The Story
Condomgrams For Sale
Valentine’s Day is coming up. Have you mailed your condomgrams yet?
No, that doesn’t say valentines, although condomgrams do come with a valentine of your choice. They also include a condom and a blowpop and are being sold by Health Outreach for Peer Educators (H.O.P.E.) at the University Center for $0.50 each or three for $1.
“It’s for Valentine’s Day but it’s sort of promoting safe sex. Of course abstinence is best, but doesn’t always happen,” said sophomore Eleanor Grimm, a member of H.O.P.E.
H.O.P.E. is vending condomgrams in an effort to promote sexual responsibility and in honor of National Sexual Responsibility Week. Their UC table displays pamphlets with information about sexual responsibility and a variety of condomgrams for sale.
“People buy them and we put them in their CSU box,” said Miss Grimm. So far the reactions from students have been positive and the organization has sold over 300. The mass appeal seems to come from the apparent humor of a condomgram.
“[Students] think it’s really funny and they think it’s really cute. […]We want people to feel comfortable about sex and to talk about it,” said junior Megan Peery, President of H.O.P.E.
Her methodology seems to be working.
“The advertisement was funny,” said Mike Glaser, senior, as he purchased a condomgram for his roommate. “I think you can always be more aware.”
That’s just what Miss Peery aims to accomplish among students. She said that students are aware about methods of birth control, but not about how prevalent Sexually Transmitted Diseases are on campus, citing that genital warts are the number one STD at the College.
“I think sexual responsibility is extremely important for college students,” said Miss Grimm, adding that condoms are the best way to protect from unwanted pregnancies and STDs. “Not enough students who are having sex are using condoms.”
Freshman Kyle Meikle bought six condomgrams for his friends because he thought it was a good, affordable way to broach an issue that might otherwise be embarrassing.
“I can’t think of any place or any time where people shouldn’t be more aware of [sexual responsibility],” he said about raising awareness on college campuses. “It’s good to know that your peers are thinking about it as well.”
If you haven’t sent out your valentines yet, don’t worry. H.O.P.E. will continue selling condomgrams from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday at the University Center.