The Story

Tribe Vibe: The College of Sodom & Gomorrah

Jun. 26, 2009 | By Jake Robert Nelson, DSJ Executive Editor

This article is the latest in The DoG Street Journal's weekly series of opinions pieces, "Tribe Vibe." Tribe Vibe discusses the most important aspects of William and Mary, the Tribe and life in Williamsburg.

Sex exists, even at the College of William and Mary.

But regardless of whether or to what extent you participate, it is important to approach the subject with candor and openness. Many resources exist on our campus to help students grow into discovering their own sexualities, some that students leave very underutilized.

Tip 1: Browse the Student Health Center
There is a certain stigma about using the Student Health Center: it can be scary, it can be expensive, it can be embarrassing. But the Health Center offers some services of which all students should take advantage, or at least be knowledgeable, without even needing to schedule an appointment.

The Health Center offers free condoms for students (both Lifestyles flavored, lubricated condoms and Trojan ENZ unflavored, lubricated condoms), available to the left of the reception desk. (As a note, free condoms are also available at the Campus Center in the Fishbowl and through the organization Health Outreach Peer Educators.)

In addition the Health Center offers an array of pamphlets about student health issues, including many relating to sexual health. While some pamphlets ("If You Are A Man… STD," for example) approach subjects in a way that reinforce traditional gender and heteronormative stereotypes and weasel around issues, others ("What Every Woman Should Know… Unplanned Pregnancy Issues," for example) are very sensitive in dealing with topics students are usually reluctant to discuss.

Interestingly enough, in my brief analysis of Health Center pamphlets, it seemed that the better pamphlets were often the ones designed by the College's own Health Center and not an outside organization like Education Training Research. They approached health issues more candidly and often gave helpful references to other resources in the Williamsburg area.

Tip 2: Make an Appointment to Talk it Out
Beyond pamphlets and condoms, the Student Health Center actually has licensed physicians too, who can help you out with sexual health issues.

Students must first schedule an appointment with the Health Center, which can be done the day of the desired appointment pending availability, by calling 757-221-2998. There is a fee levied just for the visit, which can range from $5-15, but any tests or more specific care will cost more.

Female students can have their annual gynecological examinations performed at the Health Center for $50, which includes chlamydia testing. Female students can also undergo a urine test that measures Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, a hormone that can indicate pregnancy, for $10. Female students over the age of 18 can also purchase Plan B emergency contraception for $35 without even scheduling an appointment. (For students under 18, a prescription is required.)

Students who are worried about having contracted a sexually transmitted infection (STI) can plan an appointment with one of the doctors, answer some questions about symptoms and be advised to take certain tests. The Health Center offers testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes and genital warts, and blood testing for syphilis, hepatitis and HIV.

It is important to remember that not everyone with an STI shows obvious symptoms. Incubation periods can vary depending on the infection and some individuals don't show symptoms at all. For that reason, it is important for all sexually active students to get tested, not just those with visible symptoms.

For female students who are worried about possible pregnancy after unprotected sex, the Health Center offers several services. In addition to the above mentioned HCG pregnancy testing, the Health Center in cooperation with the College's Counseling Center can meet with you to refer you to off-campus resources, like public and private adoption agencies and medical facilities where an abortion can be performed.

Tip 3: Realize the Gravity of Sexual Assault, and Know the Resources
Sexual assault seems to be an issue that everyone knows exists but that a lot of students don't like to talk about. The definition is simple in text -- sexual assault is a sexual act where one party hasn't or can't give clear consent -- but in practice, it can be a lot harder to clarify, especially when alcohol or drugs are involved.

If a sexual partner says no, the message is pretty clear. If he or she stays silent, however, the response is less clear, but silence still cannot be considered consent to sex. Talk it out and make sure that all parties are consenting.

Sexual assault within relationships, even long-term relationships and marriages, often goes unreported and is not seen to be a problem, to such a point where sex can become an unwanted task or chore. Remember that being in a committed relationship is not automatic grounds for consent; you still have the right to say no.

When it comes down to it, sex is something so pleasurable that all participating parties should enjoy it as much as possible. The best way to ensure this is making sure that all sexual partners give very clear consent.

For students who have been sexually assaulted, the College's Counseling Center is available, as well as many campus and local organizations. Check out Sexual Assault Resources and Education for statistics, links to resources and answers to frequently asked questions about sexual assault.

Tip 4: Be Yourself, But Be Smart
The College is a much more diverse place than it can often appear at first glance. Students here are, on the whole, very accepting of all different kinds of lifestyles, and that acceptance spreads into the area of sexual individuality.

For students wishing to abstain from sex, there are plenty of students doing the same, for reasons ranging for religious beliefs to not feeling ready to asexuality.

For LGBT students, there is a thriving community on our campus. The Lambda Alliance is the College's gay student organization, and it sponsors events like National Coming Out Day and the Day of Silence.

But regardless of orientation or sexual preferences, it is important to remember important facts about pregnancy and STIs.

While pregnancy is most likely during vaginal intercourse, it is important to note that if male ejaculate comes into contact with the vulva during any sexual act, pregnancy is still possible. So it is necessary to be safe and smart with regards to all kinds of intercourse.

STIs are possible when any sexual fluids come into contact, which means that they are a definite risk of unprotected anal, oral or vaginal intercourse. Students should be aware that there is always a risk of STIs with unprotected sex and that no form of contraception (except abstinence) is fail-safe in protecting against STIs.

As unflattering or prudish as it may seem, there's nothing wrong with using a condom or dental dam (the Health Center even provides a description for how to make them) during oral sex, whether it’s part of a quick hook-up or foreplay for vaginal or anal intercourse in a more serious relationship.

Looking out for your own sexual health and the health of your partners is never something to be ashamed of. Investigate the myriad types of contraception to find out what solutions are right for you. And most importantly, talk about it with your partner.

Jake Robert Nelson is Executive Editor and an opinions contributor for The DSJ. His views do not necessarily represent those of the entire staff.

For more information on the Student Health Center, visit their website.

For victims of sexual assault, visit the Sexual Assault Resources website for emergency contact information.