so Peer Health and Bates Health Services are making it easy! Pick up one of our at-home tests, read the instructions, and drop off your sample at BHS to be tested. And when you drop off your sample, enter a raffle to win a Forage gift card!

Friday 4/9

Sex Week Trivia

8 – 10 PM, Memorial Commons (Chase Hall 133)

Think you know a lot about sexual health? Think you don’t know anything about sexual health? We’ll ask questions, you’ll guess answers, and everyone will leave knowing more about how to keep your body healthy and ready for safer sex. We’ll talk about contraceptives, STI testing at Bates Health Services, and how to have the best and safest sex possible. There might even be some prizes and free food.