Have you ever wondered to yourself where you could pick up a penis piñatas on a Monday night? Well, if you were in DCU last week then all your problems would have been solved.
SHAG (Sexual Health and Guidance) Week is a yearly initiative run by the Students’ Union to encourage students to practice safe sex as well as learn about their own sexual health.
Vice-President for Education in the Students’ Union, Ciarán O’Connor says that the SU’s main aim for the week was to remind students to be wise about their sexual activity. “Our slogan was, ‘Know the Facts, Have the Fun’ and we wanted to get that message across. We set up fun events that made this slogan more visual, more interactive and also more accessible to the students.”
Last week, the campus saw events such as sexual health discussions, free STI screenings and of course, plenty of free condoms. The SHAG Launch party opened the week on Monday, with a ‘Check Yourself before you Wreck Yourself’ themed night. Condoms were up for grabs in the NuBar as the novelty penis piñatas proved to be very popular with the crowd.
Other events throughout the week included sexual health magician, Shane McQuilty, who brought his show to DCU for the second year running. Sex expert Siobhan O’Higgins also provided an informative talk on all things down-under. Comedian Al Porter took to the stage last Tuesday in the Old Bar to provide some lunchtime laughs. Fresh from his appearance in RTE Two’s New Comedy Awards, the young stand-up entertained the audience with his colourful performance.
Students were invited to participate in interactive events during the week such as the Condom Vortex on Tuesday, which was throwing out condoms all afternoon. Likewise, DCU’s SHAGpad screening in conjunction with DCU’s Media Production Society was shot on the Thursday, which gave people the chance to reveal their deepest sexual secrets.
The week was rounded off with a special speed dating themed evening. A packed NuBar gave students the opportunity to turn on the charm and show off their finest moves. The Sexpression Board was also in full view in the Hub, allowing people to observe their peers’ thoughts and definitions about good and bad sex.
O’Connor says the SU hoped the week would increase awareness among young people in DCU. “We want to get rid of the stigma that surrounds sex. It can be enjoyable but at the same time, you need to know how to protect yourself.”
Sharron Lynskey
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